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Porch Light Studio, Stage & Schools
Youth Performing Arts Instructor(Acting/Dance/MusicalTheatre)
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What they do
A Drama Teacher teaches dramatic art skills to elementary and secondary school students. Commonly produces plays, helps direct productions, and instructs and aids students in acting, costuming, lighting, stage management and set design. Usually requires previous theatre experience.
$50,087 / year median in New Jersey
+10% projected growth
Job Description
Youth Performing Arts Instructor(Acting/Dance/MusicalTheatre) Porch Light Studio, Stage & Schools - 1.0 Glen Rock, NJ Job Details Part-time $16 - $28 an hour 1 hour ago Benefits Flexible schedule Qualifications Experience teaching visual & performing arts Student supervision Behavior management Student progress monitoring Relationship building (classroom management strategies) Google Drive Maintaining an organized workspace Teacher collaboration Youth programs teaching experience Teaching theater Team leadership Family collaboration in education Student record keeping Coaching In-person customer service Child attendance tracking Performance feedback (performance evaluation method) Mid-level Student engagement techniques Movement activities (creative arts teaching) Small group instruction Teaching musical theatre Classroom organization for children Curriculum implementation Working with students Calendar management Student support Mentoring Parent communication in school administration Room tidying Full Job Description Position Overview The Specialty Teacher is an independent instructional team member responsible for leading assigned classes, workshops, and small-group programs while delivering high-quality performing arts instruction in one or more specialized disciplines. This role serves as a bridge between Teaching Assistant and Lead Teacher positions, providing classroom leadership, student mentorship, and instructional expertise while maintaining Porch Light's commitment to building confident, creative, and compassionate young people. The Specialty Teacher is fully accountable for classroom management, lesson delivery, student engagement, and program quality within assigned classes. This role is ideal for an educator or teaching artist with demonstrated experience leading groups independently and a passion for helping students grow both artistically and personally. Key ResponsibilitiesTeaching & Instruction Independently lead assigned classes, workshops, rehearsals, camps, and small-group programs Deliver engaging, organized, and age-appropriate instruction Teach one or more disciplines such as acting, musical theatre, dance, voice, improv, etc Follow established curriculum and program goals while adapting instruction to student needs Maintain high standards of educational quality and student engagement Support student development in confidence, creativity, collaboration, and performance skills Classroom Leadership Independently manage classroom behavior, expectations, and student participation Create a positive, inclusive, and encouraging learning environment Ensure student safety and adherence to Porch Light policies and procedures Model professionalism, preparedness, and positive character development Handle routine classroom challenges and communicate concerns appropriately to leadership Student Experience & Growth Build positive and professional relationships with students Encourage teamwork, responsibility, creativity, and self-confidence Provide constructive feedback and encouragement to support student progress Monitor student participation and communicate notable successes or concerns to leadership Parent Communication & Support Greet and interact professionally with families Answer routine program and classroom questions Communicate attendance concerns, updates, and student needs through appropriate channels Support a positive family experience aligned with Porch Light values Team Collaboration Collaborate with Lead Teachers, Studio Managers, TAs and PAs to support program success Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and seasonal planning sessions as requested Support substitute coverage and team needs when appropriate Provide guidance and mentorship to Teaching Assistants working within assigned classes Administrative Responsibilities Maintain attendance records and classroom documentation as required Keep lesson materials, scripts, and classroom resources organized Utilize Google Drive, shared calendars, and company systems as needed Assist in maintaining clean, organized, and professional classroom spaces Qualifications & Skills Experience teaching or leading groups of children independently Demonstrated expertise in at least one performing arts discipline Strong classroom management and communication skills Ability to engage and motivate students of varying ages and experience levels Reliable, punctual, organized, and professional Team-oriented with a positive and collaborative attitude Comfortable working independently while following established program standards Previous teaching, directing, coaching, childcare, or arts education experience preferred Physical & Scheduling Requirements Availability during evenings and weekends required Seasonal schedule fluctuations based on program and production calendars Ability to actively lead movement-based classes and activities Ability to travel between Porch Light locations and off-site programs as assigned Performance Expectations Success in this role will be measured by: Consistently delivering engaging, high-quality instruction Maintaining strong classroom management and student engagement Positive student and family feedback Reliable communication and follow-through Effective implementation of curriculum and program goals Demonstrated student growth, participation, and retention within assigned programs Ideal Fit for this Role This role is ideal for an emerging teaching artist who is ready to move beyond an assistant position and take ownership of their own classroom. The Specialty Teacher possesses strong skills in one or more performing arts disciplines and is confident leading students independently while delivering engaging, high-quality instruction. The ideal candidate enjoys working with children, values personal growth and character development, and takes pride in creating positive learning experiences. They are dependable, organized, and capable of managing classroom dynamics while supporting student success. This role is often a natural next step for experienced Teaching Assistants, college-level theatre or education students, working performers with teaching experience, or instructors developing toward a future Lead Teacher position.