Job Description:
Position Summary
The ACES Educational Center for the Arts (ECA) seeks an exceptional Teaching Artist - Dance Instructor to join our nationally recognized, half-day performing arts magnet high school. Located in the heart of New Havens Audubon Arts District, ECA serves talented students in grades 9-12 from more than 25 Connecticut school districts.
At ECA, we believe in the capacity of the human spirit to create, connect, and transform. Our students learn alongside practicing professional artists in a rigorous conservatory-style environment where artistic excellence, curiosity, collaboration, and creative risk-taking are celebrated every day.
We are seeking an accomplished dance artist and educator who is passionate about mentoring young artists while cultivating technical excellence, artistic voice, and a lifelong appreciation for dance.
Essential Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Teach high school dance technique and performance classes within their area(s) of expertise.
- Design and deliver engaging, rigorous, student-centered curriculum aligned with ECAs artistic mission.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and challenging studio environment where students feel safe to create, collaborate, and take artistic risks.
- Mentor students as developing artists while encouraging creativity, professionalism, and personal growth.
- Incorporate historical, cultural, and contemporary perspectives into instruction.
- Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners and artistic abilities.
- Assess student progress and provide meaningful feedback to promote continued artistic development.
- Collaborate with department faculty and administration on performances, curriculum, and interdisciplinary opportunities.
- Participate in department meetings, rehearsals, performances, professional learning, and school events.
Qualifications
Candidates should possess:
- BFA or MFA required
- 180 hours of K-12 teaching in order to hold the adjunct 198 teaching cert.
- Strong understanding of dance pedagogy, choreography, composition, and performance.
- Ability to inspire and challenge students from diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Commitment to equity, belonging, and inclusive arts education.
Preferred Areas of Expertise
Candidates with experience in one or more of the following are encouraged to apply:
- Contemporary
- Modern
- Ballet
- Hip Hop
- Jazz
- Tap
- West African
- Kathak
- Cultural and World Dance Forms
- Improvisation
- Choreography and Composition