Teacher Training Program

I wanted to take the time to praise another aspect of your program. Your Teacher Training Program has had a profound impact on my daughter as well. If not for TTP, Amelia would not have crossed paths with her idol and “favorite teacher ever”. Miss Nikki has been the talk of my household since classes began. Very early on, Amelia took a liking to Ms. Nikki and declared her her favorite. The littlest things- such as helping her hula hoop, showing her how to jump (leap), teaching her the recital dance- EVERYTHING means so much more to my daughter. Nikki has a wonderful and very bright future ahead of her. I thank the TTP and my lucky stars above that she was placed in my daughter’s life. I tried to thank her on Friday night when I picked up Amelia, but I know for certain that I did not convey my message sufficiently. She holds a very special place in my little baby’s heart. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

– Heather T.

Welcome

Welcome to the Teacher Training Program webpage! Dance Connection is a unique and dedicated school that expresses the same attention to each level of dancer from 2 years to adult. The Teacher Training Program ensures that future students continue to be taught with the same care as when the studio's doors first opened! I truly enjoy working with the energy and passion of these young people within our program. It is a mutually rewarding experience!

Colleen Riccardelli, M.S.Ed.
Program Director

Philosophy

Dance Connection believes in providing a warm, safe, and professional atmosphere where each student is cared for within the Dance Connection family. We are proud to also offer a Teacher Training Program to our more serious students. It is a forum for students to gain training in teaching as well as job responsibility. Enrollment in our Teacher Training Program will provide members with the highest standard of mentoring and guidance. Dance Connection is strongly committed to enriching and nourishing the future teachers and citizens of our community. Regardless of your future career path, Dance Connection feels confident that all members of the Teacher Training Program will leave our program having learned the important life skills of: respect, responsibility, accountability, discipline, confidence, and professionalism.

Levels of the Program

I. STUDENT HELPER You are eligible to apply to be a student helper if:

You are a minimum of 9 years old
You currently study Ballet, Tap, & Jazz
You can commit to at least 1 student helping class per week
You can be responsible to complete a weekly “teacher task” within the studio

II. STUDENT TEACHER You are eligible to apply to be a student teacher if:

Same requirements as Student Helper
You are a minimum of 13 years old
You have completed 3 years at the Student Helper level
Student Teachers are encouraged to take additional dance classes to further their training
You can commit to a minimum of 3 teaching classes per week
You perform well in your own class, demonstrating knowledge of dance steps and dance terminology
You will begin to oversee and direct student helpers in the classes with you
You will be expected to begin to learn classroom management skills
At this level, overall professionalism, both inside and outside the classroom, is closely monitored
You are able to complete one monthly classroom observation
You will be responsible to keep your observations up to date and submit forms to director upon request

III. ASSISTANT TEACHER You are eligible to apply to be a assistant teacher if:

Same requirements as Student Teacher
You are a minimum of 16 years old
You have completed 3 years at the Student Teacher level
You currently are studying a broad array of dance disciplines
You are professional enough to accept and apply weekly feedback from cooperating teacher regarding your teaching methods
You will be expected at this level to independently choreograph combinations and teach small portions for the class
You will be expected at this level to learn and apply behavior and time management techniques
You will be expected at this level to complete 4 observations per month and submit forms to director upon request
You will be expected at this level to supervise TTP members during recital week
You will be expected at this level to oversee completion of SH and ST weekly jobs
You should begin to interact with parents of students, as well as be able to answer parent’s questions or direct them to an appropriate staff member
Assistant and Substitute Teachers will be observed and evaluated twice during the year by the Director of Teacher Training
You will be an intern within all scheduling and staff meetings
You may be called upon to assist in recital company or competition team rehearsals

IV. SUBSTITUTE TEACHER You are eligible to apply to be a substitute teacher if:

Same requirements as Assistant Teacher
You are a minimum of 18 years old
You have completed 3 years at the Student Teacher Level
You are currently studying a broad array of dance disciplines
You are encouraged to further your dance education by perhaps attending workshops with mastered choreographers, in NYC, at Broadway Dance Center, etc.
You will be required at this level to be called upon to substitute if needed
At this level you are viewed as part of the Dance Connection staff
You will be an intern within all scheduling and staff meetings
You may be called upon to assist in recital company or competition team rehearsals

Should I Join?

Is the Teacher Training Program Right For You?

Are you able to be available during the hours of Monday thru Friday after 4:00pm and/or Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm, if you are assigned to teach a class during those times?
Can you and your parents arrange transportation to the studio during the above times if you are scheduled to teach?
Can you be responsible to wear appropriate attire for each dance discipline including a monogrammed TTP shirt?
Can you commit to help out during the entire recital week?
Are you responsible enough to check your mailbox at the studio as well as your email to read important messages and reply in a timely fashion?
Do you always respect deadlines?
Can you remember to complete assigned weekly jobs around the studio?
Are you responsible enough to inform the studio when you will be absent and independently obtain coverage?

All students will be observed at the mid year mark by the Program Director and will receive a written evaluation based on this observation. This is just to see how things are going and to correct any problems early on. At the conclusion of the season, each trainee will receive a written evaluation from each cooperating teacher they worked with during the year. They will also receive a written evaluation from each teacher they studied with during the year. Each trainee and a parent will meet with the Program Director to review these evaluations. Progression through the program will be based upon your ability to complete all of the level requirements. Trainees meeting and exceeding program requirements will be invited back the following season into the program. Advancement will be granted by the Artistic and TTP Director to program members who exhibit exceptional adherence to program requirements.