Dance Teaching Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Quest Forward Santa Rosa
Quest Forward is a private 9 - 12th-grade high school that opened in August 2017. We are a fully accredited comprehensive high school that believes in academic excellence, offers A-G University-approved courses, and is hyper-focused on college and career preparation. Our small class sizes, no cell phone policy, and personal attention to students create a welcoming, authentic learning environment for students. As one of the flagship schools for Opportunity Education (www.opportunityeducation.org), Quest Forward aims to set a model for schools nationwide.

In August 2025, Quest Forward added 7th and 8th grade to its school community. This was a pivotal opportunity to offer a middle school option to families and students and begin building community amongst students who will matriculate to the Quest Forward High School. Middle school teachers are in the founding years of establishing cohesive middle school culture, launching special middle school traditions, and teaching middle school content in a personalized setting.

The Dance Teacher will primarily focus on developing and delivering introductory dance courses that give middle school students a strong foundation in movement, expression, and performance. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a growing arts program alongside a staff committed to creating immersive, joyful educational experiences — and to help build something meaningful for students who may be discovering dance for the very first time

• Design and implement curriculum for introductory dance courses across styles and levels, building a strong foundation in movement, technique, and artistic expression
• Develop engaging lesson plans that cultivate students' creativity, physical awareness, and technical skills
• Assess student work, provide feedback, and maintain high expectations for artistic growth and excellence
• Establish a welcoming, organized, and inspiring studio environment where every student feels safe to move, explore, and take creative risks

• Help design and expand a dance program that evolves alongside the school and its students
• Create opportunities for students to showcase their work — through in-school performances, community events, and other platforms that celebrate their growth
• Provide input on future dance programming, including potential styles, units, and performance opportunities
• Assist in establishing partnerships with local dance artists, companies, or organizations to enrich the student experience

• Communicate regularly with families about student progress, celebrating successes and addressing challenges proactively
• Participate in school events, family conferences, and outreach efforts to build strong relationships with families and the community
• Help students and families see the relevance of dance — as an art form, a physical practice, and a vehicle for self-expression — in their everyday lives, future opportunities, and broader community

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• Valid teaching license ideal
• Experience teaching dance, preferably in a secondary setting
• Strong understanding of a variety of dance techniques
• Proven ability to build curriculum and instructional practices from the ground up
• Experience organizing student exhibitions or collaborative dance performances or projects

• Deep belief in all students' potential and a commitment to holding high academic and behavioral expectations
• A growth mindset, constantly seeking to refine and improve instructional practice
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Readiness to go above and beyond, including putting in extra time in and outside of your role, to build Quest Forward's college prep school

Salary is currently budgeted in a range competitive with local district expectations.

Opportunity Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.