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¡Hola! Wiggleworms Instructor (PT)

Summary: The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a part-time teacher for its acclaimed early childhood music program, Wiggleworms®, specifically for the "Hola Wiggleworms" class, at its Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park locations. Classes are for children newborn to five years old accompanied by an adult, are taught primarily in Spanish, and led by a teacher who sings and plays guitar and/or ukulele.

Schedule: Weekdays and weekends

Location: Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park

Duties:

  • Work with children, parents, and caregivers to create a positive, Spanish-language classroom environment.
  • Adapt teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.
  • Creating lesson plans guided by our curriculum and training, with an emphasis on Spanish-language music and cultural content.
  • Handle light administrative tasks and maintain interdepartmental communications as needed.

    Qualifications

    Required:

  • Fluency in Spanish is required.
  • High level of musicianship and personal responsibility.
  • Must be creative, passionate about music, and be able to enthusiastically lead grownups with their babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in musical learning, predominantly in Spanish.
  • Availability for after-school hours on weekdays and weekends is required

    Preferred:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Music Education or Performance preferred
  • Minimum two years of teaching experience preferred
  • Experience working with infants, babies, and toddlers is preferred.

    Compensation: Instructor Hourly Pay Rate: $37/hour

    To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

    • Youth Ballet Instructor

    Youth Ballet Instructor (Early Childhood & Elementary)

    Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a creative, patient, and inspiring Youth Ballet Instructor to join our Dance Department. We are looking for an educator who specializes in teaching ballet to children, ranging from early childhood (creative movement) through elementary and teen levels. The ideal candidate is passionate about introducing young movers to the fundamentals of ballet through a lens of joy, musicality, and storytelling. Utilizing the Old Town School's community-focused model, this position relies on a teacher's ability to foster a non-competitive, imaginative, and nurturing environment that builds both technical foundations and a lifelong love for dance.

    Essential Functions:

  • Teach group ballet classes for children and teens, including mini-dancers, creative movement, pre-ballet, and leveled technique classes.
  • Develop age-appropriate lesson plans that balance foundational ballet technique (alignment, turnout, positions) with imaginative play and creative expression.
  • Adapt teaching styles to meet the developmental milestones of various age groups, ensuring classes are engaging, safe, and physically appropriate.
  • Incorporate musicality and rhythmic awareness into instruction, utilizing a variety of global music traditions in alignment with the Old Town School's mission.
  • Manage classroom dynamics effectively, ensuring a supportive and inclusive space for children of all abilities, backgrounds, and learning styles.
  • Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding student progress, class expectations, and school traditions.
  • Participate in and prepare students for Old Town School community events, such as informal class sharings and seasonal performances.
  • Available to teach weekend mornings and/or weekday afternoons/evenings.

    Required Skills/Competencies:

  • Strong proficiency in ballet technique and a deep understanding of pediatric dance pedagogy.
  • Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into "kid-friendly" imagery and cues.
  • High level of energy, patience, and enthusiasm for working with young children and families.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build a sense of community and belonging within a youth cohort.
  • Ability to demonstrate movements clearly and safely while maintaining constant supervision and engagement with the class.

    Required Education and Experience:

  • Relevant training or certification in Ballet (e.g., ABT Certified Teacher, Cecchetti, or equivalent professional dance background).
  • Proven experience leading dance or movement classes specifically for children under the age of 12.

    Preferred Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Dance, Dance Education, Early Childhood Education, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Minimum of two years of teaching experience in a youth-focused dance studio or community arts setting.
  • Experience in "Creative Movement" curriculum development for toddlers and preschoolers.
  • Bilingual Spanish is preferred.

    Additional Eligibility Requirements:

  • Ability to teach in person at both Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square locations.
  • Saturday and/or Sunday morning availability is highly preferred.
  • Must pass a standard background check for working with minors.

    Physical Requirements:

  • The position requires the ability to see, hear, and perform sustained physical activity including jumping, stretching, and floor work.
  • Must be able to physically demonstrate ballet positions and movements repeatedly for the duration of the class (45–60 minutes).
  • Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds (e.g., assisting a small child or moving dance props/mats).

