Active Learning TeacherAt — Active Learning

About Active Learning:

Our Mission: Active Learning is dedicated to creating, implementing, and evaluating programs that promote lifelong health and wellness, improving the quantity and quality of dance, physical activity and physical education for children as well as teachers and parents that positively impact children’s lives.

Our Goal: Our goal is to provide comprehensive education and address psycho-somatic issues through creative movement and dance therapy, physical activities, physical education and fitness for children and their caregivers.

Active Learning provides 4 specific segments to educate participants on lifelong wellness strategies:
Segment 1-Physical Activities (range: Infants/toddlers, K-12 as well as parents/seniors); Segment 2- Early Childhood and Elementary PE (range: toddlers-Pre K, K-5 as well as classroom teachers);; Segment 3- Creative Movement and Dance Education(range: toddlers-Pre K, K-12 as well as classroom teachers & parents/seniors);; and Segment 4- Fitness and basic nutrition education for adults and seniors(range: adults 18 years +).

Position

(Also applies to assistant teachers, interns and volunteers)

1. Technical Duties (70%)
- Educates participants on safe techniques and guidelines with respect to dance or PE (Or Music, Art and Recreation-fitness)
- Greets and orients all participants
- Instructs class to the ability level of the students participating
- Monitors participants through perceived rate of exertion
- Complies with all AL standards using curriculum and music
- Teaches classical/cultural or street dance styles for various age groups including adults and children.
- Collaborates with Site Coordinators and Program leaders for site specific activities and performances.
- Creates lessons consistent with AL format and curriculum for elementary and/or middle school students.
- Adapts teaching methods to meet student´s needs
- Plans creative movement lessons and activities; write lesson plans
- Instructs students using Active Learning Dance/PE education curriculum and music

2. Administrative Duties (20%)

- Instructs dance classes according to schedule
- Attendance is consistent
- Starts and finishes class on time as scheduled
- Documents class attendance, invoices and lesson plans
- Attends instructor trainings and meetings: Mandatory monthly Professional Development Trainings
- Complies with AL standards of Excellence and Expectations (Teacher Evaluations)
- Corresponds with Executive Director (ED) and/or Program Coordinator (PC) through text messaging and email.

3. Teacher Performances (10%)

- Participates in special events, school assemblies and dance/theater and/or music performances.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must have reliable transportation
- Knowledge, skills & abilities in dance/PE or Early Childhood Education Units:
- Ability to deal with a diversity of individuals
- Strong communication skills and ability to communicate with people of all age groups
- Knowledge of safe exercise technique and principles
- Ability to effectively demonstrate all skills being taught to participants
- Posses the ability to follow directions
- Maintains a professional attitude toward responsibilities, fellow instructors, AL partners and participants.
- Be punctual and exhibit a positive attitude.
- Project a professional image through dress, behavior and attitude.
- Must be outgoing, energetic and able to perform in front of an audience.
- Be able to control groups of pupils-Classroom Management skills
- Be physically fit
- Have a strong dedication and passion for children, teaching and/or dancing/fitness/Music and/or Art
- CPR certification

Staff Training An extensive training and screening process (negative TB test results, Live scan Fingerprinting, reference check and valid experience) is a pre-requisite of all Active Learning staff members in order to qualify for the position. We hire staff based on prior experience and education, competency in dance-fitness/ teacher education/ music/art/nutrition core subjects and certify that they are enrolled in professional development and orientation training prior to start of program. A desire to find culturally diverse applicants that are proficient in the field of dance and art education has also been a staple in the success of our programs.

CAS Approved.

Tasks:

Description of Tasks:

Assist in planning and delivering developmentally appropriate dance lessons to groups of elementary-aged students.

Lead warm-ups, choreography segments, and creative movement activities under the supervision of a lead instructor.

Support classroom management by helping maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.

Adapt and modify lesson plans based on student needs, energy levels, and feedback.

Participate in weekly mentor meetings to reflect on teaching strategies and personal growth.

Collaborate with teaching staff to prepare music, props, and instructional materials for classes and performances.

Observe and analyze student progress and engagement, contributing to post-class debriefs and program evaluations.

Receive and apply feedback from supervisors on teaching style, classroom presence, and curriculum implementation.

Assist in organizing end-of-session showcases or informal performances to celebrate student learning.

Training:

Interns will begin with a mandatory general orientation covering Active Learning’s mission, child safety protocols, and expectations for teaching artists. They will participate in weekly one-on-one mentor meetings with their supervisor to reflect on progress, ask questions, and receive feedback. Interns will also engage in job shadowing of lead dance instructors, attend hands-on training workshops focused on classroom management and lesson delivery, and receive sample lesson plans and teaching materials for guidance. Ongoing training will include contextual discussions on developmental stages, inclusive teaching practices, and adapting movement for diverse learners.

Learning Outcome:

Develop foundational teaching skills by assisting and leading age-appropriate dance activities in a structured after-school or enrichment setting.

Gain practical experience in classroom management and student engagement strategies tailored to diverse learners in elementary education.

Learn to design and adapt creative movement lessons that align with developmental stages and integrate music, storytelling, or cultural themes.

Build professional communication and collaboration skills through regular interaction with supervisors, teaching artists, and school site staff.

Reflect on personal teaching style and goals through mentorship, feedback sessions, and active participation in planning and instruction.