Performing Arts Teacher & Artistic Program Lead SY 26/27 - Belmont Campus at Intrinsic Schools – Chicago, Illinois

The Intrinsic Artistic Program Lead will continue to build a comprehensive, equity-driven middle & high school arts program (grades 9–12), overseeing theatre, visual art, and media arts while also serving as a lead performing arts instructor. This role combines classroom teaching, artistic direction, curriculum design, and program leadership to create a rigorous and inclusive environment where students develop as both artists and individuals.

Through a balance of high expectations and student-centred practice, the Lead builds a program that prioritizes storytelling, collaboration, and the arts as a vehicle for identity exploration and social change.

Key Responsibilities

The Classroom Teacher is responsible for planning and delivering rigorous, engaging instruction in a secondary learning environment that supports academic growth and personal development for all students. Teachers work under the supervision of the Principal and in close collaboration with instructional coaches, POD teammates, and support staff to continuously improve practice and outcomes for students.

• Plan and deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction that promotes active learning and deep understanding
• Analyze student progress data to inform instruction, interventions, and flexible groupings
• Provide students with clear, timely, and actionable feedback that supports growth and mastery
• Integrate instructional technology effectively to personalize learning and increase student agency
• Uphold Intrinsic’s student culture by consistently enforcing expectations outlined in the Student Code of Conduct
• Serve as an advisor by mentoring a group of students, facilitating daily advisory lessons, and conducting individual conferences to monitor academic and social-emotional progress
• Design and lead a C Day club aligned to personal interests and student engagement
• Support student learning beyond the classroom through weekly office hours and targeted academic support
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date gradebooks and student records
• Collaborate with special education staff and other support team members to meet the needs of all learners
• Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the postsecondary success of every student
• Engage actively in instructional coaching cycles, including data analysis, observation, feedback, video reflection, and practice
• Participate in school-wide professional development, POD planning, grade-level and content-area meetings, and data-driven instruction meetings
• Communicate proactively and professionally with families regarding student progress, strengths, and challenges
• Participate in school events, host student-led conferences, and attend IEP meetings as required

• Curate and execute a full annual production season, including plays, musicals, and student-driven work
• Direct and produce mainstage productions, incorporating immersive and nontraditional staging approaches
• Develop innovative, concept-driven interpretations that challenge and elevate student performers
• Oversee all aspects of production, including casting, rehearsals, design, technical execution, and performances
• Lead the Intrinsic Theatre Ensemble (International Thespian Society Troupe #10476)

• Mentor students in acting, directing, design, and technical theatre
• Build leadership pipelines within productions (e.g., stage managers, assistant directors, designers)
• Support long-term student growth across their high school experience
• Guide students toward external opportunities (festivals, competitions, auditions, college pathways)
• Foster student ownership, accountability, and pride in the theatre program

• Oversee planning, scheduling, and budgeting for the high school theatre program
• Manage all production logistics, including rehearsal calendars and performance schedules
• Coordinate use of facilities, including black box and immersive performance spaces
• Supervise and collaborate with teaching artists, designers, and support staff
• Ensure safety protocols and operational systems are consistently implemented

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain partnerships with arts organizations (e.g., Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The Poetry Foundation)
• Develop audience engagement strategies, including marketing and outreach
• Produce high-quality, high-attendance events that strengthen community connection
• Communicate regularly with families, stakeholders, and school leadership

Equity & Program Vision

• Lead with a commitment to equity, access, and representation in all aspects of the program
• Select and produce work that reflects diverse voices and lived experiences
• Create inclusive spaces where all students feel seen, valued, and empowered
• Use theatre as a platform for dialogue, reflection, and social impact

Qualifications

• B.A/B.S degree in teaching from an accredited institution or related field teaching Illinois State certification in teaching in the appropriate subject area or currently enrolled in teacher certification program
• Comfort using educational technology tools, with curiosity and willingness to learn about emerging tools, including AI
• Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated professionalism, including punctuality, preparedness, accountability, follow-through, and effective collaboration
• Ability to consistently meet daily and weekly deadlines that support high-quality instruction and team success
• Strong work ethic, reflective mindset, and commitment to continuous improvement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Intrinsic Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Intrinsic Schools ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Intrinsic Schools has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making an application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources.