Performing Arts Teacher

Overview

Chinese American International School in San Francisco, CA seeks a

Performing Arts Teacher

Exempt, full-time position beginning school year

This position does not require fluency in Mandarin

WELCOME!

Chinese American International School (CAIS) seeks a dynamic and visionary Performing Arts Teacher to join our community as we launch a vibrant, mission-aligned performing arts program in our new world-class theater and arts facilities. This is a rare opportunity to help shape something new, developing programming, traditions, and experiences that will inspire students and strengthen community connections across our Preschool–Grade 8 campus.

The ideal candidate will bring a joyful, entrepreneurial, proactive spirit and will lead the vision and build-out over time of our inaugural official theater program.

CAIS educators are part of a collaborative, mission-driven community that seeks to Embrace Chinese, Become Our Best Selves, and Contribute to a Better World. The Performing Arts Teacher will play a pivotal role in helping students discover their voices, express their creativity, and build confidence through the theater arts and performance.

The ideal candidate is passionate about theater and the performing arts, thrives on collaboration, and finds joy in both visionary program design and daily classroom teaching. They are proactive, flexible, and future-oriented, and excited by the challenge of building a new program over time and fostering a culture of creativity and inclusion.

Mandarin proficiency is a strong asset, though not required. Regardless of languages spoken, the successful candidate must deeply value CAIS’s bilingual and bicultural mission and will intentionally seek opportunities to highlight Mandarin language, Chinese cultural themes, and cross-cultural perspectives through performance, story, and collaboration.

They will design and teach engaging performing arts classes for middle school students (Grades 6–8) while working across divisions to collaborate with teachers and inspire younger students through creative expression. The Performing Arts Teacher will also direct at least two mainstage productions annually and help shape the performing arts calendar, integrating Chinese language and culture where possible. Due to the unique nature of leading mainstage productions, the working hours for this role will be from 10:00 am-6:00 pm, on-campus.

The successful candidate will see our new theater as a space not only for performance but for belonging: a hub for creativity, cultural connection, and community pride.

• Design, launch, and teach middle school (grades 6-8) performing arts courses aligned with the CAIS Arts Vision Statement and performing arts program guiding principles.
• During the CAIS after school programming times, direct at least two mainstage productions per year, providing students with opportunities to collaborate, take creative risks, and celebrate their achievements.
• Oversee and coordinate technical elements of productions and performances, including lighting, sound, staging, and rehearsal logistics, ensuring high-quality experiences that engage students and the community.
• Collaborate with music, visual arts, and other classroom faculty to integrate drama, music, and movement into interdisciplinary projects across Preschool–Grade 8.
• Create and facilitate performance opportunities that reflect and celebrate Chinese language and culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
• Model curiosity, respect, and appreciation for Mandarin language and Chinese culture, regardless of personal background or fluency.
• Partner with relevant community stakeholders to develop a sustainable, mission-aligned performing arts program.
• Support the coordination and hosting of internal and community events in the CAIS theater.
• Contribute to the design of after-school opportunities in the performing arts for a range of students and to potential future school-day Middle School electives.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive classroom environment that encourages participation, creativity, and joy.
• Maintain open communication with students, families, and…