We're Hiring a part-time instructor for our classes!

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 Part-Time Instructor

Organization: The Joy of Movement

Location:  First Presbyterian Church, Springfield and Online

Position Type: Part-time, hourly

Anticipated start date: 7/1/26

About The Joy of Movement

The Joy of Movement is a non-profit dedicated to enhancing health and quality of life for older adults living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and related disorders, and their care partners. We provide accessible group dance/movement classes, support programs, and community connection. https://thejoyofmovement.org/

What you would do: Share the joy of movement by teaching two 1.25 hour in-person classes and one 1.25 hour online class (held consecutively during one week each month), plus planning and preparation time, for an average total of eight hours per month, with possible additional hours as needed.

Position Summary: The Part-Time Instructor will have the joy of leading movement/dance classes during one week each month for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and related disorders and their care partners. The instructor will deliver safe, engaging, evidence-based movement instruction that promotes mobility, balance, strength, flexibility, and joy. In addition to teaching classes, the instructor will prepare lesson plans in coordination with the Executive Director and provide feedback regarding participant progress. Additional opportunities may arise on an on-call basis.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach one full week of movement/dance classes per month following the organization’s schedule and model. This includes three 1.25 hour classes, two of which are in person and one is online. 
• Prepare venue and pick up after classes, in coordination with volunteers
• Provide on-site and advance guidance/instruction to volunteers as needed 
• Plan and prepare age- and ability-appropriate class content (warm-ups, dance/ movement sequences, cooldown), incorporating safe movement principles for PD.
• Follow organization’s curriculum template, incorporating evidence-based programs (e.g. PWR! Moves).
• Monitor participants for safety, movement limitations, and provide modifications/ adaptations as needed.
• Coordinate with Executive Director regarding class planning, logistics and needs
• Engage with participants in a kind, inclusive, and encouraging manner; foster a positive, supportive class environment.
• Maintain appropriate records (attendance, feedback, class notes).
• Occasionally participate in Joy of Movement meetings and professional development training to stay current with organization needs and PD movement research and best practices.

Qualifications

Required

• Experience teaching dance, movement, exercise, or comparable group instruction, ideally with older adults.
• Love of music and dance and a good sense of musicality
• Competence in learning/demonstrating dance moves--great proficiency in dance styles is NOT required
• Familiarity with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) or willingness to learn about PD’s motor and non-motor features (e.g., mobility, balance, fatigue, cognition).
• Ability to creatively adapt movement/dance content to a range of ability levels, including those with physical limitations
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work empathetically with participants and care partners.
• Ability to use humor appropriately to support instruction
• Reliable, punctual, organized, and able to manage class preparation independently.
• Current certification/licensure in one of the following:

1. Personal Trainer or Group Fitness or Group Exercise Instructor or Exercise Specialist with a current certification recognized by NCCA.
2. Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapist, or Occupational Therapy Assistant with current state licensure or certification.
3. Athletic trainer (ATC), Kinesiotherapist (RKT),or Recreational therapist (CTRS) with current certification or registration.
4. Yoga teachers who have completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training program.
5. Pilates instructors who have completed at least a 450-hour Pilates teacher training program.

• Willing and able to complete PWR! Moves certification training, if not already certified (training paid for by the organization)

Preferred

• Certification or training in Dance for PD, PWR! Moves, adapted dance modalities, or similar. Training provided if needed.
• First aid / CPR certification.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• In-person classes are held at JOM’s partner site in Springfield, IL. Must provide own transportation.
• Instructors must be physically capable of demonstrating movement, standing for portions of class, and assisting/modifying participants safely.
• Able to safely lift and/or move equipment up to 50 lbs. (e.g. music speaker, portable props). 

Compensation

• Rate: $40 per hour 
• Training/Certification/Professional Development
  

Reporting & Supervision

• Reports to: Executive Director
• Works in collaboration with participants, volunteers, and care partners during class

If you're interested in this part-time position, start by applying here and attaching your resume.