Independent Schools of Saint Louis

Drama Teacher Forsyth School

Forsyth School: Drama Teacher 

Imagine your school day begins when you enter the front door of a charming, ornate, historic home. You walk to your drama classroom–greeted by warm, smiling faces along the way. Now imagine this historic home is part of a neighborhood of six homes, woven together to create a school that is dedicated to growing and challenging a diverse group of elementary school students in a joyful community. And this community is committed to fostering an environment where kindness, compassion, curiosity, and questioning are valued. If you are energized by these ideas, and you value collaborating with other passionate, student-centered educators who teach the whole child, then Forsyth School is looking for you. 

At Forsyth, our mission is to foster a spirit of curiosity and joy, empowering children to pursue challenges with confidence. And our Honor Code is embedded in the fabric of our institution, reminding us of our commitment to make Forsyth a special place. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

Teachers at Forsyth work in a highly collaborative, cooperative, student centered environment. As the Drama teacher, you will work closely with other Specialist teachers and grade level teams to provide developmentally appropriate, challenging, joyful learning experiences for students in Senior Kindergarten - Grade 6. At the heart of all of your work as a Forsyth teacher is the desire to live our mission and do your part to create and uphold a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.

OPPORTUNITIES (TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES)

  • Nurture the social, emotional, academic, and developmental needs of students (SrK - Grade 6)
  • Develop and implement culturally responsive drama instruction 
  • Foster creativity and a love of performing arts
  • Direct Grade Level Drama Assemblies (~30-40 minutes) for Grades SrK  - Grade 3; assemblies held during the school day
  • Direct Grade Level Drama Performances (~45-60 minutes) for Grades 4 - 6; performances are held during the school day and in the evening
  • Communicate with faculty and families about grade level assemblies and performances
  • Work with the Upper Division Director to coordinate the Grade 6 Shakespeare St. Louis residency
  • Actively participate in a faculty culture that is committed to being at the leading edge of Age 2 – Grade 6 education 
  • Participate in the curriculum review process. Make recommendations for curricular refinement and development based on best practices in education
  • Advance a culture of collaboration, transparency, and trust
  • Be an inclusive, positive, active contributor to the school community
  • Report to the Upper Division Director

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • A love of elementary-aged children
  • Provide engaging lessons and excellent classroom management
  • Demonstrable commitment to teaching and learning in a dynamic and diverse school environment that promotes the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
  • Commitment to professional growth and openness to feedback and improvement 
  • A growth mindset, sense of humor, flexibility, comfort with change and openness to quickly pivoting to meet students’ needs
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and keenness to connect with students, families, and colleagues
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Eagerness to learn about and implement the Responsive Classroom approach in the classroom
  • Bachelor’s degree required

ABOUT FORSYTH SCHOOL

Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Forsyth is an age 2 – Grade 6, co-ed independent school of ~400 students. The campus is bordered by Washington University and Forest Park, one of the largest city parks in the nation and home to many of the city’s great cultural institutions, including free museums, a world class zoo and a thriving food and music scene. Forsyth’s unique facilities, six stately historic homes, all built in the 1920s and 30s, have been transformed into classrooms and community spaces. These nurturing, intimate spaces, as well as excellent teaching, have made challenge and high expectations for students the center of Forsyth’s ethos since its origin in 1961. 

BENEFITS

This is a full time, exempt (salaried) position, which is eligible for Forsyth’s full benefits package, including medical, dental, life, retirement match, education benefits, EAP, and more. 

HOW TO APPLY

Click here to apply.

In your application, please submit a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, and any other supporting materials. References will be contacted if you are a finalist candidate (on campus interview). 

Forsyth School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomics, family composition, genetic information, citizenship, national and ethnic origin, or on the basis of any other protected status. Candidates from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent schools are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Please submit your materials as soon as possible, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Stephanie Teachout, upper division director, with any questions about the application process.

Forsyth’s background screening process requires employees to undergo a social media check, satisfactory reference checks with prior and current employers, and a successful criminal background screening.