Dance Instructor

The Dance Instructor is a full-time, nine (9)-month salaried faculty position. The instructor leads the curricular dance program, with instructional strengths in modern/contemporary dance and jazz and the ability to teach ballet and other required dance courses. Responsibilities include teaching, curriculum development, assessment, advising, recruitment, and coordination of curricular performances. The instructor collaborates with the extracurricular competitive dance team to support shared students and coordinate schedules and performance activities. The position reports directly to the District Director of Fine Arts Instruction and is in Senatobia on our main campus.

 REPORTS TO: District Director of Fine Arts Instruction     

 CONTRACT TERM: Nine (9) months 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Dance or a closely related field, with graduate preparation for assigned courses.


• Successful dance teaching experience and demonstrated ability to teach modern dance, jazz, and/or beginning/intermediate ballet.


• Successful dance teaching experience in a school, college, conservatory, studio, or comparable setting.


• Professional performance and/or choreography experience.


• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, effective oral and written communication, and the ability to coordinate instruction and performances collaboratively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MFA or other terminal degree in Dance or a closely related field.


• Teaching experience in higher education and experience with curriculum development, assessment, or academic program coordination.


• Experience producing student dance performances, recruiting students, and supporting transfer preparation.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties and responsibilities include and are not limited to the following: 

1. Teach modern dance, jazz, ballet, dance appreciation, improvisation, composition, and other assigned dance courses within the instructor’s qualifications. Develop instruction appropriate for students with varied backgrounds and levels of dance experience.


2. Lead curriculum planning and review, develop syllabi and student learning outcomes, assess student achievement, and coordinate course offerings with the District Director of Fine Arts Instruction.


3. Develop student choreography; plan, choreograph, and rehearse curricular dance performances; and collaborate with theatre and music faculty on productions as assigned.


4. Coordinate with the competitive dance team’s coach or director on shared students, class and rehearsal schedules, studio and facility use, and performance calendars. Plan joint performances and recruitment activities as appropriate.


5. Advise dance students regarding course selection, academic progress, transfer preparation, and performance opportunities. Maintain scheduled office hours and support student retention.


6. Recruit prospective students and build relationships with area schools, dance studios, and colleges and universities. Collaborate with Fine Arts faculty and the competitive dance team on outreach.


7. Prepare and grade assignments and performance assessments. 


8. Maintain accurate attendance, grades, and program assessment records in accordance with College requirements.


9. Promote safe studio practices and appropriate use of instructional spaces and equipment. Participate in departmental activities, committees, and professional development. Evening and weekend rehearsals and performances may be required.


10. Perform other duties as assigned by the District Director of Fine Arts.

OTHER RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and support of College policies and procedures.


• Ability to collaborate with faculty and staff and support students with varied backgrounds and educational goals.


• Experience using instructional technology, including Microsoft 365, Canvas, and Outlook.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the  Instructor is regularly required to do the following:

• Stand for long periods 


• Talk, hear, view, and assist students 


• Communicate with others in person, telephone, zoom, & live chat


• Sit, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms


• Stand, walk, stoop, or kneel


• Occasionally lift and/or move items of at least 15-20 pounds


• Travel, evening and weekend rehearsals and performances may be required.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Prospective candidates must apply through the NWCC application portal and upload the following files. Applications with missing materials will not be considered for the position.

• Application at www.northwestms.edu.


• Cover letter addressing the position’s qualifications and responsibilities.


• Resume/Curriculum vitae.


• Transcripts.


• At least three (3) Professional References (Name, Phone Number, and Email).


• File with links to (3) three to five (5) video samples demonstrating ballet instruction, choreography, and performance. Identify the candidate’s role in each sample.