About Mercy High School
Founded in 1960 by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy High School is an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school for girls in grades 9-12. Expanding on nearly 200 years of experience in the instruction of adolescent girls, Mercy is proud to carry forward the extraordinary legacy of Mercy education, which began in Baltimore in 1867. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, we deliver a rigorous education marked by academic excellence and personal attention. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Mercy provides an education that is distinguished by innovation, enabling students to form habits of lifelong inquiry, critical thinking, and courageous action in a global society. In the tradition of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, our work reflects a commitment to hospitality, service, justice, and compassion. More than 8,000 Mercy graduates bring their Mercy values into the world, in Baltimore, and beyond. It is an exciting time to join “Team Magic” and to help showcase our growing school.
About the Position
Theatre Teacher and Director – 2024-2025
Mercy High School is seeking a full-time Theatre teacher and director to begin August 2024. The ideal candidate is skilled in teaching acting and stagecraft, has demonstrated experience directing high school productions, and is familiar in basic technical theatre. Candidates should be academically strong and dedicated to teaching a diverse group of girls in a community that values intellectual pursuits, strong relationships, and spiritual development. The successful candidate will be cognizant of the special role a teacher has in the spiritual and religious development of youth, model critical inquiry and lifelong learning, and demonstrate integrity and fairness in all aspects of community life.
As a school authorized by the International Baccalaureate to offer the Middle Years Programme, Mercy’s curriculum in grades 9 and 10 features concept-based instruction and structured inquiry as a pedagogical tool. Courses in the upper levels are challenging and engaging. Mercy is an IB Candidate School pursuing authorization for the IB Diploma Programme. While previous experience with these programs is preferred, it is not a requirement.
Responsibilities
- Plan and effectively implement the fine arts curriculum for three elective theater courses. Final course assignments will be determined based on the school’s needs and the skill set of the candidate.
- Provide technical assistance for all in-school assemblies, liturgies, and other events in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Auditorium, a professional performing arts space.
- Direct two productions each year, typically, a fall play and spring musical. This requires after-school, evening, and weekend rehearsals to support the show.
- Serve as school liaison and manage basic technical theatre for sporadic rentals with advanced notice, including a two-week annual summer rental.
- Use pedagogical best practices, learning standards, and assessments to drive student growth and achievement in alignment with Mercy’s expectations and the International Baccalaureate framework.
- Create a positive, cooperative, and organized classroom atmosphere.
- Serve on a grade-level team and be an IB Personal Project Supervisor.
- Moderate Mercy’s theater club, Footlighters, and Mercy’s chapter of the International Thespian Society.
- Maintain positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.
- Work collaboratively with the department, year-level teams, student services, and academic leadership team to support student learning.
- Respect and support the School’s mission.
- Actively engage in professional growth by keeping abreast of current trends in education, attending professional development, engaging in reflective practice, and attending all planning and staff meetings.
- Attend some school events and chaperoning activities that may occur after school hours or on the weekends with advanced notice.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in theatre, education, or a related field is required. Master’s degree preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in teaching theatre.
- Openness to concept-based and structured inquiry approaches and a willingness to collaborate with colleagues is required.
- Experience in IB schools with the Middle Years Programme or Diploma Programme is a plus.
- Candidates are subject to a criminal background check, Child Protection Services Screening, and an MSDE Employment History Review prior to employment.
Work Environment:
- All faculty may be asked to perform their work duties at home (in the event of remote learning) and/or on campus. In both settings, this role is required to maintain a professional, shared work environment.
- While performing the duties of this job, all faculty are regularly required to talk and hear. This position, while primarily desk, office, and classroom-based, is at times active. It requires both sitting and standing for prolonged periods, and at times walking, including stairs, and the occasional moving/rearranging of items.
- This role requires lifting, moving, and rearranging of technical theatre equipment and set pieces.
Salary is commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package includes tuition remission at Mercy High School for dependent daughters and at Loyola University Maryland for employees and their dependents, all contingent upon years of full-time service.
Please send a cover letter, resume, statement of philosophy of education, and contact information for three professional references to Kathryn Adelsberger, Ed.D., Principal at kadelsberger@mercyhighschool.com