Title

Assistant Professor, Department of Dance

Rank

Assistant Professor

Tenure Information

Tenure Track

Department Summary

The Department of Dance at Bridgewater State University (BSU) offers a BA in Dance, a Concentration in Dance Education, an honors program, a Dance Minor, and an education program that can lead to MA teacher Licensure in dance. The dance program offers a wide variety of dance technique training and a solid theoretical foundation for performance and choreography. The program offers an emphasis on dance pedagogy for the private or public sector and entrepreneurship. The BSU Department of Dance produces 2 mainstage concerts under the artistic direction of faculty and at least one Honors or Advanced Individual project or concert with artistic direction by students. Our students consistently present their research at the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) and the American College Dance Association (ACDA) conferences. In addition, we are planning to develop and implement an in-department program that leads to MA K-12 teacher certification and licensure in dance.

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment of excellence, innovation and leadership in dance as education, as a performing art form, cultural practice, scientific inquiry, and interdisciplinary application. We are dedicated to fostering scholarly artists and educators in dance and developing arts-literate citizens. Through diverse dance techniques and pedagogies, dance science, somatics, cultural dance forms, historical inquiry, dance composition, and dance production and performance, students gain comprehensive knowledge of dance forms and practices, critical thinking skills, and practical experience in a variety of dance applications.

The Department of Dance is part of the cohesive BSU campus community that provides professional opportunities for faculty advancement in teaching and scholarship and a clear path to tenure. Funding for faculty scholarship is available through the Center for the Advancement of Research and Scholarship as well as the Office of Teaching and Learning. There is also a significant institutional commitment and resources for international engagement and student research. The Department of Dance is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion among its faculty, staff and students, and to promoting social justice. This emphasis is central to the institution's mission and is reflected throughout the University's curricular and co-curricular activities.
Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students; focused on the continuous improvement of its people; and is responsible for leading innovation that benefits Southeastern Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewater's accessible environment of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking and the pursuit of new knowledge and deeper understanding. The teaching and learning environment at Bridgewater also cultivates meaningful and diverse interpersonal relationships and fosters an appreciation for global engagement aimed at transforming lives and improving the human condition.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our institutional values, which ensure that all students are supported and succeed.

Bridgewater State University is equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups, and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties

The Department of Dance is seeking candidates for a full-time, tenure track Assistant Professor of Dance with expertise in dance education with preferred emphasis in teacher training for K-12 education or the private sector. Additional expertise in Laban Movement Analysis, somatics, dance science, technology, and/or historical, cultural and global studies is a plus for the position. We are looking for equity-minded applicants who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of diverse backgrounds and identities present in our community. Therefore, we desire applicants who demonstrate knowledge and skills in a variety of teaching modalities such as embodied teaching/learning, student-centered, reflective, and inquiry/conceptual based approaches to teaching and learning in higher education. Applicants should also demonstrate a record of research, scholarship and/or creative activities and be able to mentor student research in higher education. Successful candidates will exhibit a professional record of working collegiality and collaboratively with fellow faculty and students, and show integrity, creativity and sound judgment as educators.

When you join our Department of Dance, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, creative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice. Therefore, we practice significant critical reflection, reciprocity, collaboration, flexibility, and engagement with faculty, staff, students, alumni, administration, and our local, regional, state, national, and international partners.

Essential Duties:1. Teach and develop introductory and upper-level courses related to dance education and teacher preparation.2. Teach Rudolf Laban's movement framework (LMA) or Dance Elements/BSTERs (Body, Space, Time & Relationships) as it applies to teaching dance; dance science; dance composition; and /or dance technique.3. Teach Creative Dance for Children and Dance Methodology courses for teacher preparation.4. Teach at least two of the following First Year, Second Year and Senior Seminars;Dance History; Dance Science; Ballet Pedagogy; Dance Composition; or Dance technique your expertise.5. Be the Artistic Director for identified dance concerts.6. Mentor undergraduate and graduate student research and creative projects in dance.7. Supervise student teachers.8. Academically advise dance students.9. Continually develop scholarly and/or creative work in the professional community.10. Collaborate and participate in service to the broader campus community throughcommittee work, community building, grant writing, and service learning.11. Work with non-traditional students that may require evening and some weekend teaching12. Develop and participate in recruitment and retention activities at the Department, College, and University levels.13. Provide service to the department and university through student advising, curriculum/program development and assessment and others, and collaborate on school, college, and university-wide committees and programs.

Required Qualifications

1. Terminal Degree: PhD, or EdD, in Dance, or closely related field (Candidates with an MFA degree with comparable professional experience and credentials will be considered if background and experience is especially well matched to the qualifications for the position of the BA in Dance Education).

2. A minimum of three (3) years of teaching with knowledge and skills in a variety of teaching modalities such as embodied, student centered, reflective and inquiry/conceptually based approaches to learning with a demonstrated strong commitment to excellence in teaching in higher education.

3. Strong interpersonal skills with the abilities to communicate effectively, appropriately and professionally, with a diverse student body, faculty, staff, and community partners through positive verbal, physical (body language), and writing modes.

4. Strong leadership skills with abilities to work both collaboratively and independently on initiatives, curriculum, assessment, and common goals that support the mission, vision and goals of our Department of Dance, BSU and the broader community.

5. Record of continued scholarly research in dance and related fields.

6. Record of student academic advising with diverse student populations.

7. Demonstrated commitment to student success, integrity, and collegial support to nourish and enhance a vital environment of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

8. Demonstrated sensitivity to, understanding of, and engagement with students from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of abilities.

9. Demonstrated commitment to equity-minded teaching and mentorship.

10. Demonstrated experience with Word, Excel, Google Drive and the effective use of technology in teaching and learning.

11. Strong commitment to public higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

A record of five (5) years of teaching dance in higher education that demonstrates culturally responsive teaching

Record of supervising and teaching student teachers and/or overseeing teaching practicums.

The ability to teach two or more dance genres/forms from the candidate's area of
expertise enhances the dance techniques we offer.

Certification as a Laban Movement Analyst or demonstrated extensive study in Laban Movement Analysis.

Training or certification in the somatics field.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is contingent upon completion of a successful background check. Bridgewater State University is an E-Verify employer.

EEO Statement

Bridgewater State University (BSU) is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer which actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people.

Posting Number

F00519P

Open Date

10/16/2024

Close Date

12/01/2024

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please note the following information is required to complete your application for this position:

• A minimum of three (3) professional reference entries in space provided on the application form.

• Cover Letter

• CV

• Example of scholarship (Portfolio)

• Writing Sample (Writing Sample)

• Philosophy of Dance Education (Teaching Statement)

• Examples of two (2) syllabi in dance: Syllabus #1 is focused on preparing students to teach in the field of dance: Either a Creative Dance for Children Course or a Dance Methodology course; Syllabus #2 is your choice of Dance History; Dance Science; Freshman or Senior Seminar; World Dance; or Dance Composition. (Related Professional Materials)

• Equity and Inclusion Statement- a personal statement on a candidate's past efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion. The equity and inclusion statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss scholarship, professional skills, and demonstrable experience that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidates' application materials.

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