Provide comprehensive dance instruction for students while supporting learning and creative self-expression

The Chicago Lights Dance Academy supports learning and self-expression through dance instruction for students throughout Chicago. The Dance Academy offers in-school instruction and dance ensembles, Saturday classes, and a Summer Dance Intensive. Through these programs, students learn various dance styles and corresponding technique, vocabulary, music, costuming, and choreography.

The Teaching Artist is responsible for the planning and implementation of dance instruction across all programs within the scope and sequence set forth by the Chicago Lights Dance Academy.

Responsibilities

• Provide appropriate and engaging grade-level based instruction in dance. Prepare materials in advance of classes for distributing to students.
• Understand and implement the Dance Academy Lesson Plan. Provide written lesson plans to the Program Manager in advance of each class.
• In partnership with the Program Manager and Director, develop student goals and outcomes and administer student pre- and post-assessments and reports.
• Collect and/or capture student work and progress as requested. Submit in a timely manner.
• Travel and arrive on time at various schools throughout Chicago where programs are held. Currently, classes are held virtually, via Zoom and Google Meets.
• Maintain consistent and clear communication about challenges and successes of the classes and students with the Program Manager and Director.
• Attend end-of-session and/or end-of-school year performances.
• Maintain consistent and clear communication with the teachers or coordinators at the school or organization where the program is being facilitated.
• Complete forms and paperwork in a thorough and timely fashion.
• Attend meetings and workshops required by all Chicago Lights staff.
• Use email as needed from personal computer.
• Provide trauma-informed care to all, ensuring that program environments and interactions are safe, inviting, and demonstrate best practice.
• Use the S.P.I.R.I.T. principles of hospitality when interacting with visitors, guests, members, and staff of Fourth Presbyterian Church and Chicago Lights.
• Attend staff meetings as required.
• It is impossible to convey every single task into one job description. As the role evolves over time, this job description will be adjusted accordingly.

Qualifications

• Professional dance experience required; bachelor’s degree preferred
• Must have 5 or more years of performance and teaching experience in dance
• In addition to choreographic and improvisational skills, must have extensive knowledge of a variety of dance styles
• Must have experience in and enjoy working with children in various settings
• Excellent classroom management skills
• Strong communication, presentation, and group management skills
• Strong organizational skills, computer skills, and excellent writing and oral skills
• Should be able to think quickly, creatively, and adapt to new situations in a fast-paced environment
• Understanding of and commitment to providing trauma-informed care
• Strong work ethic and judgment, apparent collaboration skills, and a commitment to Chicago Lights’ mission
• Commitment to racial equity and social justice: Recognize the role of race, income, age, immigration status, and other identities in shaping disparities, and work toward amplifying community voices to advocate for equity. Recognize how your own identities show up in the work, and welcome, reflect on, and act on feedback with an eye toward continuous learning about race, ability, and other lines of difference.

Schedule

This is a seasonal, limited part-time position. The schedule will be determined by the needs of the specific program, the time of year, and the availability of the teaching artist.

The in-school residency and Saturday class programs align with the Chicago Public Schools academic calendar (September–June) and could consist of two to five classes per week between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday.

Summer Dance Intensive is a 4-week program in July, Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Occasional evening hours may be required for performances, but planned in advance.

Compensation

This is a part-time position and not eligible for benefits. Salary is commensurate based on experience.

Apply

Fourth Presbyterian Church and Chicago Lights are committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, without regard to race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status or familial status, veteran status, military status, source of income, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.