Performing Arts Teacher (Music, Dance & Theater)

Performing Arts Teacher (Music, Dance & Theater)

Location: Washington, D.C.

Model: Dual-Language Immersion

Start Date: August 2026

Our Mission

Sela was founded to dismantle educational inequity, racial segregation, and cultural isolation. We provide a space where students are celebrated as they begin their journey as global citizens. As a bilingual Hebrew-English school, we proudly serve over 280 students from Pre-K3 through 5th grade in the heart of DC.

The Role

As the Performing Arts Teacher, you will introduce our elementary students to the joyful worlds of music, creative movement/dance, and dramatic play/theater. In this role, you will design and deliver a vibrant, multi-sensory arts curriculum tailored to diverse elementary age groups. You will collaborate with classroom homeroom teachers (both English and Hebrew) to weave linguistic and cultural elements into your lessons, ensuring a seamless, high-energy arts experience that builds confidence, self-expression, and collaboration for our diverse student body.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Excellence

• Design standards-aligned elementary arts lesson plans that integrate music (rhythm, singing, instrumentation), dance (creative movement, choreography), and theater (storytelling, dramatic play, script work).
• Create a balanced approach of structured arts instruction and purposeful, creative exploration that accommodates diverse learning styles and elementary developmental milestones.

Data-Driven & Observational Growth

• Regularly assess student engagement, artistic development, and creative growth through informal and observational assessment data to tailor instruction and foster inclusion.

Classroom Culture

• Maintain an inviting, high-energy, and nurturing studio/classroom environment through effective, positive classroom management and developmentally appropriate routines tailored to elementary learners.

Collaboration

• Partner closely with homeroom teachers, fellow arts specialists, and instructional leaders to support school-wide events, integrate language concepts where appropriate, and ensure a unified student experience.

Commitment to Equity

• Uphold the firm belief that all students can achieve and express themselves at high levels, fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and validates each child's unique voice.

Instruction and Curriculum

• Plan and deliver engaging, hands-on arts instruction (Music, Dance, and Theater) tailored to the elementary school level.
• Develop instructional materials and utilize diverse instruments, props, and storytelling tools that support student engagement and differentiated learning.
• Establish clear, student-friendly creative objectives and regularly encourage student reflection and individual expression.
• Participate in collaborative planning with elementary and arts teams.

Classroom Environment and Student Engagement

• Create and maintain a safe, respectful, warm, and physically secure space for movement and performance.
• Implement classroom management practices that promote safety, collaboration, spatial awareness, and active participation.
• Foster student voice, confidence, imagination, and independent artistic choices.
• Ensure equitable access to instruments, costumes, props, and learning resources.

Student Support and Collaboration

• Collaborate with special education teachers, English learner specialists, counselors, and support staff to ensure the performing arts are accessible to all learners.
• Participate in student support processes, including identifying students who thrive in creative modalities or need modified physical or auditory supports.
• Implement accommodations and modifications as required by Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, or other student support plans.

Family Engagement and Communication

• Maintain regular, professional communication with families regarding elementary arts milestones, sharing glimpses of their children's creative achievements.
• Support, plan, or participate in school community gatherings, winter showcases, or family engagement opportunities that highlight student creative work.

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and required school training.
• Engage in instructional coaching cycles and feedback processes to continuously refine arts education teaching practices.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and accountability in all job responsibilities.
• Contribute positively to the school's professional culture and collaborative work environment.

Compliance and School Policies

• Comply with all applicable school policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
• Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable laws.
• Serve as a mandated reporter and comply with all child abuse reporting requirements under applicable law.
• Follow school policies related to student supervision, safety, physical movement limitations, and conduct.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records, including participation tracking and attendance.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (Master's degree in Music Education, Dance Education, Theater Education, or Elementary Arts preferred).
• Expertise: Deep knowledge of elementary arts pedagogy, including rhythm development, creative movement, and dramatic storytelling. A teaching license is preferred but not required.
• Experience: At least two years of elementary arts teaching experience with a proven track record of creating engaging, age-appropriate performances or classes.
• Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication; ability to sing, move, play an instrument (preferred but not required), and inspire a diverse group of learners.
• Eligibility: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Compensation & Benefits

Sela PCS offers a competitive salary scale based on experience and education.

• Salary Range: $58,525 - $98,328 (View our full Salary Scale)
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.