2024-2025 Contemporary Modern Dance Instructor

The Chicago High School for the Arts seeks a dynamic part-time teaching artist for the 2023-24 school year in the Dance Department to teach the following course:

Job Identification:

Title: Contemporary Modern Dance Instructor
Department: Dance
Classification: Part-time instructor

General Summary:

The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts ®) develops the next generation of artistically gifted, diverse scholar artists through intensive pre-professional training in the arts, combined with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The school approaches the development of students through a whole-student approach and through a continuous learning environment for all staff to continuously develop their understanding of our scholar-artists. We strive to build upon and improve our practices to make sure we are always serving all of our students to the best of our abilities.

Position Summary:

The ChiArts Dance Conservatory is seeking to hire a Contemporary Modern teaching artist for junior class instruction. At least three years of experience working with and teaching youth grades 9-12 is preferred. Must be creative, dedicated, positive, energetic, uplifting, and have an upbeat personality to motivate and inspire. The instructor will be responsible for the following that will include but is not limited to: 

·Develop a lesson plan, syllabus, and class description per class 

·Teach fundamental hip-hop skills and techniques in a dance studio setting 

·Develop choreography that is relevant to the youth and age-appropriate 

·Inform students of the relevancy of the technique and help make connections to today's culture. 

·Influence students' understanding of dance education and the importance of versatility in their dance training 

·Ensure that class material promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as cooperation and teamwork 

·Utilize dance as a form of conflict resolution and reflection and connect the dance curriculum to youth development goals for students. 

·Help students discover and shape their artistic identity through creative exploration 

·Promote self-esteem and confidence through performance in and outside of the classroom 

·Attend professional development opportunities in youth development and dance/arts education best practices and receive routine feedback and occasional coaching from the Dance Head.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Dance
• Minimum five (5) years of professional performing experience
• Minimum three (3) years of previous teaching experience at a pre-professional or professional level, preferably in the content area.
• Prior experience teaching high school students is strongly preferred.
• Illinois State Teacher Certification is preferred but may not be required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent curriculum development skills  
• Excellent classroom management ability

Salary 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Process 

Qualified applicants should apply directly online at www.chiarts.org and include all of the following: 

1. Cover Letter  
2. Resume 
3. Professional Educator License 
4. Contact Information including title, professional relationship, email, and telephone number for 3-5 Professional References.  Please do not attach letters of recommendation. 

Applicants who do not follow the submission directions will not be considered. Phone inquiries will not be accepted.  Please be aware that every item listed on a resume is subject to verification, and that any offer of employment is contingent on a successful reference and background check.  

Please visit www.chiarts.org for more information. 

The Chicago High School for the Arts (“ChiArts”) began its life as part of a quest for greater diversity among Chicago’s arts and cultural institutions.  ChiArts continues that quest by building holistic diversity at all levels, including students, faculty, staff, and board of directors.  As part of that continuing quest, ChiArts embraces an