Dance Teacher

POSITION: Artist Teacher – Dance 

SCHOOL YEAR: 2025-2026

About Oakland School for the Arts

Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) is a vibrant creative community rooted in Oakland’s rich cultural landscape. Serving 800 students in grades 6–12, OSA blends rigorous academics with artistic excellence, celebrating the unique voices and talents of each student. Diverse experiences make our teams stronger and help us better serve our equally diverse student population. We encourage all candidates interested in this opportunity, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), as well as candidates from historically underrepresented communities, to apply. All voices and perspectives matter here.

Our Mission & Vision

At OSA, we believe that education and the arts are powerful tools for transformation. Our mission is to prepare graduates for college and career through innovative arts education, inspiring them to shape the world with their unique voices. Our vision is generations of creative thinkers, authentic leaders, and problem-solvers who bring the essential value of the arts to every community.

The Role

We’re looking for an Artist Teacher – Dance to join our faculty for the 2025–2026 school year. This is a 186-day certificated position aligned with the academic calendar. The ideal candidate is an experienced dance educator who combines strong technical training with an inclusive, student-centered philosophy. This role is central to building a positive and collaborative classroom culture, inspiring young dancers to grow in their artistry, discipline, and creativity.

What You’ll Do

• Teach daily dance classes to high school students, incorporating a variety of styles and techniques.
• Plan and deliver high-quality, standards-aligned instruction that promotes student creativity, engagement, and growth.
• Cultivate a safe, inclusive, and student-centered studio environment in alignment with school-wide behavioral expectations.
• Promote a healthy and positive arts classroom culture by encouraging student voice, modeling respectful norms, and establishing effective classroom procedures.
• Manage classroom behavior effectively and positively, taking primary responsibility for arts-related student conduct.
• Attend parent-teacher conferences, student performances, and other school events to support student success and foster strong school-community connections.
• Serve as a visible and engaged leader within the school, modeling OSA’s core values in and out of the classroom.
• Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to enhance instruction, align practices, and support school-wide initiatives.
• Participate in ongoing professional learning and self-reflection to continuously improve instructional practice.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with students, families, and school administrators regarding student progress and expectations.
• Stay current on best practices in arts education through professional development and continued engagement with the dance community.
• Attend student performances and school events to support the school community and connect with students beyond the classroom.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a passionate and collaborative educator who is committed to student growth, artistic excellence, and equity in education.

Education, Credentials & Experience: 

• Valid California teaching credential (required).
• Experience teaching ballet, modern, contemporary, and hip-hop (required).
• Prior teaching experience in a middle or high school dance program (preferred).

Skills & Qualities

• Excellence in dance pedagogy, choreography, and curriculum design.
• Strong classroom management skills rooted in positivity and respect.
• Passion for developing students as both skilled dancers and creative thinkers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with students, families, and colleagues.
• Commitment to OSA’s mission of blending academic and artistic excellence while fostering equity, inclusion, and creativity.

Compensation & Benefits

The annual salary for a 1.00 FTE full-time  role ranges from $66,512.60 to $82,674.41, based on OSA’s certificated salary scale and is commensurate with experience and credentials. This salary may be prorated based on FTE. OSA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, commuter benefits, employee assistance program, and retirement plans with robust matching. This is a 186-day certificated position aligned with the academic calendar.

Commitment to Equity

OSA is committed to creating a workplace where all people feel valued, respected, and empowered. We embrace diversity in all its forms and encourage candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. We do not discriminate in any program, activity, or employment decision on the basis of age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, disability, medical information, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or political affiliation.

How to Apply

Submit your resume via EdJoin or LinkedIn, along with a brief cover letter sharing what excites you about this opportunity and what you’d bring to the OSA community.

Questions? Email hr@oakarts.org.

Salary : $66,513 - $82,674