Teacher, Assistant Dance Director/ (Dance-PE Certified) (Grapevine High School)

Job Title:         Teacher, Assistant Dance Director/Additional certification required        Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to:      Principal                                                                                          Pay Grade:  Teacher Payscale

Dept./School:  Grapevine High School                                                                     Date Revised:

Primary Purpose:

Provide students with outstanding learning experiences in dance so they develop pedagogical and technical mastery, understanding, and a love of dance. The director will encourage lifelong learning and participation in dance beyond the middle and high school settings.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements for teaching dance
• Willingness to obtain secondary certifications based on campus needs
• Demonstrated competency or potential as a high school dance teacher

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Provide positive leadership within the campus dance program
• Must be able to join and add to a positive and health culture within the dance program
• Must be a positive member of a team of fine arts teachers at the campus and district level
• Must be able to recruit students to the program and instill a love of dance
• Must have high expectations of their own work and the work of their students
• Ability to work positively and collaboratively with parent support organizations
• Ability to instruct students and manage behavior in both small and large groups
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of specific dance pedagogy to include, but not limited to: ballet, jazz, social/folk, modern, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, pom, high kick
• Knowledge of or potential to learn, contest rules, entry requirements, and important dates and deadlines
• General knowledge of or potential to learn curriculum, instruction, scope, and sequence in a dance class setting
• Ensure the proper use, maintenance, and tracking of the school’s uniform and equipment inventory
• Knowledge of outside of school activities to enhance students’ experiences
• Knowledge of social media, Canva, Charms, and / or Smore, etc. preferred

Experience

• Previous experience as a member of dance teams
• Notable performances in any of the following: Marching Auxiliaries, Crowd Pleasers, American Dance and Drill, Showmakers of America, etc.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Dance Performance

• Direct the junior varsity drill team, competition team, and teach other dance classes as assigned
• Assist in the direction of the high school varsity drill team and competition team
• Present high-quality student performances for the school and community
• Present high-quality student performances in accordance with the standards of selected contests

Instructional Strategies

• Effectively use instructional and rehearsal strategies
• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of district’s curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities
• Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP)
• Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements

Student Growth and Development

• Monitor and encourage student growth and development in dance
• Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process
• Help students analyze and improve study and practice methods and habits
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal evaluation
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned
• Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal
• Be a positive role model for students and support the mission of school district

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
• Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Assist in selection of books, videos, equipment, and other instructional materials
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly

Professional Growth and Development

• Seek high quality professional development opportunities in dance
• Obtain secondary certifications to meet the needs of the campus
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills
• Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required

Working Conditions

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing
• Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment as able
• Some work outdoors in various weather conditions