What are the responsibilities and job description for the Teaching Artist position at Opera Philadelphia?
The Teaching Artists will teach lessons to students in grades K – 12 throughout Philadelphia and will act as a representative for the company at those schools. The Teaching Artists report to the Education Manager.
The ideal candidates must have experience working in a diverse classroom setting either as a teacher or through a young artist or outreach program. Candidates should be adaptable to students’ needs while demonstrating excellent classroom management skills. Applicants should have both performing and classroom teaching experience. All teaching artists should have reliable transportation and a flexible daytime schedule. The ideal candidates should have experience in developing children’s theater and be able to work collaboratively with other teaching artists, classroom teachers, and administration.
Type of Employment: Contract (estimated 5 hours a week)
Dates of Employment: 20 weeks each semester (8/2-12/17 and 1/3-5/20)
Responsibilities:
- Teach interactive 45-minute lessons in a classroom setting to students from grades K – 12
- Create and direct a short theatrical performance suitable to the elementary level
- Assist in developing original lesson plans in a team collaborative with co-teaching artists and classroom teachers
- Teach students about various aspects of opera, opera production, music and music appreciation, classical vocal technique, acting techniques
- Attend professional development sessions
- Maintain strong communication with classroom teacher via email, phone, or in-person meetings
- Execute evaluative needs of the program
- Obtain all federal, state, and local background clearances
Qualifications Desired:
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in music, voice, theater, music education, or equivalent job experience
- Previous experience teaching music in a classroom setting or working with an outreach program
- Responsible, self-motivated, and able to work with little supervision independently and as a valuable member of a team
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- An interest in working with a culturally diverse inner-city school population
- A flexible daytime work schedule and a reliable mode of transportation
- Ability to play piano a plus
- Ability to speak Spanish a plus
Supplemental Materials Required for Application :
As part of the application process, please include the following:
- A link to an audio or video performance sample in the Website, Blog, or Portfolio section of the application.
- At least two professional references as a teacher or teaching artist, not as a performer (either phone numbers or letters)
An equal opportunity employer, Opera Philadelphia is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive.