Dance Teacher

Company Description

At KIPP Baltimore, we know that education has the power to change lives and build stronger communities. As part of the national KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) network, we are driven by a shared mission to ensure that every student has access to an excellent education that prepares them for success in college and life. Our teachers are instrumental in shaping this vision. You will be a vital part of an effort to uplift students from systemically underserved communities, ensuring they achieve their full potential.

Why Join KIPP Baltimore?

At KIPP Baltimore, we know that teachers are the key to unlocking student potential. As a Baltimore City Public Schools employee, you’ll receive competitive compensation and benefits, while thriving in a supportive, dynamic environment dedicated to your growth and success.

You will have access to robust professional development opportunities and clear leadership pathways, empowering you to continuously refine your skills and take on new challenges. Your ideas and contributions are valued and celebrated, and you’ll play an essential role in shaping the future of our students and community.

In recognition of the extra dedication you bring, you will be compensated for additional time invested in professional development beyond the standard 180 school days. For example, our teachers are paid for five extra days at the start of the school year, ensuring you are fully equipped to thrive in the classroom. Join us in making a lasting impact on Baltimore’s students and schools.

Job Description

As the Dance Teacher at KIPP Harmony Academy, you are a catalyst for student success, creativity, and confidence. You will ignite a passion for movement and the performing arts while helping students master essential dance technique, choreography, and performance skills alongside critical social-emotional competencies. As the architect of a joyful and rigorous dance program, you will plan, implement, and reflect on instruction to prepare students for success both on stage and in life. Collaborating closely with your grade-level teams, the enrichment department, and the Principal, you will play an active role in fostering a culture of excellence and high expectations, ensuring every student thrives and the mission of KIPP Harmony Academy is realized.

Position Responsibilities:

Instruction and Artistic Growth

• Hold high expectations for all students and work relentlessly to foster their artistic, physical, and personal growth through dance.

• Set class and individual goals, using ongoing assessment of technique, creativity, and performance to track progress and adjust instruction as needed.

• Design and implement data-driven assessments that inform instructional decisions and support continuous growth in dance skills and expression.

• Apply deep knowledge of dance technique, choreography, and movement styles to deliver engaging and effective instruction across multiple genres.

• Demonstrate mastery of grade-level dance standards, benchmarks, and curriculum, ensuring alignment in all instructional plans.

• Develop long-term plans, units, and lessons using backward design, with a focus on student mastery and culminating performances.

• Plan lessons that foster creativity, body awareness, and discipline, and that meet the diverse learning needs of students.

• Differentiate instruction to effectively address the unique needs of each student, including those with varying physical abilities.

Classroom Management and Culture

• Implement and reinforce school-wide culture and management policies both in the dance studio/classroom and across the school.

• Establish a supportive and disciplined classroom environment that promotes student responsibility, safety, and success.

• Foster a positive learning atmosphere that encourages student self-efficacy, independence, and confidence in self-expression.

Performance and Community Engagement

• Plan and direct school-wide dance performances, showcases, and assemblies that celebrate student growth and achievement.

• Build strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues to support student success.

• Incorporate students' backgrounds, cultures, and experiences into choreography and instruction, valuing their unique contributions.

• Communicate proactively and effectively with parents, students, staff, and guests through various channels.

• Uphold the school’s vision, mission, and values by actively engaging with families and communities through open communication and events.

Professionalism and Development

• Engage in professional development by collaborating with colleagues, reflecting on instructional practices, and continuously seeking ways to improve.

• Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, attending extended professional development and modeling professionalism in behavior and attire.

• Adhere to all school policies, complete clerical tasks as needed, and take leadership roles in school-wide initiatives and committees.

Qualifications

• Dance Education certification (PreK–12), or willingness to become certified (Required)

• Eligible for hire by Baltimore City Public Schools (Required)

Two years of dance teaching or professional/performance experience (Strongly Preferred)

Passion for working with students from historically resilient communities (Required)

Experience teaching in a predominantly African American environment (Preferred)

Desired Qualities:

Artistry That Empowers: You bring a deep mastery of dance technique and choreography and have a talent for making movement come alive for students. Like a skilled guide, you help students connect what they learn in the studio to creative and physical expression that lasts well beyond the school day.

Data-Driven Excellence: You are driven by student success. Using data like a compass, you adjust your instruction in real time to ensure every student is progressing in technique, performance, and confidence. You engage in a continuous cycle of planning, delivering, assessing, and reflecting, always focused on helping students reach their next milestone.

Joyful and Inclusive Studio: You are the heart of your classroom, creating a space where every student feels seen, heard, and respected, regardless of prior dance experience. You encourage students to take ownership of their learning, fostering independence and promoting student voice through movement.

Reflective Leadership and Growth: You see every challenge as an opportunity. As a lifelong learner, you are always seeking feedback and refining your practice. You reflect on your own identity and biases, using this self-awareness to strengthen your relationships with students and colleagues.

Planned and Prepared: You approach each day with intention and purpose, fully internalizing your lessons to ensure every student can achieve success. Your thorough preparation empowers you to create dynamic, impactful learning experiences that resonate with students.

Additional Information

As a Baltimore City Schools employee, you'll receive a competitive salary with opportunities for growth. Benefits include health insurance (Kaiser, BlueChoice, CareFirst), dental and vision coverage, prescription medication, and retirement plans through the State of Maryland or City of Baltimore, plus optional 403(b) savings plans. Additional benefits include life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance counseling, dependent child tuition waivers, and higher education tuition reimbursement.

Application Steps

1. Submit an Online KIPP Application:

Explore our job board to find a position that aligns with your interests and expertise.

2. Complete a Phone Interview:

Our Recruitment Manager will conduct an initial phone interview. To accommodate a teacher’s busy schedule, we offer both daytime and evening interview options.

3. Complete the Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPSS) Application:

All candidates must submit an application through Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPSS). In Maryland, charter school teachers are employees of the school district, with salaries, benefits, and pensions provided through BCPSS. Candidates must be deemed eligible for hire by BCPSS to proceed in our selection process.

4. Submit a Sample Video Lesson and On site Interview:

Teaching candidates will submit a 30-45 minute video demonstrating their teaching AND participate in an on site verbal interview, following the provided guidelines.

5. Participate in an On-Site Interview:

Start Date: 26-27 School Year (First day of Professional development is 8/4)

For more information about this position, please contact Cha`Dalena Hart, Recruitment Manager, at chart@kippbaltimore.org or 410-499-9673.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

KIPP Baltimore is committed to the ideal of diversity in its student body and in its faculty and staff. KIPP Baltimore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnicity. We are strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.