Dance Teacher

Dance Teacher

As the Dance Teacher at KIPP Harmony Academy, you are a catalyst for student success, creativity, and confidence. You will ignite a passion for movement and the performing arts while helping students master essential dance technique, choreography, and performance skills alongside critical social-emotional competencies. As the architect of a joyful and rigorous dance program, you will plan, implement, and reflect on instruction to prepare students for success both on stage and in life.

Collaborating closely with your grade-level teams, the enrichment department, and the Principal, you will play an active role in fostering a culture of excellence and high expectations, ensuring every student thrives and the mission of KIPP Harmony Academy is realized.

Position Responsibilities:

Instruction and Artistic Growth

• Hold high expectations for all students and work relentlessly to foster their artistic, physical, and personal growth through dance.
• Set class and individual goals, using ongoing assessment of technique, creativity, and performance to track progress and adjust instruction as needed.
• Design and implement data-driven assessments that inform instructional decisions and support continuous growth in dance skills and expression.
• Apply deep knowledge of dance technique, choreography, and movement styles to deliver engaging and effective instruction across multiple genres.
• Demonstrate mastery of grade-level dance standards, benchmarks, and curriculum, ensuring alignment in all instructional plans.
• Develop long-term plans, units, and lessons using backward design, with a focus on student mastery and culminating performances.
• Plan lessons that foster creativity, body awareness, and discipline, and that meet the diverse learning needs of students.
• Differentiate instruction to effectively address the unique needs of each student, including those with varying physical abilities.

Classroom Management and Culture

• Implement and reinforce school-wide culture and management policies both in the dance studio/classroom and across the school.
• Establish a supportive and disciplined classroom environment that promotes student responsibility, safety, and success.
• Foster a positive learning atmosphere that encourages student self-efficacy, independence, and confidence in self-expression.

Performance and Community Engagement

• Plan and direct school-wide dance performances, showcases, and assemblies that celebrate student growth and achievement.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues to support student success.
• Incorporate students' backgrounds, cultures, and experiences into choreography and instruction, valuing their unique contributions.
• Communicate proactively and effectively with parents, students, staff, and guests through various channels.
• Uphold the school's vision, mission, and values by actively engaging with families and communities through open communication and events.

Professionalism and Development

• Engage in professional development by collaborating with colleagues, reflecting on instructional practices, and continuously seeking ways to improve.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, attending extended professional development and modeling professionalism in behavior and attire.
• Adhere to all school policies, complete clerical tasks as needed, and take leadership roles in school-wide initiatives and committees.

• Dance Education certification (PreK–12), or willingness to become certified (Required)
• Eligible for hire by Baltimore City Public Schools (Required)

Two years of dance teaching or professional/performance experience (Strongly Preferred)

Passion for working with students from historically resilient communities (Required)

Experience teaching in a predominantly African American environment (Preferred)

Desired Qualities:

Artistry That Empowers:
You bring a deep mastery of dance technique and choreography and have a talent for making movement come alive for students. Like a skilled guide, you help students connect what they learn in the studio to creative and physical expression that lasts well beyond the school day.

Data-Driven Excellence:
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