Cultural Arts Instructor Aztec

JOB SUMMARY:

The Aztec Youth Dance Instructor is responsible for delivering culturally enriching dance instruction and
educational activities related to Aztec culture to students in grades TK–12 on school campuses. This role
includes planning and teaching Aztec dances, developing engaging lessons, supervising students,
managing equipment and supplies, participating in professional development, and performing related
duties to support program goals and student enrichment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Instruction & Classroom Delivery:
● Deliver organized, engaging, and fun lessons aligned with prescribed objectives and lesson plans
that support teamwork, collaboration, and successful student outcomes.
● Teach and model footwork, dance steps, basic sequences, combinations, and choreography to
foster excitement and love for Aztec dance.
● Provide instruction for groups of up to twenty students, differentiating content for various ages
and skill levels (beginner to advanced).
● Successfully teach basic dance vocabulary and terminology using English, Spanish, and any
additional languages relevant to the origins of Aztec dance.
● Demonstrate effective use of stretching, warm-ups, posture, body alignment, footwork, turns,
spacing, and other dance strategies to enhance instruction.
● Perform effectively in both assistant and lead instructor roles, adapting teaching styles as
needed.
● Deliver mini-lessons on the historical elements that have influenced Aztec dance from multiple
Aztec islands, including traditional attire, music, art, and storytelling.

Program & Instructional Support:

● Create culturally informed lesson plans that incorporate the historical and artistic influences on
Aztec dance, including traditional attire, music, and storytelling, for personal use and to support
peers.
● Utilize instructional and communication strategies that honor Aztec cultural traditions while
promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.
● Effectively demonstrate and model health, safety, and student interaction expectations and
protocols.
● Proficiently manage both small and large groups of students using effective classroom and group
management strategies.
● Use mindfulness, lesson design, and group management techniques to support structured and
orderly classes.
● Set up and operate audio and video equipment to support instruction.
● Accurately complete necessary forms and paperwork to support program documentation.
● Effectively train and support new instructors, ensuring consistency and quality in program
delivery.

Youth Development & Student Engagement:
● Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment that encourages personal
growth and social-emotional development.
● Serve as a mentor and role model, promoting respect, collaboration, and a sense of community
among students.
● Implement strategies that support student engagement, motivation, and health behavior in a
group setting.
● Encourage students to express themselves creatively and build confidence through participation
and teamwork.
● Recognize and celebrate individual achievement, promoting a growth mindset and
self-confidence.
● Support the development of communication and problem-solving skills within the context of the
specific discipline.

Professional Responsibilities & Collaboration:
● Communicate clearly and professionally with students, families, and colleagues, and site
leadership.
● Participate in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and ongoing trainings as
required.
● Support efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in all programming.
● Remain flexible and responsive to the needs of the program, including adjusting schedules and
responsibilities as needed.
● Perform other duties as assigned to support program implementation.
● All other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
To perform this job successfully, the employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:
● Comply with company policies and procedures in employee manual;
● Available to work fluctuating hours, including weekends, if necessary;
● Be able to work well with not only co-employees, but also clients and vendors;
● Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily;
● Must be able to provide outstanding customer service to clients;
● Be fluent in speaking English and being bilingual in Spanish is preferred.

CULTURAL COMPETENCIES:
● Uncompromising integrity;
● Champions the mission, culture, and objectives of the employer;
● Demonstrates value and respect for all employees;
● High energy and enthusiasm;
● Values the ideas and opinions of others and routinely collects their input as part of the
decision-making process;
● Performs effectively as a team player

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS:
● Minimum of 2 years of successful experience working with children.
● At least 2 years of experience in Aztec dance.
● Classroom teaching experience is preferred.
● Experience teaching Aztec dance is preferred.
● Must be at least 18 years of age and able to provide proof of a high school diploma or GED
(required).
● Proficiency in speaking and writing standard English appropriate for a public school setting.
● Demonstrated ability to adapt and remain flexible in a dynamic environment
BACKGROUND CHECK/TESTING/CERTIFICATION:
● Must pass Live Scan (criminal background check via fingerprinting).
● Must pass drug testing.
● Provide a clear TB test
● CPR/ First Aid Certification