[26-27] Charlotte, NC Performing Arts Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

OUR MISSION

Movement Schools is a growing network of free, public charter schools. We exist to love and value scholars and communities by leading a movement of excellence in education. In partnership with our families, we equip our scholars with the tools to close generational gaps through self-efficacy, access to world-class instruction, and financial education.

About This Role

Move. Sing. Speak. Perform. Grow.

We are seeking a passionate, creative, and mission-aligned K-5 Performing Arts Teacher to join our growing network of public charter schools. This role is ideal for educators who believe the performing arts — music, theatre, and dance — are essential to elementary education. Performance is one of the most powerful ways children develop confidence, discipline, self-expression, and community.

As a K-5 Performing Arts Teacher, you will design and lead engaging, standards-aligned instruction in your discipline (music, theatre, dance, or a combination as assigned) that builds elementary scholar creativity, foundational technical skill, and cultural understanding — while intentionally using the performing arts to develop scholars’ social-emotional skills, identity, and creative confidence. You’ll create a structured, joyful, and inclusive rehearsal and studio environment where K-5 scholars develop their artistic voice and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. When not in session with scholars, you will support school-wide operations to keep our campus running smoothly.

What You’ll Do

You’ll lead performing arts instruction that develops creativity, craft, and confidence in every scholar.

As a K-5 Performing Arts Teacher, you will:

• Plan and deliver standards-aligned K-5 performing arts instruction grounded in the National Core Arts Standards and applicable state arts education standards

• Build scholar skill in the four artistic processes: creating, performing/presenting/producing, responding, and connecting

• Design a sequenced, developmentally appropriate curriculum in your discipline — music (vocal/instrumental/general music), theatre (acting, movement, voice), dance (creative movement, choreography), or a combination as assigned

• Develop scholar performance skills including breath support, projection, stage presence, ensemble awareness, timing, and technical fundamentals

• Introduce scholars to a diverse range of composers, playwrights, choreographers, artists, traditions, and cultural perspectives

• Create a structured, safe, and inclusive environment where every scholar feels seen as an artist and can take creative risks

• Assess scholar growth using performances, portfolios, recordings, rubrics, and standards-based assessments

• Differentiate instruction to support scholars with diverse abilities, including those with IEPs and 504 plans

• Maintain instruments, equipment, sound and lighting resources, costumes, and studio/classroom spaces in safe and orderly condition

• Support school-wide culture, arrival/dismissal duties, transitions, and family engagement events

• Direct or coordinate scholar performances, showcases, recitals, plays, dance concerts, or assemblies that celebrate scholar work — including winter shows, spring performances, cultural celebrations, and grade-level milestone events

• Intentionally embed CASEL’s five social-emotional learning competencies (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making) into rehearsals, ensemble work, and performance routines

• Use the performing arts as a structured outlet for K-5 scholars to safely explore identity, process emotion, build self-expression, and develop creative confidence

• Establish classroom rituals — such as warm-ups, ensemble circles, reflective journaling, peer feedback protocols, and audience appreciation — that build empathy, perspective-taking, collaboration, and creative risk-taking

• Partner with classroom teachers, counselors, and school leaders to align SEL language and approaches across the school day, reinforcing the same competencies scholars practice in core classes

• Use restorative, identity-affirming, and culturally responsive practices in the rehearsal space and classroom

• Participate in coaching cycles, professional development, and grade-level planning

• Support school-wide operations during non-instructional blocks — including arrival and dismissal duties, lunch and recess coverage, hallway transitions, family engagement events, and other operational needs as assigned

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a passionate, creative, and mission-aligned educator who brings their content area to life for every scholar and uses the performing arts to help K-5 scholars grow as humans.

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Believe in the potential of every scholar and are committed to equity

• Bring energy, creativity, and joy to your classroom every day

• Are reliable, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities across grade levels and productions

• Communicate clearly and build positive relationships with scholars, families, and adults

• Are coachable, reflective, and open to feedback

• Believe the performing arts are a powerful vehicle for social-emotional development and identity formation

• Thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Required Qualifications

Your background and credentials meet state requirements to lead a performing arts program.

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Theatre Arts, Dance, Performing Arts, or a related field from an accredited college or university

• Valid state teacher licensure in the applicable performing arts area (Music, Theatre Arts, or Dance) in the state in which the role is based — or eligibility to obtain through an approved alternative licensure pathway within the timeline required by the state (e.g., NC Residency License, GA GaTAPP, or GaPSC Permit for practicing professional artists)

• Passing scores on any state-required content assessments for the applicable performing arts credential

• Demonstrated performance skill and a portfolio, audio/video samples, or body of work in your discipline

• Strong commitment to equity, scholar growth, and the mission of Movement Schools

• Ability to pass criminal history background checks as required for charter school employees in any state in which Movement Schools operates

• Commitment to Movement Schools’ mission, values, and high expectations for all scholars

Preferred Qualifications

Experience or training that supports your readiness for a specialist role is a plus.

• Prior teaching experience in an elementary (K-5) school setting

• Experience teaching across multiple performing arts disciplines (e.g., music + theatre, or theatre + dance)

• Experience directing scholar productions, concerts, recitals, or showcases

• Active artistic practice or community involvement in your discipline

• Training in Orff, Kodály, Dalcroze, Suzuki, Wong-Solomon Devised Theatre, Laban movement, or other pedagogical frameworks in the performing arts

• Training in CASEL’s SEL framework or an arts-integrated SEL curriculum (e.g., RULER, Second Step, Sanford Harmony)

• Training in trauma-informed practice, restorative practices, or culturally responsive teaching

• Experience using the performing arts to support scholar identity development, emotional expression, or community building

• National Board Certification in your performing arts area

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Why You’ll Love Working at Movement

You'll be part of a mission-driven team making a meaningful difference every day.

• Mission-driven work: Support scholars, families, and educators in meaningful ways

• Coaching & development: Receive targeted feedback and ongoing professional growth

• Specialist autonomy: Lead a content area that builds scholar identity and joy

• Collaborative culture: Join a team committed to scholar success

• Strong systems: Teach inside a network with clear expectations and instructional support

Compensation & Schedule

This full-time role aligns with the academic calendar and provides meaningful work in a purpose-driven environment.

• Starting Salary: To be determined

• Employment Type: Full-Time

• Reports To: Principal / Assistant Principal

• FLSA Status: Exempt

• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package available for eligible employees

• Schedule: Follows the academic calendar with pre-scheduled summer responsibilities for planning and preparation

• Additional Commitments: Occasional evenings or weekends for family engagement, showcases, performances, dress rehearsals, and school events

Our Commitment

We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming school community for all.

Movement Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming school community. We value the backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our team members and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of required background checks in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to bring creativity, craft, and excellence to scholars across our network — and to help every K-5 scholar find their voice, their rhythm, and their stage — we’d love to hear from you.