Job Description

The Physical Education Department develops students not only physically, but from a social-emotional and community-focused lens as well. At various stages of their time in PE, students experience the personal fulfillment that results from physical improvement and overcoming challenges. Through engagement in age-appropriate movement that promotes self-discovery and enjoyable participation, students are equipped with tools for life-long wellness.

Westridge is seeking an experienced Dance Teacher to join our team of dedicated faculty members. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in dance and a passion for engaging and supporting a diverse range of skill levels and abilities. They will design and implement instruction that builds students’ confidence and skill through student-centered approaches. We are looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, values continuous professional growth, and is eager to contribute to the life of the school beyond the classroom. The Dance Teacher will inspire curiosity and a love of learning while supporting the school’s and the department’s mission and values through thoughtful teaching and active participation in our community. This position reports to the Director of Upper School.

Specific Responsibilities

• Teach a range of middle and upper school physical education, grades 7-12.
• Provide instruction on a variety of styles of dance, including but not limited to, hip-hop, jazz, ballet, contemporary, and musical theater.
• Develop and implement curriculum for assigned classes in a timely and systematic way that reflects updated best practices for teaching and learning.
• Organize the annual Upper School Dance Concert and Middle School Dance Showcase, including theme, costumes, and choreography.
• Work closely with the Director of Theatre to choreograph and teach dance for the annual school musical, ensuring engaging and high-quality performances.
• Set-up equipment needed for class instruction.
• Maintain student records and comments to produce lower school quarterly learning outcomes as well as for middle and upper school grades, comments, and progress reports.

• Communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents.
• Model flexibility in implementing best learning practices.
• Support the well-being of all students.

• Participate regularly in professional development opportunities to maintain and grow expertise in the subject matter.

• Build skills and provide opportunities that help recognize, respect and embrace diversity of all kinds, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Participate in the greater life of the division and school.

• Serve as an advisor.
• Take on other duties as needed.

Additional Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 3 years’ experience teaching dance preferred

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of health and physical education, safety, child growth and development

• Experience choreographing both small and large groups, with a strong preference for candidates who have experience choreographing for musical theater productions
• Previous experience working with adolescents
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated competency in student and faculty work that promotes diversity, inclusion, equity, and community engagement
• Demonstrated experience and skill in the effective use of technology and integrating technological applications in the classroom
• Previous experience developing and implementing diversity responsive curriculum to improve teaching and student learning
• Collaborative and collegial attitude
• Diligent and well-organized work habits
• Possess a strong commitment to the mission and vision of Westridge School

Physical Demands (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions):

• Must be able to physically demonstrate proper dance techniques and movements as part of instruction.
• Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors as required, ability to work extended periods of time both walking and/or standing, ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Schedule and Salary

This is a full-time exempt position and is eligible for Westridge’s comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, medical, vision, dental, and generous retirement plan. Office hours are 7:55am-3:30pm; with flexibility to work evenings and weekends when necessary. Annual salary depends on qualifications and years of experience teaching with a range of $63,000 - $100,000+.

To Apply

Send cover letter, resume (curriculum vitae), and references to [email protected] . Include “Dance Teacher” in the subject line. 

Westridge School is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are evaluated without consideration of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  For more information: .

About Westridge School for Girls

Located in Pasadena, California, Westridge is a forward-thinking independent school for girls in grades 4-12 that emphasizes adventurous thinking, courageous, compassionate leadership, and equity and inclusion. Our school community is vibrant and diverse. We balance challenging academics and a focus on leadership development with a priority on social emotional wellness, development of one’s sense of self, values, and goals, and thoughtful consideration of individuals’ responsibilities to others and the world. Westridge is located 15 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The Southern California region is home to several world-class museums and restaurants, and includes excellent outdoor opportunities for the biking, swimming, surfing, and hiking enthusiast. Salaries are competitive. Full-time employees are eligible for health benefits which include full medical, dental, and vision coverage and participation in an ample retirement plan with TIAA-CREF. Employees who contribute a minimum of 2 percent of their salary to retirement, receive an additional 7 percent of salary contributed by Westridge to their retirement account. Other benefits include a generous holiday schedule, d ... isability insurance, group life insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, a flexible spending plan, and a rideshare/public transit/bike-walk incentive program. Westridge School is an equal opportunity employer and opportunities are open to all individuals without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age or handicap.

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Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Outdoor, Flexible hours, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,

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