Dance Instructor (K-8)

Every Student. Every Dream. Every Day. At Battle Creek Public Schools (BCPS), we see, challenge, and support every scholar to reach their infinite potential . BCPS offers a range of innovative learning opportunities, including IB, arts, STEM, Career Academies, early childhood, and adult education, all grounded in academic excellence, equity, and community .

Join a district that invests in its people. BCPS offers a $51,500 starting teacher salary , comprehensive benefits, tuition reimbursement, paid professional development, mentoring and instructional support, plus housing incentives (for teachers and administrators) of up to $20,000 for home purchase assistance or $4,500 in rental assistance.

Whether you're a teacher, support professional, or leader, BCPS offers meaningful work in a community that values you. Apply now and build your career as a Bearcat!

Position Summary

Northwestern Academy of Visual and Performing Arts is seeking an enthusiastic and talented Dance Instructor to engage students in grades K-8 through an arts-integrated curriculum that combines dance with core academic subjects such as language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and technology. This instructor will inspire students to explore movement as a form of storytelling, self-expression, and personal growth, fostering artistic expression and interdisciplinary learning.

Through dynamic, studio-like classrooms, students will connect academic concepts with creative expression, enhancing critical thinking, cultural awareness, and essential academic skills. In the early grades (K-2), students will engage in dance exploration, sparking curiosity and creativity. As they move into grades 3-5, they will focus on building foundational dance knowledge and skills.

In middle school (grades 6-8), students will have the opportunity to choose a major and minor arts discipline, allowing for personalized learning that fosters empathy, self-awareness, and cultural competency. The ideal candidate will promote collaboration and creativity, helping students develop storytelling, sequencing, cultural appreciation, and technological proficiency through dance.

Teachers will also participate in professional development, collaborative planning, and partnerships with community and arts organizations to deliver meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Position Responsibilities: Dance Instruction: Teach fundamental dance techniques, building students' confidence, coordination, and appreciation for movement as both an art and a fitness practice.

Cultural Awareness in Dance: Guide students in understanding the historical and cultural significance of dance, exploring how different traditions, styles, and histories shape dance worldwide. Interdisciplinary Instruction: Integrate dance with core subjects like language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies to enhance students' academic and creative understanding.

Creative Movement and Storytelling: Support students in developing original choreography and exploring personal and cultural narratives. Classroom Culture: Create a dynamic, inclusive, and safe classroom environment that fosters collaboration, self-expression, and personal growth. Differentiated Instruction: Tailor lessons to meet diverse student needs, ensuring meaningful, accessible, and challenging experiences.

Assessment and Reflection: Develop assessments to measure students' technical skills, creative expression, and interdisciplinary understanding, promoting self-reflection and constructive peer feedback. Performance and Creation: Teach various dance styles (ballet, jazz, hip-hop, cultural dances) and encourage performance opportunities that integrate multiple art forms.

Collaboration and Professional Development Professional Growth: Engage in continuous learning to refine arts-integrated instruction, DEI principles, student-centered learning, and climate management practices. Professional Learning: Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current on best practices in dance, and arts-integrated instruction.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partner with faculty across arts and academic departments to design integrated curricula that link dance and physical education with artistic practices and academics. Collaborate with Colleagues and Community Partners: Work with other educators and community organizations to provide integrated educational experiences connecting social studies and culture with broader learning goals that support authentic, interdisciplinary learning experiences, experiential learning opportunities, and community sustainability.

Parental Communication and Engagement: Maintain regular communication with parents on student progress and development, while fostering an actively supportive and informed school community. Event Coordination and Participation Activity Leadership: Lead student activities that promote dance, community service, and cultural events.

Showcases & Exhibitions: Plan and coordinate student showcases and exhibitions highlighting student and community creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in dance and physical education.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Dance Education or related field. Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with a Dance (MH) endorsement, or ability to obtain. Experience teaching various dance styles (ballet, modern, hip-hop, cultural dances) and integrating dance with academic content. A practicing artist with a passion for arts education.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Strong understanding of biomechanics, kinesiology, and safe movement practices. Knowledge or willingness to adopt the Studio Habits of Mind framework and CASEL's social-emotional learning competencies. Excellent verbal/written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Core Values and Professional Standards: Commitment to School Vision: Align instruction and culture-building efforts with the school's mission to nurture adaptable, compassionate global citizens, fostering growth in creative, intellectual, and social-emotional domains.

Student-Centered Teaching and Learning: Provide opportunities for students to take ownership of their education through active participation, personalized instruction, and collaborative reflection. Arts-Integrated Education: Actively use creative expression to foster social responsibility and holistic student development, integrating arts practices across disciplines to deepen understanding and enhance learning.

Collaborative Leadership: Engage with colleagues, families, and community partners to create a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment that reflects shared values and promotes collective success. Excellence in Teaching: Commit to developing students into creative, intellectual, and responsible global citizens through high-quality instruction, effective climate management, and arts-integrated practices.

Commitment to Fairness and Opportunity: Advocate for fairness and the equal treatment of all students, ensuring opportunities for success in the arts and beyond while fostering a supportive and welcoming environment. Salary: $51,500 � $87,883 (Potential for additional stipends) Contract: 188 Days (10 months) SCHOOL SAFETY CLEARANCE: The successful candidate will be subject to a fingerprint and background check as a condition of employment.

All fees required for this check (estimated $73.00) will be the responsibility of the successful applicant. Battle Creek Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.