Summer Dance Specialist

The Harker School•San Jose, CA

23h

About The Position

We are seeking a creative, organized, and enthusiastic Dance Specialist to lead our elementary summer day camp dance program. The ideal candidate loves working with kids, can balance structured lessons with open-ended creative movement, and is skilled at managing both planned classes and a daily drop-in format. About our Summer Program Summer programs at Harker include a wide variety of academic and recreational offerings. We offer an academically focused K - 5 Summer Camp; the Summer Institute for Middle and High School-aged students; and our English Language Institute for international students. Our summer programs reflect our commitment to providing Bay Area children with a dynamic and exciting educational experience. Click here to learn more about our Summer Program: http://www.harker.org/summer

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older.
Experience working with elementary-aged children.
Strong classroom and group management skills, with the ability to give clear instructions to mixed-age groups.
Energetic, flexible, and collaborative approach to teaching and supervising.
CPR and First Aid certification required. If the applicant does not have certification, the camp will cover the cost to attend training prior to camp start.
Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
Physical ability to lift up to 20 pounds, stand, walk, bend, and actively engage with children.
Cognitive and communication skills to plan, conduct, and supervise dance activities safely and effectively.

Nice To Haves

Background in dance, physical education, performing arts, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan and teach engaging 1–2 day dance activities and routines for Grades K–5, adapting choreography and movement activities to meet the needs of diverse ages and abilities.
Run a daily 1-hour drop-in dance station for mixed-age campers, including dance games and movement activities.
Plan and conduct activities that promote camper self-esteem, encourage success, and help each camper achieve the established goals of camp.
Develop a list of goals and objectives for all dance activities, and complete weekly planning sheets for group activities for Program Director approval.
Maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming movement space; organize and set up the dance area daily.
Complete rules and safety guidelines for the dance area and ensure the safe use and storage of all equipment, props, and music.
Complete pre-camp and post-camp inventories of all dance equipment and materials.
Support positive behavior, model professionalism (punctuality, appropriate dress, language, and behavior), and foster creativity, confidence, and cooperation in all campers.
Supervise campers in scheduled areas throughout the day as needed.
Oversee and mentor counselors and LITs assigned to dance activities.
Attend and actively participate in all staff meetings, camp-wide activities, and at least one overnight or evening program per session.
Complete evaluations on camp activities, programs, and peers.
Assist with setup before camp opening day and breakdown at closing day.
Plan and ensure the safe operation of all dance activities, including emergency preparedness.