Dance Instructor

Description

Summary
La Salle College Preparatory seeks a full-time Dance Instructor for the 2026–2027 school year

Position Summary
The High School Dance Instructor is responsible for planning and delivering engaging dance instruction that promotes technical skill development, artistic expression, creativity, physical fitness, and an appreciation for dance as a performing art. The instructor creates a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment while preparing students for performances, showcases, and other school events.

Potential Classes include:

• Dance 1 with Health Component (PE)
• Multiple Dance Levels
• Dance Comp & Choreography (8th period)
• Contemporary Photography (2 periods)

Teachers at La Salle College Preparatory are responsible for developing the necessary actions for the success of the goals of the Strategic Plan, providing excellent instruction and guidance to students in grades 9-12, creating curriculum connections across these domains:

Domain 1: Truth and Transparency: Faculty are expected to be experts in their discipline of instruction; responsibly select accurate discipline-specific content for the classroom; maintain clear, accurate, and detailed academic records for external examination.

Domain 2: Inclusive Instruction: Faculty are expected to create opportunities to engage and open doors for students with different opinions, ideas, and perspectives; incorporate new learning modalities to support differences between students; adopt instructional tools which utilize technologies students will rely on in the future.

Domain 3: Conscientious Collaboration: Faculty are expected to create and capitalize on meaningful cross-disciplinary opportunities for teaching and learning; as a mentor, reflect the values of the community by guiding students and supporting students with engaging learning opportunities outside the classroom; build patterns of radical empathy when interacting with others.

Domain 4: Foundation of Faith: Faculty are expected to attend and participate in required community activities; lead through service by working in the community for the common good; endorse and affirm all school policies that relate to teaching in a Catholic school; establish and maintain clear ethical standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive dance curriculum aligned with school goals and educational standards.
• Lead the development and growth of the program.
• Lesson plan, teach, and assess as per department guidelines.
• Teach various dance styles, which may include ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, musical theater, and cultural dance forms.
• Instruct students in proper dance technique, choreography, performance skills, and injury prevention.
• Create lesson plans that accommodate diverse learning styles and skill levels.
• Choreograph and rehearse performances for school assemblies, showcases, concerts, competitions, and community events.
• Choreograph and direct at least 2 school dance performances per year that showcases the work of current students.
• Assess student progress and provide constructive feedback on technique, effort, participation, and performance.
• Foster a classroom environment that promotes respect, discipline, teamwork, and artistic growth.
• Ensure student safety by maintaining proper warm-up, conditioning, and dance practices.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administration to support school programs and activities.
• Maintain attendance, grades, and other required records in accordance with school policies.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and school personnel regarding student progress and program expectations.
• Participate in department meetings, professional development, and school events as required.
• Supervise students and school events, as assigned.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings, department meetings, professional development and other meetings as assigned.
• Attend and participate in expected attendance events (e.g. graduation, back to school night, open house, etc.)
• Some evenings and weekend work will be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Teach a Mentor class.

Terms of Employment: August 1, 2026 to May 28, 2027. Renewable based on the needs of the school and satisfactory job performance.
Reports To: Department Chair and Vice-Principal.
Direct Reports: None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of dance pedagogy and performance techniques.
• Ability to inspire and motivate students of varying skill levels.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to choreograph performances suitable for high school students.
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a school community.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to demonstrate dance techniques and movements.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move actively for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move equipment and performance materials as needed.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Dance, Performing Arts, Physical Education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in dance instruction and choreography.
• Teaching experience in the subject area with high school-aged students.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.
• Team player who exhibits a collegial, cooperative, and collaborative approach to his/her work.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Desire and ability to relevantly connect with and engage with high school students.
• Participates in and is willing to be part of a high school community of educators.
• Able to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree or valid California teaching credential.
• Teaching experience in a Catholic school.

Salary and Benefits:
$50,000-$100,000/year DOE*
Benefits include comprehensive health benefits, generous PTO, deferred compensation (403b), life insurance, free secure parking, and a tuition discount for an employee’s child.
*The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy (salary schedule) and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. LSCP considers a number of factors when making compensation decisions, including but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training, and other department needs.

Timeline:
This position is a rolling recruitment. The application period will cease once the right candidate is selected. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application immediately.

About the School:
Founded by the Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1956, La Salle College Preparatory of Pasadena, CA is the only Catholic co-educational high school in the northern San Gabriel Valley. The school curriculum is college preparatory as 99% of the graduates matriculate to higher education. The current enrollment of 675 students represents a diverse population reflective of our surrounding communities. The school offers a full range of co-curricular and athletic opportunities for our student body. For more information, please visit our website at www.lasallehs.org.