The University of Chicago

Department

Lab School High School Faculty

About the Department

At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every grade have access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Lab community benefit by partnerships and connections with the University of Chicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity.

No less than scholarship, Lab’s mission prioritizes honoring diversity and exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting a teaching and learning community where young people see aspects of their backgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deep sense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to full effect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab’s student body are students of color. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated with the University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwestern Indiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members’ identities, and even where we disagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit of community.

Lab seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in many different disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and the wish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seek candidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment. We provide a great professional home for those committed to collaboration, ongoing personal and professional growth, and cultivating positive relationships. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of color, LGBTQ+ identified candidates, candidates from historically marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, and candidates with a demonstrated commitment to a deepening diversity, equity, and inclusion practice. In turn, we strive to ensure that Lab is a joyful, welcoming, and inspiring place to work. Through our connection to the University, faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy benefits and opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

Job Information

Job Summary:

The High School Theatre Technical Teacher is responsible for educating and guiding students in the field of technical theater. This includes teaching students about the principles of technical theater including lighting, sound, props, costumes, scenery, and sets. The teacher should be able to create a safe and supportive learning environment that encourages students to explore their creativity and express themselves through theater.

High School Theatre Technical Teachers typically work in a classroom and theater environment. They attend performances, rehearsals, and competitions that occur outside of regular school hours. The job will require standing, walking, and lifting heavy equipment, such as set pieces and props. Teachers must also be able to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines and complete administrative tasks.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the setup and breakdown of all technical aspects of performances, including lighting, sound, props, costumes, and scenery.
• Operate and maintain technical equipment, such as lighting consoles, soundboards, and rigging systems.
• Collaborate with the theater director, stage manager, and other production staff to ensure that all technical elements are aligned with the artistic vision of the production.
• Attend rehearsals and performances to ensure that all technical elements are running smoothly and troubleshoot any issues as needed.
• Assist with the design and construction of sets and props as needed.
• Help train and supervise student volunteers who are assisting with technical aspects of productions.
• Maintain an organized inventory of technical equipment and supplies.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and ensure a safe working environment for all production staff and performers.

Competencies:

Specific Competencies : 

• Flexibility to work after-school hours and attend evening and weekend events.

General Competencies: 

• Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.
• Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents required.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
• Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.
• Strong knowledge of child development required.
• Ability to develop innovative curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools required.
• Analytical skills required.
• Problem-solving skills required.
• Decision-making skills required.
• Attention to detail required.
• Organizational skills required.
• Computational skills required.
• Creativity required.
• Verbal and written communication skills required.
• Interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.
• Ability to manage stressful situations required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality required.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required.
• Ability to use standard productivity and educational software or platforms (calendar/schedule software, learning management system, etc.) required.

Additional Requirements

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Theater Education or related field required. 
• Master's degree in Theater Education or related field preferred. 

Experience:

• 3+ years experience in teaching and managing high school tech or commensurate experience required.
• Experience with technical aspects of theater production, such as lighting, sound, rigging, and carpentry required.
• Familiarity with common theater equipment, such as lighting consoles, soundboards, and microphones required.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of production staff, performers, and volunteers required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail preferred. 
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed for rehearsals and performances preferred.
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects, climb ladders, and work in tight spaces required.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful working environment for all involved in the production required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to move in and around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the community.
• Ability to move class-related equipment/tools, as appropriate, around school property.
• When appropriate, the ability to escort children from one classroom to another, in and out of the building during arrival and dismissal, and in an emergency situation.
• Ability to demonstrate lessons, when appropriate.

Pay Range:

• Based on Experience 

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Professional References

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefit Eligibility

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement

No

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Pay Range

Depends on Qualifications

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Union

000- American Federation of Teachers , Local 2063

Job is Exempt

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Posting Date

2024-01-19

Remove from Posting On or Before

2024-07-19

Posting Statement:

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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