Dance Youth Educators

EYL 365 Project is currently accepting applications for Dance Youth Educators (Hip-Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Majorette, Line Dance) for the 2026 programming year. Our organization is seeking passionate and experienced Dance Youth Educators who have a strong interest in Social Justice and Racial Equity Arts Education. A Mixed Media Dance Youth Educator will provide in-school and/or after-school residency opportunities, generally between 9:30am - 4pm and| or 3:30 - 9:00 pm for 1.5 to 2 hours, at DCPS Ward 6, 7 and 8 partner schools, transitional housing units and recreation centers. As part of this position, you will be responsible for providing and delivering advanced interactive and fun Dance lessons to youth ages five to fourteen in a creative, structured and engaging environment. It will be necessary for the successful candidate to create and deliver lesson plans, lead Dance exercises and projects, and mentor youth in the development of their creative skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizing and participating in art exhibitions, showcases, and other events to celebrate students’ achievements and foster a sense of community
Demonstrating kindness, enthusiasm, a sense of humor, investment in continued learning and professional growth, and a passion for supporting children as they grow and learn;
Working actively to cultivate an inclusive environment and support a school community grounded in empathy,
Create a positive, inclusive, and collaborative classroom environment where students feel safe to express themselves artistically.
Engage students in meaningful discussions about art, encouraging them to explore how art can communicate ideas, emotions, and cultural values.
Manage classroom materials, resources, and routines effectively to support a productive and organized learning environment.
Promote risk-taking and experimentation in art, encouraging students to push boundaries and explore new techniques.
Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, including English language learners (ELLs) and students with varying artistic abilities.
Delivering age-appropriate art lessons and activities that cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of students in grades K-12
Following the school’s policies and procedures for student conduct, discipline, and social-emotional development;
Prepare lesson plans and teach weekly classes
Teach fundamental hip hop skills and techniques in a recreational center setting
Develop choreography for both Showcase and community events
Ensure that class material promotes youth development
Foster a positive environment.
Create a supportive and inclusive learning atmosphere to boost confidence and skill development.
Promote wellness. Incorporate physical wellness and safety practices into dance instruction.
Provide tailored instruction for individuals or small groups.
Develop age-appropriate and engaging lesson plans that align with educational standards and goals.
Evaluate student progress, provide feedback, and track student performance.
Ensure students are practicing safe dance techniques and proper warm-ups.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
A bachelor’s degree in dance, performing arts, or a related field is preferred
At least 2-3 years of experience teaching beginning, intermediate, and/or advanced level hip hop
At least 2-3 years of experience teaching youth ages 9 to 18 years of age
Curriculum development and teaching experience required
Professional performance and/or choreographic experience
Adaptability. Capability to teach students of all ages and adjust teaching methods to diverse learning styles.
Certifications. Professional certifications in dance instruction or wellness training are a plus.
At least 2-3 years of teaching experience (leading hands-on activities in a classroom, after school program, day camp, etc.)
Familiarity with project-based learning (preferred, though not required)
Familiarity with foundational engineering concepts (preferred, though not required)
The ability to manage multiple student projects and personalities
Instruction:
Providing instruction in the arts (development of skills in arts disciplines consistent with EYL 365 Project Blueprint) and through the arts (the achievement of academic goals as outlined in a school’s curriculum) by:
Teaching and planning for 2 in-schools per week and/or possibly as many as 4 after schools per week;
Developing long term project-based unit designs in collaboration with classroom teachers;
Assessing student learning based on learning goals and objectives;
Organizing at least 2 sharings of student work with teaching partners and TA colleagues at the school.
Working in close collaboration with classroom teacher partners to:
Plan lessons and projects during one in person 45-minute planning session per week (and via email and phone as well, when necessary);
Share skills with the teacher to build capacity for arts instruction at the school;
Co-teach lessons in which both TA and teacher partner have clear roles and responsibilities for generating student learning;
Coordinate at least one trip to a DC cultural institution and/or one guest artist per class with a connection to learning in the classroom.

EYL 365 Project Teaching Artists are highly skilled artists and educators, committed to creating equitable learning spaces through collaborative teaching practices and social justice pedagogy. They report directly to the Program Director and are supported by EYL 365 Project Department Heads and Program Coordinators. They work closely with classroom teachers, school administrators, and teaching artists to positively impact school communities.
*A note: After schools are typically not co-taught with classroom teachers but are designed in collaboration with the school administration.
Job Types: Contract, Freelance
Work Location: In person
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