Dance Instructor - Fine Arts

Over view:

The Dance Instructor leads and acts as a role model to a group of children or adults in a specific area of the performing arts. Instructors develop, implement and engage participants in lessons and activities while ensuring safety. A high priority is placed on communication, organization, and risk management with this position. Lesson planning is required.

Essential Functions:

• Instruct movement based lessons to children or adults based on program description/assignment. Classes vary between 1-24 week long classes that meet once a week.
• Guide and develop participants individual talents to create quality dance performances.
• Participate in maintaining cleanliness of facility and supplies as well as properly storing and organizing equipment/materials on site
• Monitor and maintain the safety of all participants
• Instruct lessons based on proper dance technique, developing dance technique and age appropriate motor skill development techniques and/or theatre skills
• Responsible for selecting and providing age appropriate music for dance classes and performances
• Communicate with parents/guardians about daily activities, program requirements (including attire) and student progress when needed
• Set and enforce rules and expectations
• Understand, communicate, and enforce Park District rules and policies to participants and the public
• Attend all staff meetings and training programs as specified
• Create detailed lesson plans for each class that build on one another to a final performance piece
• Address any participant behavior/disciplinary issues with the Program Supervisor / Coordinator
• Provide excellent customer service and maintain a positive public image by addressing questions and concerns from staff, patrons, participants, and parents immediately
• Become familiar with participants; know their names, personalities, skills and interests
• Identify and observe equipment daily for possible maintenance needs and adjustments; report maintenance needs to Supervisor / Coordinator
• Complete all paperwork as required including, but not limited to reports and logs

Additional Functions

• Assist with events, programs and birthday parties as needed
• Complete other duties as assigned by Supervisor or other Park District administration
• Model and promote good leadership and teamwork in campers; prepare lessons and/or discussions on these topics that correlate with weekly activities
• Assist with coordinating performing arts showcases

Knowledge, Skill, and Work Experience Required:

• Must have at least 2 years of instructor experience
• Certification in advanced Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 1 month of employment and keep certification current. The District provides this training.
• Must obtain Mandated Reporter Certification
• Knowledge of age-appropriate art and/or recreational activities
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be organized, responsible, professional, and able to coordinate a wide variety of activities each week
• Must have the ability to solve problems as they arise and be able to perform tasks without direct supervision
• Must possess basic knowledge of a variety of age appropriate activities or skills applicable to assignment
• Must be highly motivated and able to assume a positive and active role in programming, even while working under potentially stressful conditions (hot or cold weather, upset or injured participants, etc.)
• Must have the ability to be firm with participants when necessary, enforce park district rules, and make sound decisions in order to secure the safety and well-being of all participants, facilities, and equipment

Recommended

• 1 to 2 years of college majoring in visual art or performing art; B.A. or B.F.A. in Visual or Performing arts or 4 years instructing youth in dance or theater arts
• Experience working with youth, especially in a recreation, performing arts setting, preferred
• Experience in planning and implementing daily lesson plans

Work Environment, Physical Demands and Considerations

• Frequent walking, running, standing, reaching, bending.
• Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs.
• Majority of work is in the studio
• May be exposed to occasional inclement weather including heat, humidity, and rain.
• Ability to work independently without supervision
• Ability to present ideas and recommendations in a concise manner
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and/or written instructions efficiently and effectively and to read and understand printed material
• Ability to operate assigned equipment
• Ability to effectively interact and communicate well with others
• Ability to interpret and explain division and District policies and procedures
• Ability to follow safety guidelines and exercise judgment in all aspects of responsibility
• Ability to resolve conflict safely, calmly and effectively

Hours: Hours vary based on program assignment (approximately 1 - 15 hours per week)

Pay:

• College Degree or 1-3 years teaching experience $18.00 per hour
• College Degree in Arts or 4-6 years teaching in Arts $20.00 per hour
• Masters Degree in Arts or 7 years teaching in Arts $21.50 per hour

Customers:
Internal: Employees of Park District
External: Patrons of Park District of Oak Park; residents of Oak Park, WSSRA, Partner Organizations including governmental and non-profit groups, and the Oak Park Business Community

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, functions or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, functions, activities or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer!