Dance Teaching Assistant (TA) - Department of Theater Arts (DANCE) - FWS

Dance Teaching Assistant (TA) - Department of Theater Arts (DANCE) - FWS 

Position Overview: 
The Dance Program seeks a Dance Teaching Assistant (TA) to provide academic, research, and administrative support to the Critical Dance Studies unit of the Dance Program. This position is ideal for a highly organized and dependable dance major/minor with a strong interest in dance history, theory, research, writing, cultural studies, and/or arts administration. 

Working closely with the Assistant Professor of Critical Dance Studies, the TA will support classroom preparation, research initiatives, course resources, and special projects that strengthen students' engagement with dance as an artistic, historical, cultural, and scholarly practice. 
Key Duties Include: 

Classroom Support: Attend assigned Critical Dance Studies courses as needed and assist with classroom preparation, distribution of materials, presentations, discussions, screenings, and other course activities. 

Research Assistance: Assist faculty with preliminary research, including locating scholarly articles, books, archival materials, dance criticism, historical documents, recordings, and other relevant sources. 

Course Materials: Help organize readings, bibliographies, presentations, handouts, media, and supplemental resources for Critical Dance Studies courses. 

Digital & Archival Organization: Upload, organize, label, and maintain digital course and research materials using appropriate platforms such as Canvas & Dropbox, institutional storage systems, and other approved digital resources. 

Dance Documentation: Assist with documenting Dance Program lectures, panels, workshops, performances, and other scholarly or creative activities when appropriate. Organize related photographs, programs, video recordings, and supporting materials for future research and archival use. 

Citation & Bibliographic Support: Assist with organizing bibliographies and source materials using appropriate academic citation practices and help maintain accurate records of research sources. 

Student Academic Support: Under faculty supervision, assist students with locating course resources, understanding assignment instructions, navigating research materials, and developing effective academic research practices. 

Special Projects: Support faculty research, guest lectures, Critical Dance Studies programming, Dance Program archives, and other scholarly initiatives as assigned. 

Communication & Coordination: Assist with announcements, schedules, reminders, guest speaker logistics, and communication related to Critical Dance Studies courses and activities. 

Confidentiality & Academic Integrity: Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding student information, academic records, research materials, and faculty work. Uphold University expectations for academic integrity and responsible research practices. 

 
Qualifications: 

Priority will be given to Dance majors or minors who demonstrate a strong interest in dance history, Critical Dance Studies, research, writing, and/or arts administration.  

Strong reading, writing, research, and critical-thinking skills. 

Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills. 

Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain organized academic and digital records. 

Familiarity with library databases, scholarly research, and academic citation practices is preferred. 

Comfort using digital tools such as presentation software, learning-management systems, and video platforms. 

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when working with student or faculty information. 

Punctual, dependable, self-motivated, and able to take initiative while working under faculty supervision. 

Previous research or teaching-assistant experience is preferred but not required; an interest in developing skills in Critical Dance Studies and scholarly research is essential. 

Availability: 

The TA should maintain a flexible schedule that aligns with the needs of the Assistant Professor of Critical Dance Studies, with an anticipated commitment of approximately 8–10 hours per week. The TA and Professor will work collaboratively to establish a consistent schedule that supports the instructional and research needs of the position.