Assistant Teaching Professor in Dance

The International; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alabama invites applications for a renewable contract Teaching Assistant Professor in Dance. The successful candidate will teach across MFA and BA programs, mentor students in teaching, choreography, and research, and contribute to curricular initiatives.

The role emphasizes sustaining an active artistic practice within and beyond the university. Responsibilities include teaching both dance studies and studio courses, with emphasis on jazz and/or ballet techniques, and may

Qualifications

• Master of Fine Arts or PhD in Dance or related field.
• Record of successful teaching at college/university level.
• Commitment to inclusive pedagogy and collaborative perspectives.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Teach a mix of dance studies and studio courses across MFA/BA programs.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in teaching, choreography and research.
• Recruit students, contribute to curricular initiatives, and engage in service.
• Maintain an active professional creative practice.

Skills

Teaching experience

Inclusive pedagogy

Communication skills

Mentorship

Education

MFA/PhD in Dance

Job description

The Department of Theatre and Dance invites applications for a renewable contract Teaching Assistant Professor position in Dance. The successful candidate will engage with students across the MFA and BA dance programs through teaching, mentoring, research and creative activity, and service. The faculty member will teach a combination of dance studies and studio courses, which may include dance pedagogy, graduate research methods, graduate dance seminars, and improvisation and composition, in addition to all levels of technique in the candidate’s area of expertise. While we are particularly seeking candidates with experience teaching all levels of jazz and/or ballet techniques, additional expertise in dance forms such as Hip Hop, House, Street Style, or Latin forms, and in dance technology and digital media, will be considered an asset. The position also offers opportunities to contribute to the reimagining of curricular initiatives and the development of new courses. The faculty member will mentor graduate and undergraduate students in teaching, choreography, and research.
The faculty member is expected to maintain an active professional creative practice, including work both within the university and beyond the institution. This is an exciting time for creative work within the department, and in Fall 2027, we will open the Smith Family Center for the Performing Arts, a new performing arts center featuring four venues including the dedicated 450-seat Eliza P. Culverhouse Dance Theatre. Opportunities on campus include choreographing, rehearsal directing, and/or re-staging works for students in the pre-professional company Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre and other departmental productions. The faculty member may also mentor student creative work and serve as an artistic director for student-choreographed concerts. These opportunities provide meaningful avenues for the faculty member to contribute to the creative life of the department while supporting the artistic development of students.
Additional responsibilities include student recruitment, mentorship of student dance concerts, and service to the department, college, and university. The faculty member will also advise and mentor students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, contributing to their artistic, academic, and professional development throughout their time in the program.

Minimum requirements

• Master of Fine Arts or PhD in Dance or related field.
• Record of successful teaching at the college and/or university level.
• Candidates should demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusive pedagogical approaches and a record of work using various and collaborative perspectives.
• Good communication and organizational skills are imperative.

Preferred qualifications

• 3-5 years of university teaching experience.

This position begins on August 16, 2027.

Additional questions may be directed to Associate Professor McDonald at [e-mail].