Dance Instructor

Middle School Dance Instructor (Hip Hop or Spirit Squad)– Job Description

The L.A.C.E.R. Afterschool Programs provide middle and high school students with free opportunities in the arts, academics, and athletics every day after school. Located in eight Los Angeles public schools, the program serves over 1,080 students every day with a team of instructors, artists, coaches and volunteers. The services L.A.C.E.R. provides make all the difference for the families we serve; 84% are economically disadvantaged; they do not have access to the high-quality programming L.A.C.E.R. specializes in, such as visual and performing arts, math and English tutoring, college and career prep, and organized sports for girls and boys. L.A.C.E.R. began in 1995 and programming is funded by Federal, State, City, and County funds, as well as Private Corporations and Foundations and individual donors. L.A.C.E.R. also partners with other non-profits to provide specialized classes and opportunities to our student community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate leadership and a commitment to educating, inspiring,

and empowering youth

• Represent the mission of L.A.C.E.R. Afterschool Programs and uphold all policies and procedures
• Explains and demonstrates principles, techniques, and methods of regulating movement of body, hands, or feet to achieve proficiency in movement
• Preparation of session plans for class enrichment
• Implement age appropriate classroom and behavior

management techniques

• Demonstrate method and procedures
• Plans physical education program to promote development of student’s physical attributes and social skills
• Observing and evaluating pupils’ progress and

make recommendations for improvement

• Organizes and conducts competitions and tournaments.
• Tracking quarterly participant grades for insuring academic grade requirements
• Conferring with students, parents, and L.A.C.E.R. staff
• Choreograph routines and select appropriate music for performances
• Provide a safe and exciting environment for students
• Supervise participants to ensure a safe learning environment
• Maintain current and accurate attendance records and ensure that students sign in and out daily
• Selects, stores, orders, issues and inventories equipment, materials and supplies used: keeps and maintain all records of receipts and expenditures.
• Must establish appropriate boundaries with students, school personnel and L.A.C.E.R. staff
• Adhere to workspace safety guidelines
• Attend all required staff meetings, trainings
• Must wear L.A.C.E.R. uniform

Qualifications:

• Experience in youth (11-14 years old) dance programs
• Familiar and comfortable with leading a group of 10-20 students
• Self-motivated and well organized
• Excellent communicator and listener
• Passionate about the values set by L.A.C.E.R. Afterschool Programs

Essential Work Areas:

• Work closely with the site Program Director and the Program Assistant
• Provide a primary point of contact as it relates to families and students
• Identify challenges and successes of students to meet the needs of the classroom
• Develop interest and capacity for new students throughout the school year
• Build relationships with students, L.A.C.E.R. staff and families to foster a positive experience

for all involved

• Meet at least once a month with the site Program Director to provide updates, reflections and re-assessments of the class as the year progresses
• Additional duties as assigned

Experience and Background:

• 2+ years at an accredited college/university
• At least 3 years’ experience working with youth (ages 11-18) 
• 3+ years facilitating instructional dance with a youth organization or a school campus setting
• Strong communication skills
• Well-rounded with various dance techniques and skills
• Ability to use good judgement in challenging situations
• Required pre-requisites prior to working:  Must have current TB test results (every 4 years), CPR/First Aid certification (every 2 years), COVID-19 vaccination and Live Scan federal and state fingerprinting (1 time only)
• Physical Requirements: Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer and office equipment; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; walking to various sites at the assigned location; kneeling and bending, pushing and pulling and reaching to retrieve items; lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 15 pounds; and hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the phone. 

Key Competencies and Work Traits:

• Passion for impacting the lives of young people – connection to L.A.C.E.R.’s mission as a professional career, with a passion for service
• Proactive and driven – ability to identify viable sources to meet students’ needs
• Interpersonal Skills – ability to relate comfortably with people in the L.A./Hollywood community, to engage input from colleagues, to listen effectively, and drive collaborative outcomes
• Trust and Respect – openness to giving and receiving feedback; practicing consideration for others’ opinions and differences
• Resiliency and Flexibility – ability to successfully navigate and adapt to complexity and change
• Dance Acumen – strong experience with meeting students’ needs by identifying challenges, as well as resources to provide support for progress

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This description does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" relationship.

The L.A.C.E.R. Afterschool Programs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Reports to: Middle School Program Director 

Job Type: Part-time

Work Location: Los Angeles 90038

Pay Frequency: Twice monthly

Pay Rate: $22-$25 per hour 

Hours: 2 -3 days a week, 3hrs a day