Dance Teacher Grades 6 to 12

Dance Teacher Job Description

Chadwick School

Palos Verdes Peninsula, California

Chadwick School is an independent, K-12, coeducational day school dedicated to academic excellence, the development of exemplary character, and self-discovery through experience. A highly educated faculty and staff bring out the best in the talented student body through active learning, challenging academics, one-on-one mentoring, unparalleled global opportunities, nationally distinguished outdoor education and community service programs, outstanding athletic opportunities, and award-winning visual and performing arts.

The core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, fairness, and compassion are widely shared and fostered daily in classrooms, during co-curricular activities, and through the camaraderie of this close-knit community.

Located on a beautiful, 45-acre hilltop campus on the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County, Chadwick enrolls over 800 students drawn from more than 45 Southern California communities.

Job Title: Dance Teacher (26-27 school year)      

Division/Department: 6-12th grade Performing Arts

Reports To: Director of Performing Arts 

Location: Palos Verdes, CA

Level/Grade: K-12 (based on yearly commitments)           

Type of position/FLSA:  Full-Time Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

This Interim Dance Teacher will take on a full-time teaching role for the 2026-2027 school year. Candidates will be able to apply if interested for the full-time dance teacher role the following year. Responsibilities will include teaching 6th grade, Middle School, and Upper School Dance Company, as well as teaching an Upper School dance technique class and supporting the Upper School Musical Theater class. In addition, based on other responsibilities, this teacher may choreograph the Upper School and Middle School musical. 

The Dance Teacher works closely with colleagues in a vibrant Performing Arts Department that includes teachers of Theater, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, and Elementary School Music, as well as a departmental Technical Director. In collaboration with the Director of Performing Arts and departmental colleagues, the Dance Teacher helps sustain a dynamic and joyful dance program that develops technical skill, artistic expression, and confidence while supporting Chadwick’s mission and curricular goals.

Associated Responsibilities

• Design and teach a developmentally appropriate, skill-based dance curriculum across assigned grade levels using backward design and clear learning goals.
• Teach dance courses that build foundational technique while inspiring a love of movement and performance.
• Teach the UC-accredited course Honors Dance and support the UC-accredited Musical Theatre course.
• Produce two major dance performances each year.
• May support choreography for the annual Upper School and Middle School musicals. Rehearsals primarily occur during the school day, with additional after-school, evening, and weekend commitments during designated production periods.
• Collaborate with the Director of Performing Arts and Division Directors to plan and coordinate the annual performing arts calendar.
• Work with the Director of Performing Arts to steward and manage the dance program budget.

Additional Responsibilities

• Be on campus from 7:45 am until 3:45 pm on days when school is in session; times will be adjusted/augmented to accommodate rehearsal schedules, as there will be after-school, evening, and weekend commitments during various production times of the year. 
• Create a joyful and engaging classroom environment that encourages creativity, movement exploration, and artistic growth.
  Foster a classroom culture grounded in belonging, mutual respect, and collaboration where all students feel supported as learners and performers.
• Establish and maintain clear expectations for student behavior that support a safe and productive learning environment.
  Use a variety of instructional approaches that engage students in active, experiential learning.
• Provide meaningful feedback on student learning and apply Chadwick’s shared grading and assessment practices.  
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, including grades, feedback, and course materials.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Performing Arts department to strengthen curriculum, performances, and interdisciplinary opportunities.
• Positively contribute to the life of the school community through performances, events, and collaboration with colleagues.
• Communicate promptly and professionally with students, families, and colleagues.
• Attend department meetings, faculty meetings, school events, professional development, and parent conferences.
• Maintain current course materials, calendars, and gradebooks within school information systems.
  Follow policies outlined in the Employee Handbook and relevant division handbooks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCES, AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in Dance, Dance Education, Performing Arts, or a related field required.
• Minimum of three years of teaching and/or relevant professional experience in dance education, choreography, or performance.
• Strong knowledge of dance technique, movement pedagogy, and developmentally appropriate instruction across age groups.
• Demonstrated experience teaching and directing dance at multiple levels, from foundational technique to advanced performance.
• Ability to create a joyful, energetic learning environment that inspires creativity, confidence, and a love of movement.
• Commitment to cultivating a classroom community grounded in respect, belonging, and collaboration.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across the Performing Arts department and school community.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Compensation: $81,000 to 98,000 - salary based on years of experience, credentials and other qualifications.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

• Required to lift and carry up to a maximum of 25 lbs., in a correct manner consistent with the appropriate training provided by the School.
• Occasionally required to use hand to handle or feel objects, touch and use tools, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, bend, stoop, twist, lift, reach, push, pull, grasp, balance, kneel, crouch, crawl, grasp, talk, hear, and walk during the course of employment.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and an ability to adjust focus.
• May use telephone, computer, copier, and other office equipment in the course of a day.
• Required to sit while operating word processing equipment for up to 6-8 hours daily, repetitive motion for typing and other keystroke needs.

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.  This may include warm, hot, or cold temperatures.  The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

CLEARANCES

Required Screenings:  TB assessment     Clearances:  Livescan background check

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties and responsibilities that are required of the position.

By submitting an Employment Application, I hereby understand and agree that consistent with its obligations under Education Code Section 44051 subd. (a)(2) and as a part of the application consideration process, Chadwick School will contact each Educational Employer and inquire about your employment history including, without limitation, whether I was the subject of any credible complaints of, substantiated investigations into, or discipline for, egregious misconduct, as defined in Education Code Section 44932, subd. (a)(1).

Salary : $81,000 - $98,000