Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center, located in the Northeast Bronx, is a multi-discipline creative arts and youth development organization primarily serving youth ages 3.5 – 21. We are seeking experienced, talented, and passionate teaching artists to join our team of faculty instructors. Mind-Builders’ faculty members are the lead engineers of our students’ learning and creative explorations. As such, they are responsible for overseeing and implementing compelling, accessible, and fun learning environments for all students through dynamic, responsive, and age-appropriate instruction. All instructors are expected to expertly facilitate either group dance classes, or private music classes throughout our 28 week fall/spring season. As a recital school, all classes culminate in year-end productions featuring original choreography crafted by instructors, and repertoire prepared by instructors for student performance.

There are several positions available, all starting the week of October 6, 2026, running for 28 consecutive weeks (excluding holiday breaks/school closures) through mid-May 2027. Read below for descriptions on each opening. For more information about Mind-Builders: www.mind-builders.org.

Estimated Start Date: September 19, 2026

ABOUT THE CLASSES:

Ballet Tap/Fundamentals | Saturdays (11:15am – 12:15pm): Open to students ages 5-6. Class size (max 20). This class highlights both ballet and tap styles and movement. The ballet component focuses on fundamental positions, technique, and terminology designed to develop strength, balance, and artistry. The tap class emphasizes the articulation of the foot and utilizes rhythm, syncopation, and sound and dancing with the entire body. Students focus on dance posture, dance terms, flexibility, and the foundational steps of each dance style.

Creative Movement | Saturdays (1:30pm – 2:30pm): Open to youth ages 3.5 – 4. Class size (max 15). Creative Movement introduces Mind-Builders’ youngest students to the dance class structure. Classes focus on basic expressive dance movements, steps, patterns, and social skills while encouraging independence, imagination, and play. Students will learn how to take and participate in a dance class dynamic, to focus on teacher and follow directives, and to use imagination and execute movements. Students will engage in rudimentary dance movements done in place and while traveling.

Pre-African/Modern (2:30 – 4PM): Open to youth ages 6-8. Class size (15 max). This class highlights both West African dance styles and modern dance technique. African dance class is a compilation of the sacred and social dances and songs that are inherent in the culture of the West African peoples. The dance is a means of storytelling and self-expression rooted in the past that connects to the present. A high energy class characterized by gestures, precise movements, and synchronized steps accompanied by the captivating and inspiring rhythms of live drumming. Modern dance styles engage the entire body and focus on a variety of movement dynamics. Classes focus on the Horton technique, dynamic and dramatic style that develops both strength and Horton studies creating length in the spine and hamstrings. as well as developing musicality and performance qualities in all dancers. Modern Teen | Saturdays (4pm – 5:45pm)

Pre Hip Hop | Saturdays (10am – 11am): Open to youth ages 6-8. Class size (max 15). Hip hop classes explore the depth, history and versatility of hip hop as a dance expression originating in the Bronx. Pre Hip Hop students focus on the steps and concepts of the dance style, musicality, and self-expression. They will learn hip hop dance vocabulary and history, basic hip hop techniques, simple coordination of arms and leg movements to syncopated beats and rhythms, execute movements in diagonal formations in place and while traveling, 16 count movement sequences in each class

Hip Hop Basics | Saturdays (11:15 – 12:15pm): Open to youth ages 7-11. Class size (max 20 students). Hip hop classes explore the depth, history and versatility of hip hop as a dance expression originating in the Bronx. Students focus on the steps and concepts of dance, style, musicality, and self-expression. They will learn dance vocabulary, simple coordination of arms and leg movements to syncopated beats and rhythms, execute movements in diagonal formations in place and while traveling, and learn a movement sequences of 16 counts in each class

Piano/Keyboard | Tuesdays & Wednesdays 4:30 – 8pm, Thursdays 3pm – 8pm.* Open to students 5 and older. Classes are offered in private instruction models, ranging 30 – 60 minutes, and open to all skill levels. While all genres can be explored, the department is prioritizing an emphasis on jazz and jazz styles as the principal modality to be explored in the classroom. All lessons are tailored to address each students’ skill and experience level. Beginner students commence with hand technique, note reading, and music theory. Intermediate level students’ progress in refining musicality, dynamics, and articulation. Advanced students explore repertoire, sight-reading, and improvisation.

Brass/ Music Theory | Wednesdays 3:30 – 7pm & Thursdays 4pm – 8pm**. Open to students ages 7+. Brass private lessons offer a comprehensive study of an instrument in the brass family. Beginners focus on understanding the instruments and instrument parts, proper embouchure and breath control, foundational music theory, rhythm, note reading, and more. Throughout the year, students practice articulation, dynamics, and musical expression with targeted exercises and simple pieces, establishing essential skills for their musical journey. Intermediate and advanced students focus on expanding range, musicality, sight-reading, and an approach to mastery of their instrument and performing full pieces. Brass instruments include trumpet, trombone, baritone/euphonium, French horn, and tuba.

* This position will also facilitate 2 group classes: Keyboard – Level 1/2 Group (Ages 9-12) & Keyboard – Beginner Group (Ages 8-11). Group classes are open to a maximum of 4 students. Group classes offer age and skill appropriate instruction on the selected instrument, using group dynamics as a tool of learning and reinforcement.

** This position will also facilitate Introduction to Music Theory (for students 10+). The course teaches students the basics of reading music notation as well as how to train their ear with basic rhythm and pitches. Students may be asked to clap rhythms and sing pitches as their skills develop. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply the knowledge they have attained to get ahead in their private studies, have a deeper appreciation of music, and to have a basis for performing in ensembles and creative expression through making music.

Positions Available, fall 2027:

DANCE DEPARTMENT (3 openings):

• 1) Ballet Tap/Fundamentals and Creative Movement | Saturdays (11:15am – 12:15pm, 1:30pm – 2:30pm)
• 2) Pre-African/Modern and Modern Teen | Saturdays (2:30pm – 4pm, 4pm – 5:45pm)
• 3) Pre Hip Hop and Hip Hop Basics | Saturdays (10am – 11am, 11:15 – 12:15pm)

MUSIC DEPARTMENT (2 openings):

• 1) Piano/Keyboard (w/ emphasis on jazz) | Tuesdays & Wednesdays 4:30 – 8pm, Thursdays 3pm – 8pm
• 2) Brass / Music Theory | Wednesdays 3:30 – 7pm & Thursdays 4pm – 8pm

Primary responsibilities for ALL faculty members:

• Teach weekly classes for a group of enrolled students (group class sizes range from 10-25, private classes can include 1-2 students)
• Conduct rigorous and dynamic age-appropriate classes
• Develop lesson plans for class in alignment with the Department’s objectives and goals
• Maintain student records/attendance
• Communicate class needs and expectations with students and parents.
• Attend monthly faculty meetings
• Participate in required professional development and organizational planning meetings (semi-annual), complete all required trainings, certifications and background checks
• Participate in select organization engagement activities and events
• Prepare bi-annual student progress reports
• For year-end recitals, develop original choreography/dance sequences, and/or select and prepare repertoire that highlight student learning and achievement
• Prepare students to successfully perform in the annual recitals (May 2026)
• Fingerprinting clearance with DOE (a plus)

Please send resume/artist bio, cover letter, contact information for up to three references, and if available, a pdf with recent links (no more than 5 years) demonstrating work samples in either instruction or performance by students. Sample lesson plans a plus. Submit all materials to hr@mind-builders.org with subject line: Faculty position, __________, indicate which class(es)/cohort(s) you are submitting for.