Drama Teacher

It is the vision of the Marion School District to ensure an equitable, engaging learning community where every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence and personal growth.

Position Overview

The Elementary Drama Teacher is responsible for developing and delivering a dynamic, engaging theater arts program for students in grades Kindergarten through 6th. This role fosters creativity, confidence, collaboration, and communication skills through age-appropriate drama instruction, performance opportunities, and integration with the broader school community.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum

• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate drama lessons for K-6 students
• Teach foundational theater skills including voice, movement, expression, storytelling, and improvisation
• Introduce students to basic elements of theater such as character, plot, setting, and stage presence
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs and abilities
• Integrate drama with literacy, social studies, and other content areas when appropriate

Student Engagement & Development

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment
• Build student confidence, creativity, and teamwork through performance-based activities
• Encourage student participation and risk-taking in a positive, structured setting
• Support social-emotional development through role play and collaborative experiences

Productions & Performances

• Direct and produce grade-level or school-wide performances (e.g., plays, showcases, assemblies)
• Coordinate auditions, rehearsals, staging, and basic technical elements
• Collaborate with staff for events, programs, and special performances
• Involve students in age-appropriate aspects of production (props, costumes, simple staging)

Collaboration & Communication

• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers, specialists, and administration
• Communicate effectively with families regarding performances and student progress
• Participate in school events, staff meetings, and professional development

Classroom Management & Organization

• Maintain an organized, engaging, and safe learning environment
• Manage materials, props, and costumes effectively
• Establish clear expectations and routines for behavior and participation

Direct Supervisor

Building Principal

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Theater, Drama Education, Elementary Education, or related field (required)
• Valid teaching license with drama/theatre certification or endorsement (required)
• Experience working with elementary-aged children
• Strong classroom management and communication skills
• Passion for the arts and developing young learners

Preferred Skills

• Experience directing children's theater productions
• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate instructional strategies
• Ability to integrate arts across the curriculum
• Basic knowledge of stagecraft (lighting, sound, set design-age-appropriate level)

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to foster a nurturing classroom environment that respects all students and encourages them to do their best.
• Required to respect the confidentiality of information about enrolled children and families, personnel issues, contributors, and other school operations.
• Required to be a respectful, cooperative, and reliable team member and participant in school activities.
• Ability to multi-task and act independently; exercise sound judgment.
• Must be committed to building a diverse community.
• Confidentiality:
  Required to respect the confidentiality of information about enrolled children and families, personnel issues, contributors, and other school operations, as per FERPA regulations and policies.

Essential Functions

Language:
Must have superior expressive and receptive English language skills, to be able to communicate with and be understood by students, co-workers and parents, receive their responses and respond to them appropriately.

Sensory:
Must have the ability to track and observe students in a 360-degree classroom, gym or cafeteria environment to ensure compliance and safety. Must be able to visually or otherwise access written and printed content, and respond verbally and in writing. Must have the ability to understand and respond to the verbal expressions of others, often in a noisy environment with multiple speakers and background noise, or outside.

Movement:
Must have the ability to move around inside on hard surface and industrial carpeted surfaces, and to travel at a brisk, walking pace relatively long inside distances, without needing to stop or rest. (If applicable: Must be able to perform sustained CPR with the subject on the floor.)

Attendance:
Must have the ability to work for the duration of the daily contracted time period, and to be physically present and at assigned work, with only infrequent unexcused absences, during the contract year. Cognitive:
Must be able to conform behavior to that which is socially accepted as being appropriate to an adult and positive role model who is working with young and impressionable children. Must have…