Magnet Theme Enrichment Instructor-Dance

AREA COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES•Hamden, CT

19h•$44 - $60•Onsite

About The Position

The Dance Teacher develops, delivers, and refines engaging dance instruction that promotes creativity, artistic expression, physical wellness, cultural awareness, and collaboration. Through standards-based dance education, the teacher cultivates students’ confidence, discipline, and appreciation for the performing arts while fostering a safe and inclusive environment where all students can explore movement, take creative risks, and develop their artistic voice. The Dance Teacher collaborates schoolwide to support PBIS, restorative practices, and SEL frameworks while contributing to a vibrant arts culture throughout the school community.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Dance Education, Performing Arts, Education, or a related field required
Demonstrated experience teaching dance in a school, community, or youth arts setting
Strong knowledge of dance pedagogy, choreography, movement instruction, performance preparation, and arts integration
Commitment to equity, inclusion, creativity, and the belief that all students can succeed in the arts

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred
Experience directing student performances, showcases, or dance productions
Experience integrating dance with academic content areas and interdisciplinary learning
Familiarity with restorative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices
Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
Passion for developing student confidence, creativity, artistic expression, and appreciation for the performing arts

Responsibilities

Design and implement standards-aligned dance lessons that develop students' skills in movement, choreography, performance, dance history, and creative expression.
Teach a variety of dance styles and movement techniques that are developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive.
Facilitate creative movement experiences that encourage self-expression, collaboration, problem-solving, and artistic exploration.
Integrate dance with core academic subjects and the school's arts-integrated instructional model when appropriate.
Develop students' understanding of dance elements, including body awareness, space, time, energy, and relationships.
Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including multilingual learners and students with disabilities.
Use formative and summative assessments to evaluate student growth in technique, creativity, performance skills, collaboration, and artistic understanding.
Prepare students for performances, showcases, assemblies, and other opportunities to demonstrate their learning.
Create a safe, inclusive, and supportive dance environment that promotes respect, creativity, and personal growth.
Establish and maintain clear expectations for participation, movement safety, and responsible use of dance spaces and equipment.
Uphold and reinforce PBIS expectations using proactive, strengths-based approaches.
Apply restorative practices to build relationships, address conflict, and support student reflection and growth.
Foster a growth mindset where students embrace challenges, persevere through mistakes, and celebrate progress and achievement.
Promote positive body awareness, self-confidence, teamwork, and respect for diverse cultures and perspectives.
Partner with classroom teachers and grade-level teams to integrate dance into interdisciplinary learning experiences and schoolwide initiatives.
Collaborate with arts educators and staff to support school performances, celebrations, and community events.
Participate actively in professional learning related to dance education, arts integration, PBIS, restorative practices, and SEL/RULER frameworks.
Maintain ongoing communication with families regarding student progress, performances, and enrichment opportunities.
Attend required meetings, duty assignments, performances, and school events.
Lead or support schoolwide performances, cultural celebrations, talent showcases, assemblies, and community arts events.
Coordinate choreography and performance opportunities that highlight student creativity and achievement.
Manage dance materials, costumes, equipment, music resources, and safety protocols.
Display and celebrate student learning through performances, exhibitions, videos, and community presentations.
Promote equitable access to dance education and enrichment opportunities for all students.
Serve as an advocate for arts education and its role in developing the whole child.