I'm a high school junior considering a future in dance. What qualifications or experience do I need to become a high school dance instructor? Are there specific certifications required, or is a college degree in dance recommended?
Starting on the path to becoming a high school dance instructor is a great goal, as it allows you to combine your passion for dance with the reward of teaching others. Let's work through some of the general requirements and qualifications that tend to be common for high school dance instructor positions.
1. Education: Having a degree related to dance is often beneficial, but not always necessary. Many schools might require a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Physical Education, Dance, or even Education. Colleges offer dance programs where you learn different dance styles, choreography, dance theory, and also teaching methods. You will learn techniques and theories that can be valuable in teaching students at the high school level.
2. Certifications and Licensing: Each state in the U.S. has its own requirements for teacher certification or licensing, and this also applies for speciality areas like dance. Always check with your state's department of education to understand the specific requirements.
3. Experience: Prior dance experience is usually expected, whether that's through performances, competitions, or even previous teaching experience. This is crucial to demonstrate mastery of dance techniques and how to safely perform them.
4. Other skills: Good communication and interpersonal skills are important as you'll be working with diverse groups of students. Patience, creativity, and organizational skills are also beneficial.
Remember that this information is approximate, and different schools might have different specific requirements or expectations. It's also crucial to note that while these qualifications can prepare you for a high school dance instructor position, passion for both dance and teaching is an essential ingredient for success!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.