DISTRICT OVERVIEW

Holyoke Public Schools (HPS) serves 5,400 students in 11 schools and employs nearly 1500 people.  The District was placed into receivership by the State of Massachusetts in Spring 2015, due to struggling performance well below the state average. Dr. Stephen Zrike Jr., a seasoned Massachusetts educator, was selected as Receiver to lead this exciting turnaround effort, which includes significant autonomy and flexibility from the traditional school system.  Since being in receivership, the District has experienced many promising successes.  In school year 2015-16, the District saw a 7-percentage point increase in proficiency in English Language Arts and a 4-point gain in Math, and attendance rates are up across the District.  HPS has also extended the school day for students in preschool to 8th grade, expanded choice programs such as dual language and personalized learning, and offering new opportunities to students, such as computer science and many other enrichment programs. For more information about the HPS Turnaround Plan, please visit: https://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/turnaround/.

Job description:

• 1) Teaches acting principles and techniques to individuals or groups: Conducts readings to evaluate student's talent.

   

  2) Adapts course of study and training methods to meet student's need and ability.

   

  3) Teaches enunciation, diction, voice development, and dialects, using voice exercises, speech drills, explanation, lectures, and improvisation.

   

  4) Discusses and demonstrates vocal and body expression to teach acting styles, character development, and personality projection.

   

  5) Produces and directs plays for school and public performances.

   

  6) Rehearses and drills students to ensure they master parts.

   

  7) May direct activities of students involved in constructing, painting, and lighting scenery.

   

  8) May teach elements of stagecraft, stage makeup, costume craft, play writing, or play direction.

   

  9) Helps create and sustain a long term  pathway around performance, working with the same group of students yearly as they progress through grades 10-12 in order to help them grow in drama and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least one year of full-time teaching experience
• Commitment to ensuring academic success for all students
• Experience working in an urban setting, preferred
• Experience working with diverse student populations, preferred
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply student performance data to instructional planning and execution
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; excellent teamwork skills 
• Bilingual applicants (Spanish) strongly encouraged to apply 

• Theater - All Levels or English, 8-12 with SEI Endorsement required