HARRISONBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Position:

High School Performing Arts Teacher (Dance and Drama)

Reports to:

Principal 

Contract:

200 Days 

Salary Scale:

Teacher 

FLSA Status:

Exempt
 

Revised:

5/2022, 2/2024

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a High School Dance/Movement Teacher, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive dance and movement curriculum for high school students. Your role will involve instructing students in various dance techniques, choreographing performances, fostering creativity, and promoting physical fitness through movement. You will also contribute to the overall artistic and cultural development of students, encouraging self-expression, collaboration, and appreciation for the performing arts.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in Dance Education, Performing Arts, or related field
  2. Teaching certification or licensure in dance/movement education.
  3. Proven experience teaching dance/movement to high school students.
  4. Strong proficiency in a variety of dance styles and techniques.
  5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  6. Ability to inspire and motivate students to achieve their full potential.
  7. Organizational skills and attention to detail for planning and coordinating performances and events.
  8. Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
  9. Passion for the arts and a dedication to promoting the value of dance education in the school community.
  10. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  11. Ability to inspire and motivate students, fostering their creative expression and artistic development.
  12. Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performing arts classroom and productions.
  13. Passion for the arts and a dedication to nurturing a lifelong appreciation for dance and theater in students.
  14. Effectively demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions.
  15. Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  16. Familiarity with equity and inclusion frameworks.  Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities.  Respects the worth, dignity and individual differences of others.
  17. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present to diverse audiences to foster professional relationships and express and/or exchange ideas.  
  18. Excellent interpersonal skills.
  19. Proficiency in the use of a variety of office/instructional equipment and technology with experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and email.
  20. Demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Curriculum Development: Implement and support a structured dance/movement curriculum that aligns with Virginia Department of Education standards and objectives, ensuring progressive learning and skill development.Instructional Delivery: Deliver engaging and effective dance/movement instruction to high school students, incorporating a variety of techniques such as ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and cultural dance forms.

  2. Choreography: Create choreography for student performances, showcases, and events, considering factors such as skill levels, thematic elements, and audience appeal.Skill Development: Provide individualized feedback and coaching to students to help them improve their dance technique, performance quality, and overall physical fitness.
  3. Classroom Management: Establish and maintain a positive and inclusive learning environment where students feel safe to explore and express themselves creatively.Collaboration: Collaborate with other teachers, staff, and administrators to integrate dance/movement into interdisciplinary projects and school-wide events.Performance Management: Organize and oversee dance rehearsals, performances, and productions, ensuring logistical arrangements are in place and students are prepared for their roles.Student Engagement: Engage students in reflective discussions, group activities, and projects that deepen their understanding of dance as an art form and its cultural significance.Professional Development: Stay current with developments in dance education, attending workshops, conferences, and training sessions to enhance teaching skills and knowledge.Community Engagement: Foster connections with the local community through partnerships with dance organizations, guest artist residencies, and participation in dance festivals or competitions.
  4. Cultural Enrichment: Introduce students to a diverse range of cultural perspectives, theatrical styles, dance genres, and dramatic literature, promoting an understanding and appreciation for global performing arts.
  5. Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues, staff, and community partners to integrate performing arts into interdisciplinary projects, school events, and extracurricular activities.
  6. Professional Development: Stay abreast of advancements in performing arts education, attending workshops, conferences, and training sessions to refine teaching skills, directing techniques, and artistic knowledge.
  7. Community Engagement: Engage with the local community through organizing performances, hosting events, participating in festivals, and fostering partnerships with arts organizations to enrich students’ experiences in the performing arts.
  8. Takes all industry standard precautions to protect students, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
  9. Maintains appropriate state licensure; assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date.
  10. Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.
  11. Actively participates in and attends all required meetings.
  12. Maintains confidentiality when appropriate.
  13. Complies with and supports school division policies, regulations, procedures, and the HCPS Strategic Plan.
  14. Effectively performs other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Light work, lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.  Regular travel throughout the school and effectively interact with students, staff, and the school community.  Regular contact with staff members is required.  Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

 

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on the evaluation of administrative or licensed personnel.

 

 

The above is intended to describe the essential functions of and requirements for the performance of this position.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities and requirements of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and meet the demands of this position.




Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; and subject to inside and outside environmental conditions