22/23 Teaching Artist (TA) – 4th and 5th Grade Dance Program

Overview

Issue Date: July 22, 2022

Closing Date: August 10, 2022-07-22

Teaching Rate: $40.00 per hour

Training Rate: Minimum Wage

Hours Per Week: 8-15

Hours Schedule: September 2022 – May 2023

Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Recess: June 2023- August 2023

 

ORGANIZATION & MISSION SUMMARY

Conga Kids’ mission is to promote social-and-emotional well-being through social dance. We believe that magic is created at the intersection of community, dance, and music – and harnessing that magic can transform lives. Our in-school residency programs work with 4th and 5th grade students to provide a celebratory introduction to social dance forms of the African Diaspora and the social-and-emotional lessons that can be learned from them. Our diverse dance curriculum includes explorations of styles like Merengue, Cumbia, Samba, Rumba, Salsa, Vernacular Jazz, and various Street/ Hip Hop styles. Conga Kids works at school sites throughout greater Los Angeles County.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Teaching Artist (TA) is a leader for Conga Kids Programs during our in-school program residencies, assuming a variety of responsibilities including dance teacher, performance coordinator, and program spokesperson. TAs should have established experience in dance and movement disciplines and be passionate about teaching dance to public school children throughout Los Angeles County including, but not limited to:

Anaheim, Claremont, Pomona, Diamond Bar, Baldwin Park, Hacienda Heights, City of Industry, West Covina, North Long Beach, Compton, Lynwood, and Los Angeles, South Los Angeles, South Park, Vermont Square, Historic South Central, University Park, South El Monte, El Monte, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Los Feliz, Echo Park, Downtown, and neighboring.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Implements Conga Kids social and partner dance curriculum and supports students’ social and emotional development through in-person instruction
Assigns and collects homework assignments, facilitates meaningful discussion with elementary aged students surrounding their experience and journey through Conga Kids lessons
Plans and establishes a safe learning environment for all participants
Acts as a positive role model to students, school staff, and fellow TAs
Plans, coordinates and directs full-scale culminating presentations for a full grade level, creating fun and streamlined events highlighting student growth and outcomes
Works at assigned Conga Kids community events, including but not limited to: student performances, regional and countywide competitions
Maintains a comprehensive understanding of the Conga Kids organization in order to effectively communicate about the program to various stakeholders, including school leaders and educators
Attends Monthly TA training sessions, learning from experts in various social dance forms and social-and-emotional learning
Communicates and maintains healthy relationships with school partners (principals, district office officials, etc.)
Provides weekly updates to Field Supervisors, providing feedback and reporting on the successes and challenges of the program
Submits timesheets, lesson logs, and other required documents in a timely manner in accordance with the administrative deadlines and upon request by Supervising staff.
Facilitates the distribution and collection of school paperwork, including permission slips, selection forms, participant surveys, testimonials and other
Adheres to all Conga Kids policies and guidelines, and policies of all school and district partners, reporting any incidents or problems to Conga Kids leadership and the school administration
Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: 

Minimum 5 years dance training/ experience (multiple dance disciplines preferred)
Previous working experience in arts education as a teaching artist (dance) or similar role (preferred)
Dance therapy and/ or knowledge of social-and-emotional learning practices (preferred)
Experience with public speaking and presentations
¡Y damos preferencia a los maestros y artistas que hablan español!
Desire and cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds
Ability to work independently, be flexible, manage multiple priorities, and accept constructive feedback from senior faculty
Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment and maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders
Proficient experience with Google suite software and email
Positivity, resiliency, and desire for personal and professional growth

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to drive a motor vehicle, have a valid Driver’s License
COVID-19 vaccination
Must have access to reliable transportation with appropriate auto insurance coverage
Must be able to comfortably teach on your feet for up to 4 hours with short breaks only
Must be able to lift 30 pounds
Must be flexible in a fast-paced, non-profit environment
Must be willing to use personal equipment such as cell phone and/or laptop/tablet when working remotely
Must be willing to undergo clearances/ background checks for school sites

IF INTERESTED:

To apply for the position above, please visit https://forms.gle/U2Dqrunno9bxa9VJA to fill out an application.

EEOC POLICY:

Conga Kids is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and strongly encourages people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with protected class backgrounds to apply. We value the individuals we hire and look forward to creating a positive, diverse work environment for all identities.