Dance Instructor (K-8

Dance Instructor

Northwestern Academy of Visual and Performing Arts is seeking an enthusiastic and talented Dance Instructor to engage students in grades K-8 through an arts-integrated curriculum that combines dance with core academic subjects such as language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and technology.

This instructor will inspire students to explore movement as a form of storytelling, self-expression, and personal growth, fostering artistic expression and interdisciplinary learning. Through dynamic, studio-like classrooms, students will connect academic concepts with creative expression, enhancing critical thinking, cultural awareness, and essential academic skills.

In the early grades (K-2), students will engage in dance exploration, sparking curiosity and creativity. As they move into grades 3-5, they will focus on building foundational dance knowledge and skills. In middle school (grades 6-8), students will have the opportunity to choose a major and minor arts discipline, allowing for personalized learning that fosters empathy, self-awareness, and cultural competency.

The ideal candidate will promote collaboration and creativity, helping students develop storytelling, sequencing, cultural appreciation, and technological proficiency through dance. Teachers will also participate in professional development, collaborative planning, and partnerships with community and arts organizations to deliver meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

Position responsibilities include:

• Dance Instruction:
  Teach fundamental dance techniques, building students' confidence, coordination, and appreciation for movement as both an art and a fitness practice.
• Cultural Awareness in Dance:
  Guide students in understanding the historical and cultural significance of dance, exploring how different traditions, styles, and histories shape dance worldwide.
• Interdisciplinary Instruction:
  Integrate dance with core subjects like language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies to enhance students' academic and creative understanding.
• Creative Movement and Storytelling:
  Support students in developing original choreography and exploring personal and cultural narratives.
• Classroom Culture:
  Create a dynamic, inclusive, and safe classroom environment that fosters collaboration, self-expression, and personal growth.
• Differentiated Instruction:
  Tailor lessons to meet diverse student needs, ensuring meaningful, accessible, and challenging experiences.
• Assessment and Reflection:
  Develop assessments to measure students' technical skills, creative expression, and interdisciplinary understanding, promoting self-reflection and constructive peer feedback.
• Performance and Creation:
  Teach various dance styles (ballet, jazz, hip-hop, cultural dances) and encourage performance opportunities that integrate multiple art forms.
• Collaboration and Professional Development:
  Engage in continuous learning to refine arts-integrated instruction, DEI principles, student-centered learning, and climate management practices.
• Parental Communication and Engagement:
  Maintain regular communication with parents on student progress and development, while fostering an actively supportive and informed school community.
• Event Coordination and Participation Activity Leadership:
  Lead student activities that promote dance, community service, and cultural events.
• Showcases & Exhibitions:
  Plan and coordinate student showcases and exhibitions highlighting student and community creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in dance and physical education.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Dance Education or related field.
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with a Dance (MH) endorsement, or ability to obtain.
• Experience teaching various dance styles (ballet, modern, hip-hop, cultural dances) and integrating dance with academic content.
• A practicing artist with a passion for arts education.

Salary: $51,500 - $87,883 (Potential for additional stipends)

Contract:

188 Days (10 months)

SCHOOL SAFETY CLEARANCE:
The successful candidate will be subject to a fingerprint and background check as a condition of employment. All fees required for this check (estimated $73.00) will be the responsibility of the successful applicant. The Battle Creek Public School District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, handicap, sex, age, religion, national origin, weight, height, or marital status in its employment practices.