Senior Assistant Teaching Training at LLDS
Dancers who are currently enrolled at Lucy Lovick Dance School and are age 13 or above, can apply for the Senior Assistant Teaching Training Program ( SATT). This program is designed to give current students hands-on experience towards becoming trained dance instructors and mature leaders. Schedules are determined by the director and are considered a great honour and responsibility.
The opportunity to serve as a Dance Teaching Assistant is an invaluable learning experience and may result in future work references and teaching opportunities. Dance Teaching Assistants represent LLDS and must be exemplary students and volunteers. Any misconduct, poor behaviour, poor sportsmanship, disrespect of fellow dancers/instructors in the classroom or at facilities/events will result in an immediate termination of position.
All Teaching Assistants must begin the program as a volunteer. Limited paid positions are available for volunteer assistants to apply for, beginning at age 16. All assistants will be evaluated and assessed by the teacher and director periodically.
Schedules are subject to change throughout the program year based on class enrolment.
- Show enthusiasm without being disruptive.
- Notify the Director, via appropriate means studio phone/text 07888657685 or email dance@lucylovick.co.uk of absence or lateness a min of 1 hour before class starts.
- Absence policy refers to excused or unexcused absences, and Dance Teaching Assistants could be dismissed if the maximum of 3 absences is exceeded each term.
- Demonstrate proper technique, etiquette, and behaviour in the classroom.
- Dress appropriately and follow the LLDS dress code for each class.
- Assistants will receive a teaching t-shirt and ballet skirt to wear.
- Must be respectful, proactive, and helpful in any task the teacher may ask.
- Must not know any students or parents on a personal level in the class assisting
- Classes must be at least 2 years age gap with enrolled dancers.
- Must attend termly training sessions
LISTEN, OBSERVE, LEARN, DEVELOP
It is your role to listen, observe, learn, and develop your awareness and skills as an assistant teacher. These are the necessary skills to be used to develop your confidence and ability to perhaps one day teach your own class!
Listen – How does the teacher conduct the class, manage the class, adapt if necessary? How do they give corrections, what words to they use to address pupils individually or the whole class? How do they use their voice? How do the pupils respond?
Observe– How does the teacher control the class and deliver the exercises. Do they walk around the room, stand still, count, clap, sing? How do the pupils respond, what’s their favourite exercise, watch who is improving, working hard, who is not! Who looks tired or distracted? Who needs help? Who remembered the exercise? Recognise if a child looks sad. These observations will help you to understand so much about teaching and what our teachers are thinking all the time. Observation is the best way to learn and understand classroom management. Have a notebook where you can write down ‘teaching gems’ nuggets of gold about how a good class is taught and that every teacher regardless o f how long they have been teaching is always learning, improving, and developing their skills.
Learn– you should learn something every class. Try to keep a journal of all the things you learn and understand. Nuggets of gold, remember.
Develop – To help you develop our teachers will support you and offer guidance. As you grow in the class you will be given tasks to create a short sequence or rhythm and then teach this to the class. Every term we will give you feedback to help monitor your progress with outlines to work on for the next term.
Your development will include the following;
TRAINING MODULE 1- Expectations
1. DEMONSTRATING
2. OFFERING YOUR ASSISTANCE AND GIVING HELP
3. HELPING TO MANAGE THE CLASS
4. CARE OF THE DANCERS
5. MUSIC AND PROPS
6. RECORDING YOUR PROGRESS AND SETTING GOALS
TRAINING MODULE 2 – Safe teaching practices
1. SAFE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
2. KNOW THE HUMAN BODY
3. REST AND RECOVER
4. CREATE A SAFE SPACE
5. PROGRESS SAFELY
6. BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL
SATT training days will be held every term which must be attended.
We will also be starting the Acrobatic Arts Teaching assistant program in 2023- Watch this space!!!
All SATT pupils in Years 12 and 13 will receive a set wage per term depending on hours worked and attendance. All other helpers will receive an end of term ‘thank you’ gift.
