Department of Dance, Instructor/Assistant Professor (Full-time, Temporary, 1 Year)
Rank: Instructor
Tenure Information: 1 year Temp
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.
We are committed to cultivating an inclusive 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 faculty resources and professional development opportunities through the Office of Teaching and Learning. There is also a significant institutional commitment and resources for student research including course-embedded research and creative scholarship grants. 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 institutions mission and is reflected throughout the Universitys 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. Bridgewaters 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 is reflected in our institutional values, which ensure that all students are supported and succeed.
Essential Duties:
1. Teach 4 courses in the Fall semester and 4-courses in the Spring Semester, that will likely include the following:
Science and Theory of Dance (experiential, embodied anatomy and biomechanics of dance/human movement)
Dance History (in-person, experiential, embodied teaching/learning of western theatrical dance from Ancient Greece to contemporary American choreographers-a required dance major course and a BSU core curriculum course)
Dance Appreciation (in-person, experiential, embodied teaching/learning that explores basic components of dance and to enable students to engage in the rich variety of dance as informed audiences and participants; BSU Core Curriculum Course, also general and honors levels)
Dance Practicum (Co-Artistic Direction for mainstage concerts: lead warm ups; mentors student choreographers; and possibly choreographs; requires some evening teaching; collaborate with production staff and faculty; and weekend teaching on concert performances.)
Modern Dance and/or Ballet Technique (Theory & Practice)
World Dance (introductory overview to some of the major dance traditions of the world, with emphasis on Asia, the Pacific, Africa and the Arctic; a required dance major course, and a BSU Core Curriculum Course (in-person and/or asynchronous on-line)
2. Mentor and Advise dance major and minor students and students in courses: (3 scheduled office hours per week, minimum).
3. Contribute to service to the Department of Dance including and not limited to: Attendance and contribution to Faculty meetings; Departmental student events; and curriculum, program, and assessment requirements; committees and Department initiatives.
Required Qualifications:
1. Degrees: MA, MS, EdM in Dance or in closely related Fields;
2. Experience in teaching dance theory, practice and/or dance technique.
3. Demonstrates a commitment to employing a variety of teaching modalities such as student-centered, embodied/experiential, reflective, inquiry/problem solving-based and conceptually-based approaches to teaching and learning.
4. Experience in using technology such as learning management systems (Blackboard, Microsoft Office, Google Classroom, Canva) and video conferencing tools (Zoom, Teams, etc.)
5. Demonstrates exceptional writing skills and written communication needed to support dance and departmental advocacy initiatives and to effectively mentor students in mastering academic and professional writing.
6. Demonstrates a commitment to supporting diversity, inclusion, and belonging and to promoting social justice among diverse populations (e.g. students; colleagues; coworkers; staff; community partners, etc.)
7. Strong interpersonal skills with the abilities to communicate effectively, appropriately and professionally, with diverse populations (e.g. students; colleagues; coworkers; staff; community partners, etc.) through positive verbal and physical (body language) communication.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. PhD, EdD, or MFA in Dance or closely related field
2. Experience teaching dance theory, practice and/or dance technique or related subjects in public higher education (1 or more years)
3. Training or certification in the somatics field or related fields.
4. Record of ability teach two or more dance forms of those we offer or that enhance our offerings.
Special Conditions for Eligibility:
Please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is contingent upon completion of a successful background check.
This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.
Salary is commensurate with experience in accordance with the Appendix O of the MSCA contract. A reasonable starting salary range to expect for a new full-time, temporary faculty member appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor is $65,000 to $75,000.
Posting Number: F00640P
Open Date:
Close Date: 07/19/2026
Open Until Filled: No
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please note the following information is required to complete your application for this position:
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A minimum of three (3) professional reference entries in space provided on the application form.
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CV
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Cover Letter
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Philosophy of Dance Education
To apply, visit https://jobs.bridgew.edu/postings/32911
Bridgewater State University is an equal employment opportunity employer and considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.
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