Head of Creative Arts and Drama Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Description:We are hiring!

We are seeking an inspirational and experienced Head of Creative Arts and Drama Teacher to lead and further develop our vibrant Creative Arts programme at the British International School of New York. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate Drama educator and creative leader to shape the strategic direction of Creative Arts across the school while delivering outstanding Drama lessons from Nursery through Year 13.

Working collaboratively with school leaders and colleagues across all phases, the successful candidate will inspire creativity, confidence, collaboration, and performance while fostering a culture of innovation and artistic excellence throughout our school community.

About Us

The British International School of New York (BIS-NY) is an international private school, powered by Affinitas Education, located in Waterside Plaza, Manhattan, New York. BIS-NY offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Cambridge International IGCSE and A Level courses.

We are a vibrant school located on a stunning waterside campus in Manhattan. We are proud to welcome families from New York and from over 40 countries, offering a distinctive, innovative curriculum and co-curriculum that combines the International Baccalaureate with the English National Curriculum in the PYP (Grades K–5) and MYP (Grades 6–8), with Cambridge International IGCSE and A Level courses in the Upper School (Grades 9–13).

How you will support students at BIS-NY

The successful candidate will have the qualifications and experience to:

• Lead the strategic development of Creative Arts across the school, establishing a clear vision for excellence in Drama and the Visual & Performing Arts.
• Plan, teach, and assess engaging Drama lessons from Nursery through Year 13, adapting teaching to meet the needs of students across all age groups.
• Develop and continuously review the Creative Arts curriculum, ensuring clear progression across all phases of the school.
• Prepare students for Cambridge IGCSE and A Level Drama and Theatre (or equivalent qualifications), supporting practical performances, coursework, and examinations.
• Inspire students through inquiry-based, creative, and differentiated teaching that promotes confidence, collaboration, communication, and performance skills.
• Assess, monitor, and report student progress accurately while using assessment data to inform teaching and curriculum development.
• Lead departmental planning and work collaboratively with colleagues across Music, Visual Arts, and other curriculum areas to develop interdisciplinary learning experiences.
• Direct school productions, performances, showcases, festivals, and other events that celebrate student achievement and strengthen the school community.
• Develop and lead an engaging extracurricular Drama programme, including clubs, productions, workshops, competitions, and educational visits.
• Mentor and support colleagues through coaching, lesson observations, and the sharing of best practice.
• Manage departmental resources, budgets, specialist facilities, costumes, props, and technical equipment.
• Build positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues while contributing to admissions events, Open Houses, and wider school initiatives.
• Uphold the school's mission, safeguarding responsibilities, core values, and commitment to inclusion.

About you

• Genuine passion for Drama, theatre, and Creative Arts education with the ability to inspire students of all ages.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to develop and lead an outstanding Creative Arts department.
• Outstanding classroom practitioner with experience teaching Drama across a broad age range.
• Strong understanding of the English National Curriculum and experience within a British or international school environment.
• Knowledge of the IB PYP, MYP, Cambridge IGCSE, and A Level Drama and Theatre programmes is desirable but not essential.
• Highly collaborative with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Organised, proactive, flexible, and able to use initiative in a dynamic school environment.
• Excellent IT skills and a commitment to continuous professional learning.
• Ambition to build an exceptional Creative Arts programme that inspires every student.

Why work at BIS-NY

• Generous salary commensurate with experience (Range: $80,000 - $95,000 , with additional leadership allowance for the Head of Department role).
• Comprehensive benefits package – medical, dental, vision, retirement plan with employer match.
• Lunch provided free of charge.
• Up to $2,000 annual contribution towards professional development.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a thriving Creative Arts department within a growing international school community.

Address: 20 Waterside Plaza, New York, NY 10010

School Website:

Start Date: August 25, 2026

Requirements:

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Drama, Theatre, Performing Arts, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum three years' experience teaching Drama, preferably across secondary age groups.
• Leadership experience within a Creative Arts or Drama department is highly desirable.
• Experience teaching within a British curriculum school is preferred.
• Experience with Cambridge IGCSE and A Level Drama and Theatre, or equivalent qualifications, is desirable.
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and delivering exceptional educational experiences for every student.