Theatre Arts Teacher

9th/10th Grade Campus / Assistant HS Theatre Director for C.E. King High School starting for the 2026-2027 school year

*This position will be primarily housed at the brand new C.E. King High School 9th/10th Grade Campus across the street from the main C.E. King High School campus, but the position will include serving on the 3-teacher High School Theatre Director Team for the purposes of supporting Productions, UIL One Act Play, Texas Thespians, and other team priorities.

C.E. King High School is a 6A high school in Sheldon ISD of northeast Houston fed by 2 Middle Schools that both have full-time Theatre Directors and participate in UIL Theatre. The C.E. King HS Theatre program, which puts on multiple main stage theatre productions annually, has experienced a lot growth in both quality and size in the last few years, having earned Tommy Tune Awards and Nominations, advanced in the UIL One Act Play process, chartered a Texas Thespian troupe, started an Improv Theatre program, increased its specialized advanced Technical Theatre offerings, hosted/participated in the Texas Thespians Short Play Contest pilot project, and added an Inclusion Theatre program this year and a Musical Theatre for PE Credit class for next year. C.E. King High School is a relatively new facility with multiple theatre-specific spaces (including a full Scene Shop) and access to a beautiful and contest-ready Performing Arts Center, and this coming year, the district will open a brand new 9th/10th Grade Campus on the same grounds that will include an oversized Black Box, a theatre classroom, and Scene Shop facilities as the dedicated spaces for this position and will have access to a Fine Arts Gym for larger space for activities like choreography.

The ideal candidate would have a background in Musical Theatre and choreography, successful experience in UIL One Act Play, and at least working knowledge in the various areas of Tech Theatre and Film, but all forms of Theatre experience will be considered, with final course load based on your skills/experience relative to the 2 other High School Theatre Directors (though an ability to be successful with entry level theatre students in a Theatre Arts 1 introductory course is a basic expectation). At least a bachelor's degree in theatre or a relevant field, EC-12 Theatre Educator Certification, and the ability to succeed at Title I campuses is required. Professional theatre experience (acting, directing, and/or tech); youth/community educational theatre experience; film experience; ability to sew/costume; comfort with set/prop construction and tools; experience in Texas Thespians; and/or Dance, Music, or PE Educator Certification are all pluses but are not required. All candidates must be enthusiastic self-starters, positive role models and relationship-builders, team players, willing and able to successfully direct both large and small shows individually and in tandem with the director team, and able to handle administrative tasks with fidelity and independence.

Primary Purpose:

Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences in Theatre Arts designed to develop skills in performance, production, and appreciation of theatre. Enable students to grow artistically while supporting academic success and campus culture through high-quality theatrical productions.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate in Theatre Arts (or appropriate certification)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of theatre arts curriculum, performance techniques, and stage production
• Experience in directing plays and/or musicals
• Understanding of technical theatre (lighting, sound, set design, costumes)
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills
• Ability to manage productions, rehearsals, and student performers
• Effective communication and collaboration skills

Experience:

• Student teaching or classroom teaching experience preferred
• Experience directing or assisting with school or community theatre productions preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies:

• Develop and implement lesson plans aligned to TEKS for Theatre Arts
• Teach acting, stage movement, voice, improvisation, and theatre history
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs
• Evaluate student performance through projects, performances, and assessments

Program Development:

• Plan, direct, and produce school theatre performances (plays, showcases, etc.)
• Organize auditions, casting, rehearsals, and production schedules
• Coordinate all technical elements of productions (sets, lighting, sound, costumes)
• Promote student participation and recruitment in theatre programs

Student Management:

• Establish and maintain high expectations for student behavior and participation
• Supervise students during rehearsals, performances, and events
• Support student growth in confidence, collaboration, and creativity

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain inventory of theatre equipment, costumes, and materials
• Assist with budgeting and ordering supplies
• Communicate regularly with students, parents, and administration
• Ensure compliance with UIL and district guidelines for theatre programs

Collaboration:

• Work with Fine Arts team and campus staff to support school initiatives
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and district events
• Support campus performances, assemblies, and community engagement

Working Conditions:

• Frequent after-school, evening, and weekend rehearsals and performances
• Moderate lifting (set pieces, equipment)
• Extended standing and movement during rehearsals and productions

*Salary is commensurate with experience
*Minimum Salary $66,000 + $3,000 stipend for fully certified teachers
*Works 187-day Contract
* Please note that this role requires in-person attendance and is not eligible for remote work.

Sheldon ISD will accept applications for this position through May 10, 2026. After this date, applications will continue to be accepted in the event a suitable candidate is not identified. If no viable candidate is selected from the initial applicant pool, applications submitted after May 10th will be reviewed in five-day intervals until a candidate is recommended for hire.

Interested candidates must apply online at the district website and should send a resume, cover letter, and any other relevant materials to Daniel Pfannstiel, Director of Fine Arts for Sheldon ISD, at [email protected].