Dance and Health Teacher

The Leah Chase School; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 82,390; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in New Orleans is looking for a Dance Teacher responsible for engaging students in grades K–7 through curriculum in dance. The ideal candidate will possess an Associate’s degree in Dance, a valid Louisiana teaching certification, and experience working with younger students. Responsibilities include delivering high-quality instruction, choreographing performances, and fostering a positive school culture. The position offers a salary range of $47,000 to $82,390 yearly depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching dance to elementary to middle school-aged students preferred.
• Thorough understanding of best practices in education.
• Strong skills in classroom management and student engagement.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver high-quality dance instruction aligned to standards.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs.
• Choreograph and coordinate student performances for events.

Skills

Classroom management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Pedagogy

Education

Associate’s degree in Dance, Performing Arts, or Education

Valid Louisiana teaching certification

Job description

NOLA Public Schools Vision

The vision of the NOLA Public Schools is that every student receives a high-quality education that fosters their individual capabilities, while ensuring that they thrive, achieve physical and mental wellness, and are prepared for civic, social, and economic success.

Position Summary

The Dance Teacher is responsible for providing engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction to students in grades K–7 in dance. This role fosters creativity, self-expression, and physical coordination while promoting student confidence and artistic growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver high-quality instruction aligned to state and/or district standards in dance
• Teach foundational dance techniques (e.g., rhythm, coordination, movement, choreography) across multiple styles
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs and abilities
• Incorporate cross-curricular connections (e.g., literacy, culture, and the arts)
• Plan, choreograph, and coordinate student performances (e.g., showcases, assemblies, school events)
• Collaborate with staff to integrate performing arts into school culture and events
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers and school leadership
• Participate in school events, staff meetings, and professional development
• Contribute to a positive school culture and support school-wide expectations

Supervision of Students

• Supervises students in various settings including on-campus and off-campus activities, before and after school during drop-off and pick-up, within the classroom, during class transitions, recess/intermission, lunch periods, assemblies, and any other assigned times or locations to ensure their safety and well-being.

Non-Instructional Components

• Attends non-instructional activities such as faculty and staff meetings, professional training sessions, IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, back-to-school and open house events, graduation ceremonies, PGP and PIP evaluations, observations, IAP and student discipline meetings/hearings, as well as school board and committee meetings and other meetings as needed/requested.

Extracurricular Activities

• Attends meetings and functions of employee-sponsored activities, groups, or clubs.
• Attends work concessions/gates as requested by Principal or designee if applicable.

Educational Background

• At least an Associate’s degree in Dance, Performing Arts, Education, or related field strongly preferred
• Valid Louisiana teaching certification (strongly preferred)
• Experience teaching dance to elementary to middle school-aged students (preferred)
• Strong classroom management and student engagement skills
• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate instructional practices

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of pedagogy and the best practices of education.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and outside agencies.

$47,000 - $82,390 a year

Salaries begin at:
$47,000 for uncertified teachers
$57,500 for certified teachers + $1,600 board stipend
Salary steps are based on level of education, certification, and years of experience.

Salary Offers

Our salary offers reflect a commitment to equity and transparency. Each offer is determined by education, years of experience, and alignment with compensation across similar roles within the district.

Work Environment

• Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) part of the workday.
• Required to exert physical effort in handling objects more than 30 pounds rarely.
• Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals) rarely.
• Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements rarely.
• Normal setting for this job is an office/school setting.

Performance Evaluation

The employee will be evaluated based on the above position using either two methods: via COMPASS or a NOLA-PS evaluating instrument. If the employee holds an Educational Leadership certification, he/she will be evaluated via COMPASS to ensure renewal of certification.

EEOC Statement

NOLA Public Schools is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, national origin, age, marital status, and non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.