NDI seeks Dance Teaching Artists with experience teaching children to join our team in NYC Public Schools for the 2024 – 25 school year!

NDI seeks dance educators with a minimum of three (3) years experience teaching children, ideally in school-based settings. NDI’s Dance Teaching Artists work with students in elementary schools during the school day, teaching dance as an integral part of the school curriculum. Our programs culminate in celebratory and community-building performances. Every NDI class is taught by a team of three professional Teaching Artists: two Dance Teacher/Choreographers and a Musician/Accompanist. We utilize a movement vocabulary rooted in accessibility and theatricality, and informed by each teaching artist’s style, our annual curricular theme, and the children’s unique contributions.

NDI Teaching Artists utilize the NDI Method, which demonstrates our belief in joyful and rigorous learning, the importance of teamwork, and the power of performance. This position is open to dance teachers who are interested in learning NDI’s acclaimed teaching methodology by working alongside experienced colleagues and assisting classes in our partner schools. After this foundational year of on-the-job training, we expect to offer more opportunities to choreograph and lead classes as NDI programming expands. Candidates for the current position should demonstrate strong interest in and potential for advancement.

 

We encourage Dance Teaching Artists to apply who… 

- Are experienced performing artists with well-developed dance content knowledge in a variety of dance styles
- Have experience creating choreography for children
- Are dynamic, expressive, and energized movers with strong musicality
- Are as passionate about the art of teaching as they are about their art form
- Have a confident presence and positive classroom management skills
- Are committed to anti-racist education and culturally responsive teaching
- Possess tools to create inclusive learning environments where children of all abilities can belong, participate, and succeed
- Are collaborative; thrive in a team dynamic in which power and responsibility are shared
- Believe that all children can be artists and are capable of excellence

 

Job Responsibilities

- Assist weekly classes in NDI partner schools, working alongside a Lead Dance Teaching Artist and a Music Teaching Artist
- Develop a foundational understanding of the NDI Method and learn to effectively implement the NDI teaching techniques over the course of the school year
- Assist final rehearsals and culminating performances in assigned partner schools
- Support the creation of accessible, responsive, and dynamic choreography that both highlights students’ abilities and develops their skills and artistic expression
- Participate in planning meetings with partner school teachers and leadership
- Participate in research and planning to develop learning around NDI’s annual curricular theme
- Participate in required professional development, including a fall retreat, two-hour Teaching Artist workshops held every other month during the school year, and all-staff equity trainings
- Maintain an NDI email account and communicate promptly and professionally with NDI administrative staff, - Teaching Artist teams, and school partners
- Twice per year, complete a self-assessment and goal development plan under the guidance of an NDI mentor. - Additional support from an NDI mentor will be available as needed
- Submit digital timesheets every other week, adhering to deadlines

 

Compensation

- First-year NDI Teaching Artists are hired on a part-time basis and paid at a rate of $40-$50/class, depending upon level of teaching experience

- Classes typically run for 45 to 50 minutes, and we schedule no fewer than three classes in succession at any partner school

- Paid professional development meetings at teaching rate
- A yearly stipend for out-of-school time planning for each school assignment
- Additional compensation for evening performances and special projects
- Paid sick and bereavement leave
- Eligibility for  pay increases upon continuous employment

 

Qualifications and Requirements

- A minimum of three (3) years teaching experience with children
- Ability to make a solid commitment to teaching during the school day, at least three days per week, for the duration of the school year (early October to early or mid-June)
- Reliability and punctuality
- Ability to travel within all of NYC’s boroughs
- Must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. No visa sponsorship is available for this position
- Successful completion of fingerprinting and a background check (paid for by NDI) with the NYC Department of Education
- Teaching Artists who have the ability to teach in multiple languages including Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, and American Sign Language are strongly encouraged to apply

In order to fulfill our mission, NDI is dedicated to building and sustaining an organizational culture grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We are committed to hiring and advancing Teaching Artists who reflect and represent the rich diversity of the children, families, and communities we serve.

National Dance Institute 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.

 

Applications and Audition

If you are interested in this position submit your application HERE by May 31st, and attend the in-person group audition on June 6th (5:30pm – 7:00pm ET). To learn more about our hiring schedule click here.

 

Read the full job description on NDI's website