Dance Instructor

Summary of Position: After School Matters is seeking temporary, part-time instructors to teach performing arts programs during the summer, fall and spring sessions for 15 to 30 high school participants between the ages of 14 to 20. 

This is a part-time position scheduled for approximately 7.5 hours per week for the summer session and could stay on for further program sessions. 

The optimal candidate will have a passion for the performing arts and youth development.  

Responsibilities:  

• Design an engaging, hands-on performing arts curriculum that utilizes a variety of instructional methodologies that establishes clear objectives for teen participants   

• Provide instruction in and lead teen participants though, inquiry-based discovery methods, including but not limited to, Instructor demonstrations, hands-on activities, performances, assessment and coaching, youth and instructor content development, etc.   

• Provide teen participants with the basic/advanced fundamentals and technical knowledge in the selected discipline  

• Engage and guide teens through the creative process considering the varied methods for optimal design and performance  

• Establish and maintain a rigorous and cooperative learning environment where students flourish taking in account varied learning strategies and best practices that address diverse abilities and backgrounds  

• Guide student practice and development towards a culminating project (performances) at the end of the program  

• Intentionally expose teen participants to the varied professions in performing arts and related industries   

• Develop, plan, and implement high-quality related field trips, master classes and guest visits to enhance instruction and training  

• Organize, develop, and coordinate special events/activities in the discipline  

• Intentionally support critical youth development skills, including leadership development; community building; real-world and experiential learning; public speaking; youth voice and agency  

• Attend all planning and program dates, including: Instructor orientation, professional development workshops, meetings and other required sessions  

• Participate in the recruitment, interview, and selection process of participants  

• Maintain a safe, engaging, and positive environment for program participants  

• Provide supervision during program field trips and other youth engagement opportunities  

• Manage and track program activities such as attendance, interview outcomes, enrollment, evaluation surveys, and pertinent student records in an online data tracking system (Cityspan).  

• Report all problems or concerns and program updates to After School Matters Program Specialist to maintain consistent lines of communication throughout the program session.   

Qualifications:  

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in the related discipline preferred but not required  

• Content area expertise in performing art or a related experience in the STEM field  

• CPR Certification from American Red Cross or American Heart Association preferred  

• Supervisory/teaching experience preferred  

• Demonstrated ability to teach formal and informal technique in one of the relevant disciplines in group settings with a minimum class of 15 students  

• Be knowledgeable of the relationship between performing art with real world experiences   

• Broad knowledge of relevant performing art discipline terms and definitions  

• Enthusiastic about performing art and teaching   

• Experience working with groups of people (teenagers and adults)  

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team  

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills  

• Must be organized and possess a strong attention to detail  

Supervisory Responsibilities:  

• 15 to 30 Teen participants   

Compensation: $20-27 salary/per hour, depending on applicable experience and education  

About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.

ASM has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation’s largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens.

ASM offers paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and Orleans, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters’ annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization.

EEO:  After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.  

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