Lower School Drama Teacher, Grades K-3 

The Chapin School, an independent K-12 day school for girls located in New York City, seeks a Lower School Drama teacher for students in Kindergarten through Class 3.

 Job Overview 

We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative Drama Teacher to join our vibrant community. This visionary artist-educator will inspire young students to love and appreciate drama through rich experiences, including ensemble work, storytelling, devising, playmaking, creative movement, literacy-based contexts, and performances. With a strong foundation in Drama in Education, community-engaged theater, and process drama, the ideal candidate will see drama as a powerful vehicle to cultivate confidence, creativity, and voice through integration across disciplines. Reporting to the Head of Lower School and Head of Lower School Arts, this individual is committed to working collaboratively and flexibly with the Lower School Arts Team, grade teams, and co-curricular teachers, as well as with drama teachers across all three divisions, to ensure student theatrical growth and K-12 alignment.  Responsibilities include directing one annual student production and supporting departmental performances, which will require some flexibility for after-school and weekend events. As an active community member, we seek a colleague who eagerly participates in the life of the Lower School and Chapin, from faculty workshops and committees to school-wide traditions.

Chapin’s Lower School Drama Teacher will be: 

A lead teacher who demonstrates a commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary curriculum development, who

• Possesses a passion for drama and the ability to develop interdisciplinary, developmentally responsive curriculum and programs that differentiate instruction to excite and engage students. 

• Is committed to exposing students to the various elements of theater production (technical theater, performance, directing, playwriting).

• Recognizes drama as a vehicle for cultivating voice and agency while advancing students’ oracy, specifically speaking and listening skills across diverse contexts.  

• Work in partnership with Lower School faculty to facilitate developmentally appropriate oral communication experiences in literacy-based contexts. (Class K and 1 Literacy Rotation - Oracy Station)

A student-centered educator who values each student’s voice, experience, and history, who

• Centers student interests and experiences in the classroom and performances. 

• Is committed to culturally responsive teaching that makes meaningful connections between students’ identities and life experiences.

• Incorporates storytelling traditions from different geographical regions, traditions, and systems into the curriculum. 

An educator who actively cultivates a classroom and community of belonging by

• Developing a joyful and productive learning environment, building relationships with students, recognizing the hands-on nature of childhood learning, and the importance of making learning visible. 

• Cultivating an inclusive classroom that celebrates each child’s theatrical identity and learning style. 

• Partnering with classroom teachers to integrate drama practices that strengthen storytelling, expressive language, and confidence in public speaking. 

A partner to students, their parents, and colleagues in teaching and learning who

• Collaborates effectively with talented departmental and divisional colleagues to create a cohesive, interdisciplinary K-12 arts experience 

•  Models a growth mindset as a lifelong learner who is reflective in their practice, open to constructive feedback and eager to pursue professional development. 

• Communicates with clarity and empathy to build strong partnerships with parents, ensuring they are engaged and informed of their child’s theatrical and personal growth. 

Salary for this position will be commensurate with experience, the range is The range is $75,000–$130,000 annually and a stipend related to the production director requirement ($3,500-$6,000).

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a résumé, cover letter, and a purpose statement that vividly describes their drama classroom and illustrates their specific approach to drama education. Applicants will be accepted through March 16th; after that, the committee will begin its review. Candidates who apply after March 16th will be considered on a rolling basis.  

Qualifications 

Required

• Bachelor’s in Drama Education or Theater Education 

• 3-5 years of previous drama teaching experience with elementary-aged students

• Strong foundation in Drama in Education, community-engaged theatre, process drama, devising or playbuilding.  

• Experience coordinating and working with a creative team to prepare and direct student performances 

• Strong classroom management skills with active learning environments 

• Values an ensemble-based, student-centered pedagogy that emphasizes the process of creation as much as the final product.

• Experience developing students’ oral language and public speaking skills through structured speaking and listening experiences. 

Preferred 

• Master's Degree in Drama Education or Theater Education 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Strong planning and organizational skills

• Bilingual English/Spanish speakers are of special interest, as our students learn Spanish starting in Kindergarten