People’s Light seeks an experienced theatre Teaching Artist for a seven-month teaching commitment at the Toby Farms Intermediate School, part of the Chester Upland School District.
The Teaching Artist-in-Residence leads a 9-week theatre class for middle school students, as an instructional period within the regular school day. Class will serve a different cohort of students during the first, second, and third quarters of the 2025-26 academic year: September 2, 2025 until April 3, 2026. There may be either one or two classes per quarter, pending enrollment numbers at the school and how many sections are required to serve one full grade level. Timing will be selected by the school in August; candidates are welcome to specify any scheduling preferences or limitations at the time of their application.
The outline for the residency includes a blend of social-emotional learning activities around ensemble-building, teamwork, and focus, along with more theatre-focused activities for body and voice, physical and verbal expression, and improvisation and story-building. This residency has a flexible spine developed over the last two years of work at the school, but we rely on the teaching team to flesh out the weekly progression and adapt for the needs and pace of each cohort. The incoming Teaching Artist should be prepared to discuss the goals and priorities of the residency, contribute new exercises and sequencing that will suit the needs of the group, and lead activities of their own with comfort and authority.
The Teaching Artist-in-Residence will co-teach most sessions collaboratively with a People’s Light staff member already familiar with the school. However, the candidate should also be fully prepared to lead class independently at any time within the year.
This role also requires weekly dedicated time for co-planning, assessment of student progress, and documentation as required both for the school and funders of this project. This timing is flexible and may be remote if desired, but must be scheduled in advance for weekday hours Tuesday-Friday, as mutually agreed upon with People’s Light staff.
The successful collaborator will bring energy and charisma to their classroom, and boundless optimism for students’ potential, matched by patience and empathy. Toby Farms is located in an economically disadvantaged area, and the Teaching Artist-in-Residence should fully embrace both the challenge and opportunity of teaching in this setting. Excellent and proactive communication with school and theatre staff is essential in an ongoing and evolving teaching role. Candidate will also be considered for additional People’s Light teaching opportunities in the academic year if desired.
Successful candidates will have:
· Minimum 2 years teaching theatre for an in-school and/or after-school program setting as the lead instructor
· Prior experience teaching students in grades 6-8
· Prior experience working with a variety of learning and behavioral differences
· Expertise in trauma-informed, decolonized, anti-racist and/or other inclusive teaching practices
· Reliable transportation to and from Toby Farms Intermediate School
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
People’s Light is an equal opportunity employer. We work to cultivate a deep and wide reach in order to connect with prospective employees who have varied experiences and skills, a collaborative attitude, and the capacity and desire for growth.
NON-DISCRIMINATION HIRING POLICY
People’s Light seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to create an antiracist, socially just, and inclusive presence in Chester County and our surrounding community. People’s Light does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Applicants from populations historically underrepresented in the theatre field are strongly encouraged to apply.
Employment category:
Part-time, non-exempt
Application deadline:
Monday, August 4
Start date:
August 18, 2025
Compensation:
$320 weekly for teaching 1-2 classes/week, plus weekly required planning and documentation meeting.
Reports to:
Kathryn Moroney, Director of Education & Civic Practice
See listing on People's Light's website:
https://www.peopleslight.org/about/careers-opportunities/middle-school-teaching-artist-in-residence/
To apply:
Please use this form to submit your resume of teaching and theatre experience, 2-3 professional references, and a video introduction. A cover letter is optional but not required.
· In the video you should tell us a little bit about yourself and why this role appeals to you.
· Please describe a memorably challenging teaching experience from your past and how you navigated what was best for the students in that situation.
· We are not looking for production values, perfect presentation skills, or polish, but rather a genuine glimpse of who you are as an artist, communicator, and teacher.
Application deadline is Wednesday, August 6.
