Job Opportunities

Start time: January 2023

Commitment: Part-time (mostly weekday mornings and afternoons), Sept-June, schedule varies (see below)

SPAC is seeking a Teaching Artist to work side-by-side a SPAC Lead Teaching Artist in our in-school dance residencies, developed in partnership with National Dance Institute (NDI) in New York City. Training will be provided onsite, with continued professional development available with NDI teaching artists over the summer. The assistant dance teacher will ideally become a lead teacher once they have mastered the teaching methods and are comfortable leading classes. The 10-session program is given to predominantly 4th or 5th grade students during school hours, so that every student in the grade level benefits.  Students learn basic movement in a style that is most accurately characterized as “Broadway Jazz”. Emphasis is not on technique, but on developing valuable cognitive and social skills through dance, as well as an increased self-esteem and desire for continued achievement. There will always be two teaching artists and a professional musician in every class. You will be part of a three person team going into the schools.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED

• At least 2 years’ prior experience teaching dance to children

• Experience performing and/or teaching theatre or musical theatre is a plus!

• Flexibility and willingness to learn new teaching methods.

• The teaching style of this program requires teachers to model movement 100% of the time at full energy, and therefore applicants must have the energy and willingness to always dance at their fullest potential while instructing students.

• The successful candidate must have:

  • Passion and affinity working with children in grades 2-5

  • Reliable transportation;

  • Can-do work style;

  • And a strong interest in the arts and arts education

Summary
SPAC SOTA seeks theatre and musical theatre teaching artists with experience in devising original plays with grade school students. Early childhood educators with an arts background who are willing to receive theatre education training are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications
Required:

• Teaching experience with K-8 (in the performing arts a plus!)

• A background and/or interest in the performing arts.

• Experience in developing/adapting curriculum and lesson planning.

• A willingness to learn and receive training from the program chair.

• A passion for working with young people and centering student voices.

Desired:

• Experience in developing theatre curriculum including: play making, improvisation, early childhood theatre/music/movement class.

• Experience teaching with various populations, e.g. early childhood, students with disabilities.

• Experience teaching after-school, in-school, site specific and/or summer camp programs.

• College degree or equivalent work experience.

• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in education and the arts.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead theatre classes that focus on process rather than product ie: learning and student centered rather than putting on a performance.

• Create original plays with students.

• Connect lessons to school curricular themes.

• Develop lesson plans and be willing to receive mentorship from the program chair.

• Maintain relationships with teachers, program chair, parents and students.

• Prepare students for and participate in SOTA end of semester studio shares and end of year celebration student shares for an invited audience.