Conga Kids

Los Angeles, CA

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Conga Kids Teaching Artist! Please read and complete the fields below to submit your application.

ORGANIZATION & MISSION SUMMARY
Conga Kids' mission is to promote social-and-emotional wellness through social dance. We believe that magic is created at the intersection of community, dance, and music - and that harnessing that magic can transform lives. Our in-school residency programs give students a celebratory introduction to social dance forms of the African Diaspora and the social-and-emotional lessons that can be learned from them. Our diverse dance curricula includes explorations of Samba, Rumba, Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Latin Boogaloo, Vernacular Jazz, and various Street/ Hip Hop styles.

Conga Kids is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and strongly encourages people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with protected class backgrounds to apply. We value the individuals that we hire and look forward to creating a positive, diverse work environment for all identities.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Teaching Artist (TA) is a leader for Conga Kids Programs during our in-school program residencies, assuming a variety of responsibilities including dance teacher, performance coordinator, and program spokesperson. TAs should have established experience in dance and movement disciplines and be passionate about teaching dance to public school children throughout Los Angeles County.

TAs must adhere to Conga Kids’ established curricula featuring signature social dance styles and choreography. As we continue to serve at-promise communities throughout Los Angeles County, Conga Kids TAs must be dedicated to creating a safe learning environment, modeling positive behavior, and supporting the social and emotional needs of all participants.

The TA role is a part-time, non-exempt position and will report to Conga Kids Artist Coaches and Program Managers. TAs must be available during school hours (8am-3pm), on at least 2 days weekly (Tuesday through Friday). New TAs are assigned 6-15 lessons weekly, commensurate with experience and subject to availability. Opportunities for increased work hours are available after 2-3 months of employment.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

IN-PERSON SOCIAL DANCE & SOCIAL-AND-EMOTIONAL WELLNESS INSTRUCTION:

• Implements Conga Kids social and partner dance curriculum and supports students’ social and emotional development through in-person instruction
• Assigns and collects homework assignments, and facilitates meaningful discussion with elementary aged students surrounding their experience and journey through Conga Kids lessons
• Plans and establishes a safe learning environment for all participants
• Acts as a positive role model to students, school staff, and fellow TAs
• Plans, coordinates and directs full-scale culminating presentations for a full grade level, creating fun and streamlined events highlighting student growth and outcomes

TA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of the Conga Kids organization in order to effectively communicate about the program to various stakeholders, including school leaders and educators
• Attends on-going professional development as an arts practitioner and educator, and participates in
• Conga Kids community events including student performances, regional and countywide competitions
• Attends Monthly TA training sessions, learning from experts in various social dance forms and social-and-emotional learning

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION (SHARED DUTY WITH OTHER CONGA KIDS FACULTY)

• Communicates and maintains healthy relationships with school partners (principals, district office officials, etc.)
• Provides weekly updates to Artist Supervisors, providing feedback and reporting on the successes and challenges of the program
• Submit lesson logs and other required documents in a timely manner in accordance with the administrative deadlines
• Facilitates the distribution and collection of partner paperwork, including permission slips, selection forms, participant surveys and testimonials and other
• Adheres to all Conga Kids guidelines & policies and to the guidelines & policies of all school partners, reporting any incidents or problems to Conga Kids leadership and the school administration
• Perform other duties as needed

DESIRABLE SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years dance training/ experience (diverse styles preferred)
• Previous working experience in arts education as a teaching artist (dance) or similar role (preferred)
• Dance therapy and/ or knowledge of social-and-emotional learning practices (preferred)
• Experience with public speaking and presentations
• ¡Y damos preferencia a los maestros y artistas que hablan español!
• Desire and cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work independently, be flexible, manage multiple priorities, and accept constructive feedback from senior faculty
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment and maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders
• Proficient experience with Google suite software and email
• Sense of humor, resiliency, and desire for personal and professional growth

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to drive a motor vehicle, have a valid Driver's License, and have access to reliable transportation with appropriate auto insurance coverage
• Must be able to comfortably teach on your feet for up to 5 hours with short breaks only
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds
• Must be flexible in a fast-paced, non-profit environment
• Must be willing to use personal equipment such as cell phone and/or laptop/tablet when working remotely
• Must be willing to undergo clearances/ background checks for school sites

SCHOOL SITE LOCATIONS:

This position works primarily at program sites throughout greater Los Angeles County, including but not limited to the cities of Long Beach, Carson, Lynwood, South Gate, Los Angeles, Culver City, Rosemead, El Monte, Arcadia, Monrovia, Hacienda La Puente, Diamond Bar, and Pomona). ALL candidates who apply should expect to commute to schools in any/ all of these regions.

* COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

As part of Conga Kids' efforts to provide the safest possible environment in which to learn and work, all Conga Kids team members will be required to be fully vaccinated by September 8, 2021. Additionally, all team members will still be required to participate in regular COVID-19 testing, regardless of vaccination status.

START DATE & PAY RATE

• $40 hourly teaching rate (initial rate), $15-$20 hourly planning rate. Non-exempt part-time position.
• Position is expected to work 6-15 hours weekly. The candidate must be open to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.

*CANDIDATE TRAINING PROGRAM

There are two *mandatory, paid trainings for all Teaching Artist Candidates:
1) Conga Kids 2021 Teaching Artist Training Intensive: September 8th, 9th, 10th, from 10am to 4:15pm
2) Conga Kids 2021 Faculty Onboarding: September 16, 17, from 9am to 5pm.

Apply here by September 1st!