The Southern Dance Collective Teacher Assistant Program
Do you have what it takes to be a SDC PRO*TE*GE*?
What is the SDC Teacher Assistant Program?
The SDC Teacher Assistant Program is for dancers interested in assisting instructors with our younger dance classes. Assistants are an important part of our program. They help with the flow of the dance class, assist students when needed, assist bathroom trips if needed, help guide students during class, give fun reinforcements of correct dance steps and provide a role model for our younger students.
How do I become a SDC PRO*TE*GE?
Dancers must complete a Teacher Assistant Application first. Each year we will select a limited amount
of students who have the qualities necessary to be a successful teaching assistant. They must have the maturity and disposition to deal with children in a busy dance class. They must have reached an acceptable level of efficiency in their own dance training. They must be good role models. Assistants must work to their fullest potential and show growth and maturity in order to continue with the program.
Responsibilities
1. A Commitment to our program from September thru our June performance and weekly attendance to the class(es) you are assigned to assist with.
2. You must arrive to your scheduled class at least 5-10 minutes prior to the start of class to assist with class set up. After class you will need to help with putting away props and overseeing children as they are released to their parents.
3. You must wear proper dance clothes. No street clothes, shorts or sweatpants etc. You must have the appropriate shoes for the technique you are assisting. Hair must be neat and secured off the neck.
4. During the class, take your cue from the teacher. Overtime, you will be asked to take on as much responsibility as you are comfortable with.
Outside of class, a SDC PRO*TE*GE may be asked to assist the Director or Office Manager with other studio duties and tasks.
1.Set the children at the barre, on numbers or dots, or in lines Help with corrections and remind them to listen.
2. Assist young dancers with bathroom breaks and return them to classroom.
3. You may need to help students change their shoes.
4. Eventually you may be asked to teach a portion of the class on your own or to fill in if theteacher is pulled away momentarily or if she needs to work with a student individually.
5. You will need to know your students names. You should be able to correct or encourage them using their name.
6. You are NOT responsible for speaking to parents with any questions they may have about their childS ability or progress in the class. These types of questions should be directed to the head teacher.
7. Teacher Assistants will need to know their classes choreography. They will need to assist with rehearsals for our show in June.
8. Commitment and Weekly Attendance is essential part of this program. If you must miss a class that you are scheduled to assist with you are to notify the teacher and/or director immediately.
9. Teacher Assistants should love being with kids, love dance and demonstrate patience and compassion. It has been our experience that children love their assistant and look up to them with admiration.
Our studio and teachers depend heavily on our assistants and we feel the contribution our assistants make to our program should be acknowledged and rewarded. If you are awarded the title of a SDC PRO*TE*GE, you will receive attire such as a special jacket and tanks acknowledging your commitment to this program. You may also be asked to help and/or represent the SDC at community events as a SDC PRO*TE*GE.
SDC PRE*TE*GEs will receive community service hours, acknowledged throughout the dance year in various ways, and will be recognized in the June Production program.
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