Dance Teacher-Middle/Upper - Dynamic Team

Who we are?
Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves a diverse community of about 1,700 students on two campuses -- one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan.The Upper School, located in the Bronx, is comprised of approximately 600 students and 80 faculty members.

What is essential about working at our school?
The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of equity and inclusion deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace diversity of ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs and seek a student body and faculty that reflect the pluralism and socio-economic diversity of metropolitan New York. We affirm both our differences and commonalities, and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives, and see the world beyond the self.

We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in a diverse environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality.

Position Summary
Ethical Culture Fieldston School is looking for a part time middle and upper school Dance Teacher to work with students in grades 6-12 on our Riverdale campus in this Modern Dance based program. We seek a teacher with experience in Modern/Contemporary, Hip-Hop Dance and Ballet who can teach in both our middle and upper school courses. This teacher must be able to work collaboratively, co-teaching in many cases. The candidate must also be able to direct students in curricular and co-curricular dance concerts. The ideal candidate must demonstrate a commitment to progressive teaching and learning and an artistic and teaching practice rooted in equity and inclusion.

This is a .2675-.40 FTE position with a hiring range of $18,246-$64,766 (subject to change based on union negotiations).

Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities of the Dance Teacher will include:

• Developing and executing comprehensive collaborative lesson plans for middle and upper school dance classes, in alignment with the school's curriculum and standards;

• Teaching and demonstrating proper dance techniques, including body alignment, movement dynamics, and musicality;

• Choreographing original works as needed;

• Providing constructive feedback and corrections to students to enhance their dance development and their understanding of that development;

• Partnering with other dance instructors and department chair to plan and coordinate dance events, such as auditions, rehearsals, and productions;

• Collaborating with designers and technical director as needed;

• Fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, self-expression and an appreciation for multiple dance forms;

• Staying updated on the latest trends and developments in dance pedagogy and incorporate them into the curriculum;

• Attending department, division and school wide meetings accordingly;

• Communicating effectively with students, parents, and colleagues to provide updates on student progress, upcoming events, and any concerns or issues;

• Ensuring the safety and well-being of students during dance classes and rehearsals, following appropriate health and safety guidelines;

• Respecting and appreciating diversity in all of its forms;

• Listening effectively and being receptive to feedback;

• Performing other related projects and duties as assigned.

Position requirements
The successful incumbent will possess:

• Bachelor's degree in Dance, Performing Arts, or a related field is preferred;

• Proven experience as a dance teacher or choreographer;

• Strong technical knowledge and skills including proficiency in various dance techniques, styles, and routines;

• Ability to work with middle and upper school students and inspire them to achieve their full potential in dance;

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with students, parents, and colleagues;

• Strong organizational and time management skills to plan and execute dance classes, rehearsals, and performances;

• The ability to adapt teaching methods and materials to accommodate different learning styles and skill levels;

• Patience, flexibility, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude towards teaching and mentoring students;

• A familiarity with music editing software and experience in creating custom mixes for dance routines is a plus;

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

To apply
All candidates should visit our employment page at www.ecfs.org to apply. Please send a resume, and contact information for three references.

EEO
ECFS is an equal opportunity employer. Our goal is to be a diverse community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and families. We aim to align our hiring process with our mission and institutional goals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. ECFS takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance all qualified candidates.