Visual and Performing Arts: Dance & Musical Theatre Teacher (Part-time)
La Jolla Country Day School
Details
Posted:
May 21, 2018
Location:
La Jolla, California
Salary:
Type:
Part Time - Faculty
Category:
Visual/Performing Arts
Required Education:
4 Year Degree
We are seeking an innovative performing artist interested in immersing students into the nuances of trusting one’s imagination and sensibilities in dance and musical theatre. The performing arts faculty member will contribute to the community as a link teacher, a valued voice who connects with multiple divisions through a specific content area. The candidate will possess a background that ranges in dance and musical theatre background, as well as a commitment to inclusion and diversity through the arts. LJCDS teachers collectively focus on nurturing habits of heart and mind, interest in local and global education, and investment in cultivating environments where every voice and perspective contributes to a culture of dignity.
This individual is innovative, flexible and spontaneous, and comfortable weaving proven techniques with progressive pedagogy. VAPA contributes to the overall mission of LJCDS through a commitment toward a growth mindset and consistent experimentation with developmentally appropriate strategies. The Performing Arts faculty - Link Teacher candidate will possess strong communication skills with a growth focused mindset as a core value. Our production team strives to learn from each other, advance imaginative experiences, and support the growth of our connections with students, teachers, coaches, division directors, and LJCDS families.
Responsibilities include:
Teach one-section of Upper School Dance, two separate trimesters of dance and musical theatre, and direct the annual US Musical.
Curriculum planning for all courses with an emphasis on creative assessment to enhance the experience for every child.
Mentor and assist middle and upper school students in understanding the role of the arts at LJCDS and beyond.
Create a classroom community respecting the diverse needs of all children through implementation of performing art knowledge gained from both Western and Non-Western history and practices.
Embrace teachable moments while understanding that children enjoy routine and planning accordingly to meet student needs.
Plan activities and projects that provide students with opportunities to build foundational skills through curiosity and critical thinking.
Observe and evaluate each individual student’s academic and social and emotional growth, keeping appropriate records about the student interactions.
Prepare trimester and quarterly student evaluations of the art experience for each child.
Prepare and communicate with parents and staff to discuss student progress throughout the year.
Engage with the community at open house events, specific VAPA programming, and specially designed community service events where the arts can play a role in sharing our school’s mission of inspiring greatness.
Collaborate with faculty for theme integration, theme event planning, field trips, community activities, and more.
Thoughtfully conduct studio observations with colleagues as well as director-with-teacher classroom conversations.
Welcome parent CO-OP help and classroom volunteers.
Integrate into the community during the day by eating at lunch with students and/or colleagues.
Occasionally, attend team meetings and scheduled professional days, when appropriate.
Attend school wide special events, as needed and when available.
The ideal candidate will possess or demonstrate the following: a growth mindset, self-motivation, positive energy, strong interpersonal skills, a service-oriented and team approach to work, approachability, openness to new and divergent ideas, excellent oral and written communication skills, and comfort in an educational setting where children and adults are present.
B.A/B.S. degree in appropriate subject or related field from an accredited institution.
Flexible working schedule that will coordinate with the Middle and Upper School 7-day schedule. The school year is scheduled by days 1-7, which can be reviewed and scheduled before the beginning of the academic year.
Experience in all aspects of dance and musical theatre, including production planning, student, teacher, and parent communication, and execution of productive productions.
Knowledge of and experience with social media and different forms of promotion and media.
Investment toward bridging new connections to develop unique experiences for middle and upper school students in dance and musical theatre.
Experience working with young people from diverse cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds.
Dedication to the mission and daily practices at La Jolla Country Day School.
Proven experience working with youth in a learning environment.
Well-organized and committed to department development.
Comfort and proficiency with information technology.
Flexibility, sensitivity, diplomacy and the outstanding interpersonal skills necessary to work collaboratively with multiple constituencies required.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as attention to detail required.
Flexible and willing to work some evenings and/or weekends.
About La Jolla Country Day School
La Jolla Country Day School (LJCDS) is an independent coeducational day school for students in early childhood (age 3) through Grade 12. LJCDS prides itself on identifying students and teachers of character who have a strong work ethic and a desire for greatness in any realm that inspires them. Through an outstanding faculty and staff, the school delivers an exceptional academic program, mentors the pursuit of greatness, and engages thought leaders into the fabric of the school. Its promise is to “Inspire Greatness for a Better World.”
