YMCA of Greater Cleveland Recruitment Team·Cleveland, Ohio
The instructor is responsible for planning and leading engaging, safe, and inclusive dance and tumbling classes for youth and adults. They must also maintain the cleanliness of the program areas and incorporate YMCA character development values into every lesson.
At the Y, our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Join our Greater Cleveland YMCA team in living our cause and helping to provide quality, safe and healthy programs and services in our community.
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Dance Instructor is responsible for planning and leading engaging, safe, and inclusive dance classes for youth and adults in a YMCA setting. The instructor teaches a variety of dance styles, including cheerleading, hip hop, and modern dance, while fostering creativity, confidence, teamwork, and physical fitness. They create age-appropriate lesson plans, encourage skill development, and provide a positive learning environment that reflects the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. The instructor builds positive relationships with participants and families, ensures participant safety, and adapts instruction to meet a wide range of abilities and experience levels. The Dance/Tumbling instructor is responsible for instructing age appropriate dance and tumbling programs and branch activities. The Dance/Tumbling instructor is responsible for implementing program plans and supervising activities in the designated dance and tumbling rooms. The Dance/Tumbling instructor will incorporate YMCA Character Development values into each lesson and reinforce the Y culture. The Dance/Tumbling instructor is responsible for the keeping the designated dance and tumbling rooms clean and free from clutter, recognize potential hazards, communicate and eliminate hazards relative to program and program areas. Adheres to policies and responsibilities in the Child Abuse Prevention Plan. Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values. Model relationship-building skills in all interactions. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Plan all activities in advance for each lesson/class; be prepared to be on time, with proper material, equipment, and in proper attire. Incorporate YMCA Character Development values into each lesson. Maintain class & participant attendance as well as student skill accomplishment records. Keep dance/tumbling areas clean, recognize potential hazards, communicate and eliminate hazards relative to program and program areas. Plan and implement program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values. Adhere to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards. Attend staff meetings and trainings. Ensure all classes taught are in accordance with YMCA of Cleveland standards and guidelines. Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies. Maintain positive relations with patrons and other staff. Model relationship-building skills in all interactions.
Experience: Minimum of one year's experience in any style of dance or tumbling program. Experience can come from being a previous participant, a coach, or a certified coach. Certification(s) and Requirements: CPR and First Aid certification and Safety training required within 30 days of hire. Adhere to Blood borne Pathogen standards and attend annual training. Must be at least 16 years of age Nationally recognized Dance or Tumbling coach certification, Preferred. Technical Skills and Knowledge Program expertise to instruct / lead class(s), team(s). Demonstrated strong customer service skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Self-motivated team player. Demonstrate commitment to the mission, cause of the YMCA, and uphold its values and ethics. Ability to work effectively work with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions Willingness and ability to be a mandated reporter for any signs or suspicion of child abuse and neglect. All employees are required to follow the child abuse and neglect reporting process: completion of Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect reporting form, calling children protective services (696-Kids) and notifying your immediate supervisor, branch executive, risk management and human resources department (s). PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to display adequate knowledge of dance and tumbling while teaching and spotting athletes in each sport respectively. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 90-100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. DISCLAMIMER: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time. About YMCA of Greater Cleveland: Our vision is to be the premier community-based, charitable organization that embraces collaborations to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. That's why we offer an exceptional package that includes: A free membership to your local YMCA and discount to YMCA programs including childcare (part-time positions do not receive discount on childcare). Additional employee discounts at many places in and around town, just for being a YMCA of Greater Cleveland employee. Eligible employees receive comprehensive Benefits Plan including Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Plan, Retirement 9% paid by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland and paid vacation.
Candidates must have at least one year of experience in dance or tumbling and be at least 16 years of age. CPR and First Aid certifications are required within 30 days of hire.
Market context
Ohio classroom teacher roles are typically in steady demand, especially for candidates who can manage a classroom and plan instruction aligned to state and center expectations. These positions are competitive because schools and centers often look for both teaching experience and the ability to stay active with children throughout the day. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform, then confirm your age, classroom leadership experience, and lesson-planning background before applying.
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