Dance Instructor – USAG Pre-Team and Team

City of Evanston; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 27,648 - 39,523; Part time

Job summary

City of Evanston is seeking a Dance Instructor for the USAG Pre-Team and Team program. The successful candidate will provide safe and developmentally appropriate instruction to children ages 7-15, focusing on USAG Level 3 and 4 routines.

The role requires at least five years of dance teaching experience, with a strong emphasis on coaching competitive dancers. This seasonal position involves planning lessons, supervising practices, and ensuring the safety and development of students.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience teaching dance to ages 4-12.
• 3 or more years of experience coaching competitive dancers.
• Willing to obtain required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement safe and effective pre-competitive programs.
• Supervise children during practices and competitions.
• Communicate with parents about children's progress.

Skills

Teaching ballet, lyrical, ballroom, Latin, or modern dance

Coaching competitive dancers

Knowledge of USAG Women's Developmental Program

Communication skills

Education

Five years of experience in teaching dance

USAG Competitive Coach Membership

Tools

Word

Excel

Google Suite

Job description

Dance Instructor – USAG Pre-Team and Team (JobID: 1386)

• Position Type: Parks, Recreation & Community Services - Seasonal
• Date Posted: 5/26/2026

TITLE: Dance Instructor – USAG Pre-Team and Team

DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation

DATES: Varies

PAY RATE: $20.07 - $28.69

General Task Statement: Under the direction of the Program Supervisor/Coordinator, the Dance Instructor is responsible for providing a safe and developmentally appropriate instruction to children ages 7-15. The Dance Instructor will be responsible for teaching competitive gymnasts the USAG Level 3 and 4 floor and beam routines as well as leading basic ballet, stretching, and leaps/jumps on both floor and beam. Failure to plan or facilitate lesson plans that are progressive, safe, and developmentally appropriate may negatively impact a gymnast's performance in competition. The Dance Instructor will be respectful of children, parents, and co-workers to ensure that equipment and facilities are clean, safe, and well-maintained. They will be responsible for planning lessons that do not conflict with the recreational gymnastics classes' instruction or equipment needs. They will provide detailed dance instruction, including leading 1.5-3 hour practices, providing constructive and developmentally appropriate corrections and feedback, setting up all stations and activities in accordance with the lesson plans approved by the Program Supervisor/Coordinator, and monitoring students' progress and communicating concerns to the Program Supervisor/Coordinator regularly. The Dance Instructor will be partially responsible for the success of the Level 3 and 4 team in competition and is expected to prepare gymnasts for competition, ensuring that routines are performed safely and in accordance with the USAG Compulsory Code of Points.

Supervision: This position reports to the Chandler‑Newberger Program Coordinator and the Division Manager.

Prerequisites for Employment

• CPR Certification
• Up to 10 hours of staff training
• Pre‑employment Drug/Alcohol Test
• Written exam
• Practical exam
• Structured oral interview
• Presentation of lesson plans
• A valid driver’s license or reliable transportation to competitions from December‑April

Qualifications

• Must possess five (5) years of experience teaching ballet, lyrical, ballroom, Latin or modern dance to ages 4-12, including three (3) years or more of experience coaching and choreographing for competitive dancers.
• Previous experience coaching USAG Compulsory or pre‑team preferred.
• Must possess or be willing to obtain USAG Competitive Coach Membership and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must be able to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certification from a nationally recognized institution and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the USAG Women’s Developmental Program.

Essential Functions – Task Statements

• Assist in the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate pre‑competitive program for preschool and elementary‑aged children.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of USAG Compulsory routines and deductions, including but not limited to the following:
    • Level 3 and 4 Performance Specifications on each event
    • Level 3 and 4 Evaluation Points on each event
    • Level 3 and 4 Developmental Skills on each event
    • Level 4 Points of Emphasis on each skill on each event
  • Draft monthly lesson plans to safely and effectively prepare gymnasts for USAG Level 3 and 4 skills, according to the Compulsory Code of Points routines, flexibility, and conditioning text.
  • Review lesson plans with the Program Supervisor/Coordinator and make any necessary edits according to their feedback.
  • Follow proper skill progressions, as provided by the Program Supervisor/Coordinator.
  • Supervise the use of equipment and facilitate lesson plans safely, using proper safe spotting techniques and clear, constructive feedback.
  • Ensure the equipment and facility are clean, well‑maintained and safe at all times; return equipment to its designated setup or storage place immediately after use.
• Supervise participants before, during, and after practice and in competition.
  • Ensure children are supervised at all times.
  • Provide engaging and supportive experiences for children through constructive feedback, varied activities, and individualized goals and planning.
  • Build children’s esteem in an appropriate manner.
  • Establish routines and provide positive guidance.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of USAG competition regulations, including but not limited to the following:
    • All General Penalties pertaining to USAG Levels 2 and 3
    • USAG Level 2 and 3 Floor Pattern
  • Follow warm‑up times and rotations in competition as provided by the Meet Director.
  • Effectively execute the provided competition warm‑up plans on each event.
  • Report accidents, injuries, or safety concerns immediately to the supervisor on‑site.
  • Provide a safe and secure environment for children to feel comfortable.
  • Implement positive discipline when required.
  • Clearly and effectively communicate in an age‑appropriate manner that children understand.
  • Observe children and make note of progress.
  • Accommodate each child’s individual needs in a positive and respectful manner.
  • Possess good judgement, emotional maturity, decision making skills, and willingness to accept responsibilities.
• Communicate with parents and members of the community.
  • Discuss children’s development and progress with parents or guardians, with the express approval of the Program Supervisor/Coordinator.
  • Execute parent‑teacher conferences two times per year.
  • Discuss identified problems and needs with professionals as appropriate.
  • Participate in community and team‑building activities outside of regularly scheduled practice times.
  • Keep parents and guardians informed of program expectations, program activities, and their child’s progress accurately, appropriately, and respectfully.
  • Ability to greet the public/families in a courteous manner and engage in good communications skills.
• Maintain program administration.
  • Follow gym and equipment schedule provided by Program Supervisor/Coordinator.
  • Complete student observations and evaluations by appropriate deadlines.
  • Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and workshops when directed.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Schedule

• June‑August
  • Monday‑Thursday, 12:30–4:30 p.m.
• September‑May
  • Sunday afternoons
  • Monday, 4–7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
  • Thursday and Friday evenings as needed.

Specifications

1. Knowledge of computer programs, including Word, Excel, Google Suite, and Internet.
2. Minimum reasoning ability usually associated with this classification: ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form; to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations.
3. Minimum language ability usually associated with this classification: Read: Ability to read staff manuals, memoranda, lesson plans, and attendance sheets.
   Write: Ability to complete attendance sheets, accident reports, incident reports and behavior reports using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, and style.
   Speak: Ability to give verbal direction to students, communicate effectively with co‑workers, supervisors, citizens, and the public as well as other employees; speaking extemporaneously.
4. Training: at least 5 years experience working with children; at least 3 years experience participating in team or club sports; current USAG Competitive Coach Membership.
5. Physical demands: exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently (or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects). Light work generally requires walking or standing. Heavy lifting of program equipment may be necessary.
6. Working conditions: prolonged standing while conducting programs; heavy lifting of equipment may be necessary.
7. Environmental conditions: work environment includes recreation centers, gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms, kitchens, swimming pools, athletic fields, parks, playgrounds, office space, conference rooms, beaches, and field trip sites.
8. Machines, tools, equipment, and work aids: Spieth crank beam.

Application Procedure

To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date. Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre‑employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847‑448‑8204 (voice) or 847‑448‑8052 (TTY).