Job Title:                Elementary Dance Studio Teacher

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt/Professional

Reports to:                Principal

Dept./School:          Assigned Campus

Approved by:           Superintendent

Summary

Dance Studio Teacher that will help students exercise and develop creativity, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Provide experiences for students to explore concepts about self, human relationships, and society using elements of dance and self-expression. Introduce students to ballet, tap, modern, jazz, hip hop, folklorico and other forms of dance. Most important of all, provide a safe and inclusive learning environment that allows students to participate in, respond to, and evaluate dance performances in class and on the stage.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements 
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge in elementary dance, including the elements of dance and principles of dance performance  [Current automated external defibrillator (AED) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate]

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of elementary music, including listening, singing and creative expression
• Familiarity with curriculum design and instructional best practices specific to music education, including concept-based and project-based learning.
• Skilled in delivering instruction through hands-on demonstrations, experiments, and interactive activities related to music education
• Strong organizational abilities to manage instructional materials, coordinate outdoor learning projects
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with students, parents, and colleagues, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• Expertise in evaluating student work using constructive feedback aligned with performing arts instructional, including observation, data analysis, and problem-solving.

Experience:

• Successful completion of student teaching, an approved internship, or relevant professional experience in education.
• Preferred: Experience teaching music and leading musical ensembles, with a focus on hands-on, concept-based, or project-based learning.
• Additional consideration given for experience in informal music education settings, such as dance programs and conservatories, community organizations, or other fine arts programs.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Design and deliver engaging lesson plans aligned with the district’s curriculum, focusing on foundational and advanced dance techniques, choreography, rhythm, and movement.
2. Utilize diverse instructional strategies, including hands-on activities, outdoor learning experiences, and technology integration tailored to students' learning styles, adhering to Texas Education Agency guidelines, board policies, and administrative regulations.
3. Assess student learning styles and adapt instructional methods based on assessment results, demonstrating flexibility to modify teaching approaches to meet individual needs and promote student success.
4. Provide individual and small-group instruction to differentiate the curriculum, effectively implementing project-based and performance-based learning activities centered on dance education.
5. Collaborate with special education teachers to adapt curriculum and instructional strategies for students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs), ensuring inclusivity.
6. Partner with colleagues to establish instructional goals, objectives, and methods that align with district and campus priorities, ensuring alignment with overall educational strategies.
7. Work collaboratively with staff to design and facilitate programs or events that promote artistic expression, creativity, and interdisciplinary learning, integrating dance with other fine arts and outdoor activities.
8. Supervise and assign tasks to instructional aides and volunteers, providing clear guidance to ensure the successful completion of responsibilities. 

Student Growth and Development

1. Provide timely and constructive feedback to students, tracking their progress through various assessment methods, including performances and skill demonstrations.
2. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement using both formal and informal methods to guide instruction.
3. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities, such as organizing and leading dance performances, competitions, or campus-approved events.
4. Serve as a positive role model for students, exemplifying professionalism, teamwork, and the values of the fine arts academy.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Create a studio environment that supports student learning and is conducive to their physical, social, and emotional development.
2. Manage student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and the student handbook.
3. Take necessary precautions to ensure student safety, and protect equipment, materials, and facilities.
4. Instruct students in the proper care and use of materials, tools, and resources related to dance education. Maintain organized storage areas, control the use of instructional materials, and keep accurate inventory records.
5. Assist in selecting and maintaining instructional materials, costumes, and equipment necessary for teaching dance effectively.
6. Compile, maintain, and submit required reports, records, and documents promptly.

Communication

1. Maintain open and professional communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members to support student learning and program goals.
2. Regularly communicate with students and parents using district-approved methods, such as letters, phone calls, or apps, to provide updates on class activities and performance schedules.
3. Build and maintain strong relationships with parents and community stakeholders to foster collaboration and support for the dance program.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Actively participate in professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills in dance education, choreography, and performance direction.
2. Comply with all state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
3. Attend and contribute to faculty meetings and staff committees as needed to support campus and district goals.

Other

1. Follow all district safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.
2. Maintain confidentiality in all professional matters.
3. Participate in meetings, field experiences, and special events as assigned, contributing to the success of the fine arts academy.
4. Exercise professional judgment in attendance and punctuality for work, meetings, and appointments.
5. Organize and present student showcases, performances, or events that highlight dance education learning and accomplishments.
6. Perform additional duties as assigned by campus or district administration.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

1. Provide guidance and oversight to assigned instructional aides and volunteers to ensure their effective support of classroom instruction and performances.

Certificates Licenses, Registration

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsement for subject and level assigned

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodical, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from administrators, peers, students, parents and the general public.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical solutions.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer, phone systems, instructional equipment, video technology, and related peripherals.  [P.E. /F.A. teachers: automated external defibrillator (AED)]

Posture: Requires prolonged standing; frequent sitting, kneeling, squatting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting. Student activities may occur outdoors in the schoolyard or garden, requiring flexible movement.

Motion: Includes frequent walking, moderate physical activity, and repetitive computer work involving hands and wrists. Outdoor field experiences may include light hiking and hands-on gardening activities.

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (up to 15 pounds), including textbooks, classroom equipment, gardening tools, and materials for outdoor learning spaces and activities.

Environment: Work may occur indoors at the school or other locations, as well as outdoors in varying weather conditions, with regular exposure to sunlight and natural elements.

Mental Demands: Requires maintaining emotional control under stress, responding constructively to criticism, continuously generating innovative ideas for projects, and occasionally working prolonged or irregular hours to meet program goals and deadlines.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.  For a comprehensive overview of expectations specific to the dance teacher role, please refer to the Dance Studio Teacher Expectation List linked below.

Dance Studio Teacher Expectation List

Salary : $57,450 - $66,568