Drama Teacher (Begins Late August 2026)

Job Summary:
Francis W. Parker School is a renowned JK-12th grade independent day school. Founded in 1901 on the tenets of progressive education, the school currently enrolls 940 students and employs 200 dedicated faculty and staff members who, in addition to assistant teachers, substitute teachers and coaches, work together to ensure that the School lives up to its Mission to “educate students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse, democratic society and global community.”

We are currently seeking a dynamic, creative, and experienced Drama teacher (JK-5) to join our progressive faculty, to teach elementary students–Junior Kindergarten (pre-K) -5th grade. The Drama Teacher develops and implements engaging drama activities aimed at growing cultural competency and developing social-emotional intelligence. Class sizes range from nine to twenty students.

Required Qualifications:

• B.A. in Performing Arts, Drama or Theater, or a closely-related discipline
• At least 3-4 years of full-time teaching experience required
• Background and interest in non-verbal theater and theater games
• Background and interest in movement/dance, sensory play
• Excellent communication skills, sound judgment
• Ability to collaborate and plan with other teachers who share the same students
• Demonstrated record of developing one’s own cultural competency and incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion in personal practice and curriculum
• Experience in progressive methodologies and curriculum development
• An understanding of the developmental needs of elementary age school students
• Strong social emotional intelligence required, experience in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) preferred

Compensation:
Salary Range: Approximately $70,022 - $133,748

Faculty positions are paid on a step-level salary scale, commensurate with background and years of experience. Francis W. Parker School provides an excellent employee benefits program, including but not limited to: health and dental insurance, term and supplemental life insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSA’s), commuter benefits, and 403b retirement plan. Information on Parker’s comprehensive benefits package can be found here.

To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume (no telephone inquiries please).

The faculty, staff and administration of Francis W. Parker School are integral parts of the School's community. Through their passion, dedication and commitment to the School's mission, they create and support an environment where exceptional child-centered learning can occur.

Francis W. Parker School is committed to cultivating a community of dedicated students, parents, faculty and staff, trustees, administrators and alumni, who acknowledge, respect, and esteem diversity in our school; and who reflect, through their presence, the diversity of Chicago communities and the wider world.

Francis W. Parker School is an equal opportunity employer.