Theatre Teacher - MS/HS (26-27 SY) - IMMEDIATE VACANCY

About the job

JEFFERSON RISE CHARTER SCHOOL

Harvey, Louisiana | Grades 6-12 | 2026-2027 School Year

School Overview

Founded in 2014, Jefferson RISE is a tuition-free public charter school serving nearly 800 students in grades 6-12 in Harvey, Louisiana. At Jefferson RISE, we believe every student deserves a real path forward. Whether that means a four-year university, a skilled trade, the military, entrepreneurship, or something else entirely, our job is to make sure every student graduates prepared and ready. We get there through rigorous academics, strong relationships, consistent accountability, and a genuine commitment to each student's individual success.

Our student body reflects the diversity of the Westbank:

• We have a diverse population of students based on race and ethnicity:

• 61% Black/African American

• 16% Hispanic

• 14% Middle Eastern

• 6% White (Non-Middle Eastern)

• 2% Asian

• 1% Other

• 87% qualify as economically disadvantaged

• 13% Students with Disabilities

• 4% English Learners

Recent Achievements:

• Top Gains Award - Louisiana Department of Education (2023-24 SY)

• Average graduation rate of 98% since our first graduating class in 2022

• #6 for SPS Growth in Louisiana - High School: B rating, Middle School: C rating (2022-23 SY)

• Continued SPS growth: 72.5 in 2023-24 and 73.9 in 2024-25

Schedule and Calendar:

As a charter school, Jefferson RISE sets its own academic calendar and daily schedule based on the needs of its students. Teachers generally work from mid-July (beginning with professional development before students arrive) through late May.

Workdays are generally 7:10 AM - 3:45 PM, Monday through Friday. Mondays extend to 4:30 PM and include mandatory Professional Development time. Anticipated school hours and days vary annually based on changes to the school calendar.

Position Title: Theatre Teacher (MS and/or HS)

Position Information:

• Department: Electives

• Reports to: Instructional Coach

• Work Schedule: 10-month (mid/late July - mid/late May)

• Employment Type: Full time, Exempt

• Location: Harvey, LA

• Start Date: Immediate

Position Summary

Jefferson RISE Charter School is seeking a highly effective Theatre Teacher who is committed to ensuring all students achieve at high levels. The Theatre Teacher is responsible for delivering rigorous, standards-aligned instruction that fosters creativity, performance skill development, and self-expression, building positive relationships with students and families, and contributing to a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Instruction

• Deliver structured, high-quality Tier I instruction grounded in evidence-based strategies

• Facilitate engaging theatre instruction, including acting technique, script analysis, improvisation, and stage production

• Monitor student understanding throughout each lesson and adjust instruction in real time

• Use formal and informal assessment data to identify gaps and drive instruction forward

• Differentiate activities to ensure all students can participate regardless of skill level

• Provide consistent, specific feedback tied to clear learning targets and measurable growth

• Ensure a safe environment by maintaining equipment and enforcing safety procedures, including stage and prop safety

Classroom Culture

• Establish and maintain clear routines and systems aligned to school-wide expectations

• Hold high, consistent academic and behavioral expectations for every student, every day

• Build an environment where students feel known, take academic risks, and receive honest feedback

• Reinforce positive behavior with acknowledgment tied to effort, growth, and school values

Collaboration and Professional Responsibility

• Collaborate with grade-level and content teams to align instruction and support student progress

• Implement and monitor student IEPs, BIPs, and designated accommodations in collaboration with the special education team

• Participate actively in PLCs, data meetings, and school-wide initiatives

• Work with your instructional coach to implement feedback and improve student outcomes

• Communicate proactively with families about student progress, growth, and areas of need

• Maintain accurate records and meet all administrative deadlines

• Dedicate one afternoon per week to after-school tutoring

Growth and Leadership

• Access a dedicated instructional coach from day one, with weekly one-on-one meetings, focused on your development and student outcomes

• Pursue professional development aligned to your goals and school priorities

• Grow into leadership roles such as you demonstrate strong results and culture alignment

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in Theatre, Drama, Performing Arts, Theatre Education, or related field preferred

• Content area certification preferred

• Demonstrated record of measurable student achievement and growth

• Strong command of Tier I instructional practices and evidence-based teaching strategies

• Ability to analyze data and translate findings into instructional decisions

• Demonstrated ability across multiple theatre disciplines (e.g., acting, directing, script analysis, technical theatre/stagecraft)

• Experience facilitating project-based or creative learning experiences

• Ability to manage materials, productions, and classroom workflow effectively

• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides)

Culture and Fit

• Believes every student has a path worth investing in (college, a skilled trade, the military, entrepreneurship, the arts, athletics, or something entirely their own)

• Holds students to high expectations because they see possibility in every student

• Open to feedback and accountable for outcomes

• Collaborative, dependable, and a consistent presence for students, families, and colleagues

• Values creativity and student expression as essential to student development

• Encourages originality and creative risk-taking

• Takes pride in showcasing student work and building a culture of celebration

COMPENSATION

Jefferson RISE offers competitive compensation tied to performance and qualifications. We do not follow a traditional salary schedule - annual salaries reflect the outcomes teachers drive and the value they bring to students and the school.

• Annual Salary Ranges: $40,000 - $55,000 starting salary depending on degree level, certification, content, previous student outcomes, and experience

• Additional Stipends Available: Employees may be eligible for stipends or supplemental compensation for approved responsibilities that extend beyond the regular duties of their position. Examples may include athletic coaching, club sponsorship, leadership, special projects, additional workdays, extended hours, or other assigned duties. Eligibility and amounts are determined by the school and may vary from year to year.

• Raises and Bonuses: We believe exceptional performance should be recognized. Employees may be eligible for performance-based raises and bonuses. Eligibility and award amounts are determined based on demonstrated results, contributions to the organization, available funding, and other relevant factors.

• Paid twice monthly on the 15th and last day of each month

Benefits

All full-time employees receive the following employee-only coverage:

• Medical: RISE covers 85% of employee-only premiums; employee covers 15% (spouse and dependent costs are the employee's responsibility)

• Dental and Vision: 100% of employee-only premiums covered

• Short and Long-Term Disability: 100% of premiums covered

• 401(k): 100% employer match on first 3% deferred; 50% match on contributions from 3% to 5%; no vesting period

Jefferson RISE reserves the right to offer different or additional benefits at any time.