Dance Teacher and Dance Department Chair

POSITION: Dance Teacher and Dance Department Chair

SCHOOL YEAR:

About Oakland School for the Arts

Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) is a vibrant creative community rooted in Oakland's rich cultural landscape. Serving 800 students in grades 6–12, OSA blends rigorous academics with artistic excellence, celebrating the unique voices and talents of each student. Diverse experiences make our teams stronger and help us better serve our equally diverse student population. We encourage all candidates interested in this opportunity, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), as well as candidates from historically underrepresented communities, to apply. All voices and perspectives matter here.

Our Mission & Vision

At OSA, we believe that education and the arts are powerful tools for transformation. Our mission is to prepare graduates for college and career through innovative arts education, inspiring them to shape the world with their unique voices. Our vision is generations of creative thinkers, authentic leaders, and problem-solvers who bring the essential value of the arts to every community.

The Role

Oakland School for the Arts seeks a passionate and experienced full-time (1.00 FTE) Dance Teacher and Dance Department Chair to lead our Dance Department for the school year. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise across multiple dance styles, a collaborative leadership style, and a student-centered teaching philosophy grounded in equity and artistic excellence.

As both a teacher and department chair, this individual will inspire young artists through rigorous instruction, cultivate a positive and inclusive studio environment, and provide visionary leadership to sustain and strengthen OSA's dynamic dance program.

What You'll Do

• Teach daily dance classes to high school students, incorporating a variety of styles and techniques including ballet, modern, contemporary, and hip-hop.
• Plan and deliver high-quality, standards-aligned instruction that promotes student creativity, engagement, and growth.
• Cultivate a safe, inclusive, and student-centered studio environment that supports artistic risk-taking and personal expression.
• Promote a healthy classroom culture by modeling respect, empathy, and professionalism.

• Manage classroom behavior effectively and positively, in alignment with school-wide expectations.

• Provide instructional leadership and guidance to the Dance Department faculty.

• Coordinate curriculum development, assessments, and performances to ensure alignment and artistic excellence.
• Collaborate with administration on scheduling, auditions, and program planning.
• Support department-wide performances, showcases, and collaborations across arts disciplines.

• Mentor teaching artists and support ongoing professional learning.

• Engage regularly with students, families, and colleagues to support student progress and wellbeing.

• Attend parent-teacher conferences, department meetings, and school-wide events.
• Partner with faculty and staff across academic and arts departments to strengthen interdisciplinary learning and student success.

• Serve as a visible leader within the OSA community, modeling the school's core values both in and out of the classroom.

• Stay current with best practices in arts education through professional development and engagement with the broader dance community.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an educator who is both technically strong and deeply compassionate - someone who believes in the transformative power of dance and the creative potential of every student. If you don't meet every single qualification but feel passionate about this role, we still want to hear from you.

Education, Credentials & Experience

• Valid California teaching credential (required).
• Demonstrated experience teaching ballet, modern, contemporary, and hip-hop dance (required).
• Prior teaching experience in a middle or high school dance program (preferred).
• Experience leading a dance department, program, or instructional team (preferred).

Skills & Qualities

• Excellence in dance pedagogy, choreography, and curriculum design.
• Strong classroom management skills rooted in positivity and respect.
• Passion for developing students as both skilled dancers and creative thinkers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with students, families, and colleagues.
• Commitment to OSA's mission of blending academic and artistic excellence while fostering equity, inclusion, and creativity.

Compensation & Benefits

The annual full-time, 1.00 FTE salary for this role will be $66,512.60 to $82, Salary will be based on the OSA certificated salary scale, class schedule, and FTE and is commensurate with experience and credentials. An additional $4,000 annual stipend is provided for Department Chair responsibilities. OSA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, commuter benefits, employee assistance program, and retirement plans. This is a 186-day, full-time, exempt position aligned with the school year calendar.

Commitment to Equity

OSA is committed to creating a workplace where all people feel valued, respected, and empowered. We embrace diversity in all its forms and encourage candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. We do not discriminate in any program, activity, or employment decision on the basis of age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, disability, medical information, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or political affiliation.

How to Apply

Submit your resume via EdJoin or LinkedIn, along with a brief cover letter sharing what excites you about this opportunity and what you'd bring to the OSA community.

Questions? Email