Dance Instructor

East Cleveland City School District

Dance Instructor

Reports To:   Building Principal and Director of Teaching and Learning

Position Summary

The Dance Instructor is responsible for planning and delivering a comprehensive dance education program that promotes artistic expression, physical fitness, creativity, discipline, and cultural appreciation.  The instructor provides students with opportunities to develop technical dance skills, performance abilities, collaboration, and confidence while supporting the East Cleveland City School District's mission of preparing every student for lifelong success.

The Dance Instructor creates an inclusive learning environment where students of all skill levels can develop movement skills through a variety of dance genres, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, modern, African dance, cultural dance, and creative movement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Dance, Dance Education, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education, or a related field.
• Valid Ohio Teaching License, appropriate for assignment, or ability to obtain appropriate licensure.
• Knowledge of multiple dance styles and instructional techniques.
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, families, staff, and community partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Dance Education or related field.
• Previous experience teaching dance in a school setting.
• Experience in choreographing student performances.
• Experience working with culturally diverse student populations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to teach dance techniques appropriate for PreK–12 students.
• Develop engaging lesson plans aligned with academic standards.
• Inspire creativity and student confidence.
• Manage rehearsals and performances effectively.
• Foster positive relationships with students and families.
• Utilize technology to enhance dance instruction.
• Collaborate effectively with district staff.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction and Curriculum

• Plan and deliver engaging standards-based dance instruction aligned with Ohio Learning Standards for Fine Arts.
• Teach dance technique, choreography, performance, and movement fundamentals.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Integrate dance history, cultural appreciation, music, and creative expression into instruction.
• Assess student progress through performances, projects, and classroom assessments.
• Maintain accurate records of student achievement and attendance.

Student Performance

• Prepare students for school concerts, showcases, assemblies, district events, and community performances.
• Organize rehearsals and coordinate student performances.
• Choreograph age-appropriate performances.
• Encourage student creativity and artistic expression.
• Promote teamwork, discipline, and professionalism during rehearsals and performances.

Classroom Management

• Establish a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
• Maintain appropriate classroom expectations and behavior.
• Ensure student safety during physical activities.
• Monitor proper use of equipment and facilities.

Program Development

• Assist in developing and expanding the district's dance program.
• Collaborate with music, art, theater, and physical education teachers.
• Recommend instructional materials, costumes, and equipment.
• Support district fine arts initiatives and performances

Family and Community Engagement

• Communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress.
• Promote dance performances and district arts programs.
• Develop partnerships with local arts organizations and community groups.
• Encourage family participation in performances and special events.

Professional Responsibilities

• Attend faculty meetings, professional development, and district trainings.
• Collaborate with colleagues to improve instructional practices.
• Maintain current knowledge of dance education trends and instructional strategies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal or Director of Teaching and Learning.

Physical Requirements

• Employee must be able to demonstrate dance movements and choreography.
• Stand, walk, bend, stretch, kneel, and move continuously throughout the workday.
• Lift and move instructional materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Supervise students during performances and rehearsals.
• Work evenings and weekends for performances when necessary.

Working Conditions

• Classroom and dance studio settings.
• Gymnasiums, auditoriums, and performance venues.
• Occasional travel for performances, competitions, and professional development.
• Evening and weekend performances as required.

Evaluation

• Ohio Teacher Evaluation System (OTES 2.0), as applicable.
• East Cleveland City School District Board policies and administrative procedures.
• District goals and professional performance standards.

Core Competencies

• Dance Instructor will foster creativity, confidence, and artistic excellence.
• Promote student engagement through movement and performance.
• Encourage collaboration, discipline, and teamwork.
• Celebrate cultural diversity through dance.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, and the community.
• Model professionalism and lifelong learning.

Possess the physical and mental attributes required to perform all essential functions.

Terms of Employment:                                                                                                 Salary:
2026-2027 School Year                                                                                                   Per the ECEA Negotiated Contract