Drama Teacher

Drama Teacher, Kindergarten–Grade 8 Part-Time (One Day Per Week), 2026–27 School Year This is a part-time position with a regular weekly schedule of one day per week, [day TBD], throughout the 2026–27 academic year. About Laurel Hill School Laurel Hill School is a leading independent school on Long Island, serving students from infancy through Grade 8. Our ten-acre campus provides a dynamic learning environment that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and character. We pride ourselves on a warm, inclusive community where teachers are deeply valued for their expertise, professionalism, and care. Position Overview The Drama Teacher designs and leads a developmentally appropriate dramatic arts program for students in Kindergarten through Grade 8, meeting one day per week throughout the academic year. The ideal candidate is a working theatre artist-educator who brings craft, imagination, and a steady classroom presence to a once-weekly program — someone who can build continuity, momentum, and meaningful student growth across the school year on a focused weekly schedule. The Drama Teacher is a valued member of the faculty, collaborating with classroom teachers and administrators to integrate dramatic arts across the curriculum and to contribute to the life of the school community through performances, assemblies, and end-of-year celebrations. Key Responsibilities Design and deliver a coherent, developmentally appropriate dramatic arts curriculum across Kindergarten through Grade 8, building skills progressively across the school year on a weekly cadence. Teach a developmentally calibrated range of drama skills — from imaginative play, dramatic storytelling, and ensemble exercises in the early years to scene work, character development, and scripted performance in the upper grades. Contribute to school productions, assemblies, festivals, and end-of-year performances, in collaboration with faculty. Provide individual and group instruction that adapts to diverse learning styles and abilities. Integrate drama projects with other areas of the curriculum to support interdisciplinary learning. Maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaged classroom or rehearsal environment, with appropriate care of materials, costumes, and props. Maintain accurate records of student progress and communicate with families as appropriate, in coordination with classroom teachers and the supervising administrator. Participate, as scheduled, in faculty briefings and ongoing professional development relevant to the role. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts, Drama Education, Performing Arts, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience as a theatre practitioner with demonstrated educational work. NYS Teaching Certification in Theatre/Drama preferred. Prior teaching or teaching-artist experience in a school setting (independent or public), with students across a broad age range, strongly preferred. Strong classroom and behavior management skills. Familiarity with directing, dramaturgy, or production support is a plus. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and families to support student growth. Key Competencies Craft and Pedagogy: A working theatre artist's instincts paired with the ability to teach foundational drama skills — voice, movement, ensemble, text — in age-appropriate ways. Classroom Presence: Warmth, structure, and the ability to lead active, embodied work with students ranging from very young children to middle schoolers. Continuity Across a Weekly Schedule: The planning skill and pedagogical clarity to build a meaningful arc of student growth on a once-weekly meeting cadence. Collaboration: Team-oriented mindset and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues despite a part-time presence on campus. Schedule and Compensation Schedule: One day per week, [day TBD], throughout the 2026–27 academic year. School-day hours, 7:45 AM – 3:45 PM. Productions: Optional rehearsal or performance hours outside the typical school day may be offered for school productions, compensated at an additional pro-rated rate. What We Offer A warm, supportive, and mission-driven school community with small class sizes and a collaborative faculty culture. The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students from Kindergarten through Grade 8 through the dramatic arts. <