Dance Teacher, Grades K-4

POSITION: K-4 Dance Teacher

REPORTS TO: Lower School/K-4 Principal

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt/10 month

Mission: Educating and inspiring a diverse community of K-12 learners by engaging them in rigorous real‑world learning experiences which prioritize intellectual, social and emotional growth.

Vision: Tapestry is a vibrant, sustainable school that empowers learners and leaders to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.

Values: Perseverance, Integrity, Respect & Responsibility

The K-4 Dance Teacher is responsible for designing and delivering high-quality, inspiring, developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant dance instruction to elementary students. This role fosters creativity, self‑expression, physical literacy, and cultural awareness through movement while contributing to a positive, inclusive school culture aligned with Tapestry Charter School’s mission and values. The Dance Teacher collaborates with colleagues to support all arts and whole‑child development.

• Plan and deliver engaging, New York State Learning Standards for the Arts Dance‑aligned dance instruction for students in grades K-4.
• Design lessons that incorporate creative movement, dance concepts, choreography, and a variety of dance styles and cultural traditions.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment that supports student expression and risk‑taking.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
• Assess student learning using formative and summative methods and provide timely feedback to students and families.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and arts staff to integrate dance into interdisciplinary learning experiences.
• Choreograph and prepare students for school performances, showcases, and community events.
• Establish and maintain clear classroom routines, expectations, and procedures.
• Maintain inventory and organization of dance materials, costumes, and equipment.
• Communicate effectively with families regarding student progress and classroom activities.
• Participate in professional development, team meetings, and school‑wide initiatives.
• Uphold school policies, procedures, and expectations in alignment with the school's mission and values.

• Demonstrate knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate dance instruction.
• Apply culturally responsive teaching practices within dance education.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Manage a classroom effectively using proactive and restorative practices.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a team in a dynamic school environment.
• Adapt instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Integrate social‑emotional learning into daily instruction.
• Organize time, materials, and responsibilities efficiently.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Dance, Dance Education, or a related field required;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Possess New York State teaching certification in Dance or demonstrate willingness to obtain certification (preferred).
• Passionate about teaching dance and implementing best practices in dance education pedagogy.
• Demonstrate experience working with elementary‑aged students, preferably in a school setting.
• Show experience in technique, choreography and performance preparation for young learners (preferred).

• Perform physical demonstrations of dance movements and activities.
• Stand, walk, bend, and move for extended periods of time.
• Lift and carry materials or equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Work in a dance studio, gymnasium, classroom, or performance space environment.
• Maintain active engagement and supervision of students during movement‑based activities.

The above job description is not a contractual or binding document; it is provided as a guide to the types of duties required to be undertaken. Duties may vary from time to time and this description is subject to review. Modifications will be made as needed to support changes in the business climate and requirements.

Itinerant

Location:

111 Great Arrow Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216

Salary: From $41,670.00 to $89,393.00