What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part-time Middle and Upper School Dance Teacher position at Rowland Hall?
Part-time Middle and Upper School Dance Teacher
School Overview
Founded in 1867, Rowland Hall is an independent school in Salt Lake City serving approximately 1,000 students in preschool through twelfth grade. Driven by our vision of developing people the world needs, we believe in a transformational education that gives students agency and purpose, connects them to their global community, and empowers them to make the world a better place for all.
Rowland Hall sets the standard for teaching and learning excellence through our academic and co-curricular programs, including experiential learning opportunities, artistic self-expression, and a competitive athletic program that challenges students inside and outside the classroom. We foster curiosity, compassion, joy throughout the learning process, and graduate young adults who know how to think critically and are inspired to make a difference.
Located near the base of the stunning Wasatch Mountain Range and adjacent to the University of Utah, a world-class research university and medical center, Rowland Hall attracts a diverse community of families. The school focuses on recruiting and retaining high-quality employees by offering extensive professional development opportunities, competitive salaries with local districts and market rates, and a close-knit, supportive community.
About the Middle and Upper School
The Middle School (MS - grades 6-8) and Upper School (US - grades 9-12) make up the Lincoln Street Campus and serve a combined 500 students with a focus on academic, emotional, and social growth as developmentally appropriate. Each division promotes a strong culture of professional growth, collegiality, and collaboration for teachers. We offer an extensive co-curricular program including arts, athletics, and community engagement, including internships for Upper School students with the University of Utah. We focus on experiential learning in both divisions and offer a series of overnight class and grade level trips, Winter Sports within the Middle School, and various community partnerships. We run a 1-1 program with laptops in the Upper School and iPads in the Middle School. Teachers in both divisions use the Canvas learning management system and Veracross as a student information system.
Position Summary
This position teaches beginning through advanced dance students in Middle and Upper School, delivering engaging, age-appropriate instruction in contemporary dance grounded in ballet, modern, and hip-hop techniques. The instructor supports students’ technical growth and artistic expression, including the development of personal voice through improvisation, and prepares them for performances throughout the year. Working within an established program, the teacher collaborates with colleagues and contributes to its continued growth in alignment with school priorities. The role requires a student-centered educator who communicates effectively with students and families, participates fully in school life, and supports a positive, inclusive community.
Primary Job Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate dance instruction for students with a wide range of ages, abilities, and experience levels
- Teach contemporary dance grounded in foundational techniques, including ballet, modern, and hip-hop
- Guide students in developing technical proficiency, artistic expression, and physical awareness
- Foster students’ creative growth through improvisation and the development of individual artistic voice
- Prepare students for and direct performances that showcase learning and growth throughout the year
- Collaborate with dance and arts colleagues to support interdisciplinary learning and cohesive program development
- Contribute to the continued evolution and future vision of an established dance program in alignment with school strategic priorities
- Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment that encourages risk-taking, creativity, and respect
- Communicate regularly and proactively with students and families regarding progress, expectations, and program activities
- Work closely with colleagues across departments to support student success and community engagement
- Participate actively in school life and contribute positively to the overall school culture
- Fulfill additional faculty responsibilities, including supervision duties (e.g., lunch, recess) and participation in field trips and school events
- Other duties as assigned
Skills and Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, with experience working with teens and adolescents in dance and performing arts
- Professional dance company experience is a plus
- Demonstrated ability and interest in working with middle and high school-aged students
- Student-centered approach with a focus on learning, growth, and well-being
- Strong interpersonal skills, including effective communication and a collaborative mindset
- Sense of humor, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt and innovate
- Commitment to reflective practice and continuous professional growth
- Experience or interest in curriculum development and research-based instructional practices
- Cultural competence and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Enthusiasm for engaging in the school community by supporting students, partnering with families, and collaborating with colleagues
- Alignment with and commitment to the school’s mission, values, and strategic priorities
- Proficiency with learning management systems and other web-based educational tools and resources
The requirements listed are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
- be on campus to teach students with curriculum organized and prepared
- ability to occasionally lift and move equipment and materials (up to 35 lbs)
- be able to move around a dance/theater space easily for demonstrations and to support students in their work
- exhibit class management skills that balance a fun, creative environment for students while maintaining a safe learning environment
Additional Information
This is a part-time (0.6 FTE), exempt, and benefit eligible position, reporting to the Head of Upper School. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026. Compensation is based on level of education and years of relevant experience.
For more information about the school, please visit www.rowlandhall.org.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Rowland Hall is an equal opportunity employer, and as such, believes that each individual is entitled to equal opportunity without regard to sex, color, race, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal or state anti-discrimination laws. Rowland Hall’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, promotion, training, discipline, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.