Dance Teaching Artist

Poly Prep Country Day School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 102,000 - 122,000; Part time

Job summary

Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, NY is seeking a part-time dance educator to teach Grade 8 dance during the 2026–2027 academic year. The role emphasizes engaging middle school students in movement, creativity, and performance within a dynamic arts program that values inclusion and collaboration.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Dance/Performing Arts, with prior teaching or choreography experience with middle school students preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional training in Dance, Performing Arts, or a related field.
• Experience teaching Grade 8 dance or with middle school students preferred.
• Strong ability to choreograph and develop age-appropriate lessons.

Responsibilities

• Teach Grade 8 dance classes, developing technical skills, creativity, and confidence.
• Create engaging, age-appropriate lessons that foster artistic expression and growth.
• Choreograph student pieces and support performance opportunities.
• Collaborate with Arts Department to align curricular and program goals.
• Maintain a positive, inclusive classroom environment and communicate progress to faculty and families.
• Keep an accurate electronic gradebook and meet reporting deadlines.
• Collaborate with Department Chair and Middle School staff on unit and lesson planning.

Skills

Dance instruction

Choreography

Communication

Organization

Classroom management

Engaging adolescents

Education

Bachelor's degree in Dance or related field

Job description

Details

Posted: 06-Jul-26

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Type: Part Time

Salary: $10,000

Categories

Visual/Performing Arts

Required Education

4 Year Degree

Poly Prep's mission is to prepare and inspire the next diverse generation of leaders and global citizens to act with intelligence, imagination, and––above all––character.

Poly Prep seeks an engaging and experienced dance educator to teach Grade 8 dance and inspire students through movement, creativity, and performance. This is an exciting opportunity for a practicing artist and educator to work with middle school students in a dynamic arts program that values artistic excellence, collaboration, and student growth.

We seek a visionary designer with a passion for engaging in professional settings that highlight students; have strong communication and collaboration skills; and excellent organizational and time management skills. In view of our commitment to anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion, we seek an individual whose creative vision is aligned with those values, who can serve as a role model for our students, and whose personal integrity and collegiality will enrich a high-achieving, collaborative department.

Primary Responsibilities And Accountabilities

• Teach dance classes for Grade 8 students, fostering technical development, creativity, and confidence.
• Develop and deliver engaging, age-appropriate lessons that encourage artistic expression and skill building.
• Choreograph student dance pieces and support performance opportunities as assigned.
• Collaborate with Arts Department faculty and administrators to support curricular and programmatic goals.
• Maintain a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment.
• Communicate effectively with faculty and administrators regarding student progress and performance preparation.
• Maintain an accurate, up-to-date electronic gradebook.
• Effectively and supportively communicate with students and families.
• Provide written and oral feedback on student progress consistently throughout the school year and adhere to all narrative and grade reporting deadlines.
• Collaborate with the Chair and Middle School colleagues in developing unit plans, lesson plans, and assessments that reflect the goals and mission of the department and the School.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional training in Dance, Performing Arts, or a related field.

Experience: Prior teaching, choreography, or professional dance experience, particularly with middle school-aged students, preferred.

Specific Skills

• Strong dance instruction and choreography skills.
• Excellent communication, organization, and classroom management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and inspire adolescent learners.

Special Requirements

This is a part-time guest artist position focused on teaching Grade 8 dance classes during the academic year. Occasional participation in rehearsals or performances outside of regular class hours may be required.

Salary

$10,000

Employment Info

Part-Time (September 2026 – January 2027)

Poly Prep strives to be an equitable, just, and diverse community, one proud of and deeply committed to empowering students to discover who they are and what they want to be. In keeping with the country day school philosophy, we seek community members who will share a passion for learning in and out of the classroom. Every educator at Poly Prep aspires to uphold our mission “to support and inspire the next diverse generation of leaders and global citizens to act with intelligence, imagination and--above all--character.”

We offer a supportive environment, with a full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a generous match on our 403(b) retirement plan, long-term disability, flexible spending account, pre-tax commute benefit, and free lunch) if eligible.

Poly Prep is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

About Poly Prep Country Day School

Brooklyn, New York Nursery through Grade 12 Co-Ed Independent School. Founded in 1854