Dance Teacher

Our Commitment:

Amber Charter Schools understands specific groups are subject to marginalization. We believe these powerful groups should be centered in our community and are highly encouraged to apply. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation/affectional preference, gender (including gender nonconformity, status as a transgender or transsexual individual, and gender identity or expression), sexual and reproductive health decisions, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, age, familial status, partnership status, caregiver status, pregnancy status, uniformed service, military and veteran status, employment status, disability, political affiliation, height, weight or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law, rule or regulation.

Position Summary

At Amber Charter Schools, Dance Teachers bring learning to life through movement, creativity, and self-expression. In this role, you will create dynamic, engaging experiences in which students (k-8) build confidence, develop collaboration, cultivate discipline, and develop a love for the performing arts.

Through culturally responsive instruction and performance opportunities, students don’t just learn dance, they create, express themselves, and grow both on and off the stage. Every class is an opportunity to spark joy, inspire creativity, and make a lasting impact.

Essential Responsibilities

Curriculum Implementation

• Develop and implement engaging dance lesson plans aligned to school curriculum goals and educational standards.
• Introduce students to a variety of dance styles, movement techniques, choreography, rhythm, and creative expression.
• Foster a love for dance and movement through interactive, culturally responsive, and student-centered instruction.
• Plan and support student performances, showcases, assemblies, and school-wide events as needed.

Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain a positive, inclusive, and structured learning environment conducive to movement-based instruction.
• Implement effective behavior management strategies that ensure student safety, participation, and respect.
• Maintain safe classroom and studio practices during all activities and performances.

Student Assessment

• Assess student growth and participation through ongoing observation, performance-based assessments, and feedback.
• Monitor student progress in skill development, creativity, collaboration, and effort.
• Collaborate with colleagues to analyze student progress and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.

Parent Communication

• Maintain open and regular communication with parents or guardians regarding student progress, achievements, and areas for growth.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences and school events as needed.

Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with teachers, specialists, and support staff to create a cohesive and supportive educational environment.
• Support integration of dance and movement into interdisciplinary learning opportunities where appropriate.
• Participate in school-based professional development and collaborative planning sessions.

Incorporate Technology

• Integrate technology and multimedia resources into instruction to enhance the learning experience.
• Utilize music, video, and digital tools to support choreography, performance review, and student engagement.

Cultural Competence

• Foster a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity through movement and artistic expression.
• Incorporate diverse dance styles, traditions, perspectives, and artists into instruction.

Professional Development

• Engage in continuous professional learning to remain current with dance education practices, instructional strategies, and educational trends.
• Pursue opportunities for artistic and professional growth.

Required Experience and Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience teaching dance, movement, performing arts, or related enrichment programs with elementary or middle school-aged students .
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to create a positive, safe, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Technological proficiency for incorporating digital tools into teaching.
• Familiarity with high-quality curriculum programs.
• A high degree of comfort and confidence planning and implementing rigorous, engaging, and effective instruction.
• Capacity to develop strong relationships based on trust, respect, effective communication, and common goals.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple obligations and initiatives, strong attention to detail, and excellent time management.
• Strong command of all Microsoft Office and Google drive programs.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Completion and clearance in pre-employment Fingerprinting and Reference check process.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• 2 years of experience as a lead teacher or dance instructor in an elementary or middle school setting.
• Master’s Degree in Education, Dance, Performing Arts, or related field.
• New York State teaching certification in Dance, Physical Education, Performing Arts, or related subject area.
• Professional dance training or performance experience

• Ability to speak, write and understand Spanish.

Amber’s Expectations

• Regular attendance and punctuality  
• Maintain a professional appearance 
• Organizational fit for Amber culture, that is, exhibit the Amber Traits of Achievement, Community, Responsibility, Honesty, and Respect  

 Equipment

• Laptop, Promethean board, sound equipment, classroom/studio equipment, and office equipment 

Work Schedule

• 10-month work schedule
• Amber Charter East Harlem school hours 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Work Environment/Physical Effort:  

• Regularly required to sit, stand for long periods of time, walk, climb stairs, speak loudly and clearly, visually observe, hear, operate a computer, and other classroom, school, and office equipment, reach with hands and arms, bend down, and must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 20 pounds. Work is being performed in a traditional multi-floor school environment with no elevator access.

Compensation

Amber Charter Schools strictly follow a salary schedule for each role to ensure our continued commitment towards pay equity. The expected salary range for this role is $63,781- $106,246, depending on verified relevant work experience, highest level of completed education, and required certifications and/or licenses for the role. This is an exempt position.

Who We Are:

In addition to Amber’s competitive salaries, Amber offers opportunities for supplemental compensation, an excellent benefits package starting on day 1,  including medical plans averaging a $55 employee contribution monthly for single coverage (with dependent options available and averaging $92-$124 per month), dental & vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with an organization-paid contribution after 1-year, various supplemental benefit options such as life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, pre-tax commuter & transit benefits and flexible spending/health reimbursement accounts, longevity and referral bonuses, generous paid time off, access to a federal student loan debt reduction program, professional development and a friendly work environment.