    Work Environment:
    Work is performed in a dance studio or multi-purpose classroom with exposure to music, children, parents, and fluorescent lighting.

    Other Duties:
    Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

    Compensation: $37.00/hourly

    To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

    • Dance Fitness & Mind-Body Instructor

    Dance Fitness & Mind-Body Instructor (Zumba, Nia, The Groove, BeMoved, Yoga, and/or Pilates)

    Old Town School of Folk Music seeks versatile and inspiring instructors to join our Dance Fitness and Movement. We are looking for educators certified or highly experienced in formats such as, Nia, The Groove, BeMoved, Yoga, and/or Pilates. Ideal candidates are passionate about the intersection of music, movement, and wellness, with the ability to lead inclusive group classes that prioritize both physical health and creative expression. Utilizing the Old Town School's community-focused model, this position relies on a teacher's ability to foster a non-competitive, welcoming environment for adult learners of all fitness levels and backgrounds.

    Essential Functions:

  • Teach group dance fitness or mind-body classes (e.g., Zumba, Nia, Yoga, Pilates, BeMoved) across multiple skill levels.
  • Develop and adapt lesson plans that emphasize proper alignment, rhythmic awareness, and the joy of movement.
  • Modify exercises and movements to accommodate diverse physical abilities, injuries, or age-related needs in a community-based setting.
  • Incorporate musicality and somatic awareness into instruction, aligning with the Old Town School's mission of celebrating global music and movement traditions.
  • Participate in and engage students to participate in Old Town School traditions such as Second Half and community wellness events.
  • Maintain a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment that encourages lifelong wellness and community connection.
  • Available to teach weekend mornings and select weekday evenings.

    Required Skills/Competencies:

  • Strong proficiency in one or more specialized movement formats (such as Zumba, Nia, The Groove, BeMoved, Yoga, or Pilates).
  • Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to provide clear, rhythmic, and anatomical cues.
  • Deep understanding of musicality and the ability to curate or follow playlists that enhance the movement experience (e.g., utilizing Latin and world rhythms for Zumba).
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build a supportive community within a group class.
  • Ability to demonstrate movements clearly while maintaining a high level of engagement with the class.

    Required Education and Experience:

  • Relevant certification in the specific discipline being taught (e.g., Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) license, RYT for Yoga, Pilates Certification, Nia Certification, or BeMoved Certification).

    Preferred Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Dance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Minimum of two years of teaching experience in a group fitness or dance studio setting.
  • Experience working with adult learners and seniors in a community-forward environment.

    Additional Eligibility Requirements:

  • Ability to teach in person at both Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square locations.
  • Evening and weekend (daytime) availability is required.
  • Bilingual Spanish is preferred.

    Physical Requirements:

  • The position requires the ability to see, hear, and perform sustained physical activity including stretching, strengthening, and aerobic movement.
  • Must be able to demonstrate floor work, standing exercises, and repetitive motions for the duration of the class (45–75 minutes).
  • Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds (e.g., yoga props or small equipment) regularly/occasionally.

    Work Environment:
    Work is performed in a dance studio or multi-purpose classroom with exposure to music, large groups, and fluorescent lighting

    Other Duties:
    Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

    Compensation: $37.00/hourly

    To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

    • Site Manager (PT)

    Site Manager (PT)

    The Old Town School of Folk Music is seeking a part-time Site Manager to oversee activities and ensure safe operations in OTS buildings. They serve as an ambassador and advocate for the School.

    Locations: Lincoln Square & Lincoln Park

    Key Duties:

  • Manage program operations for the assigned shift.
  • Ensure compliance with all OTS safety and operational protocols.
  • Address concerns directly as they arise.
  • Report issues to Operations and Education team managers.
  • Serve as a resource for teachers.
  • Ensure set up and break down of assigned location(s) as needed in accordance with OTS protocols, including signage as needed.
  • Manage the check-in process and direct participants to their locations.
  • Track attendance and monitor the number of participants and caregivers where appropriate.
  • Coordinate with operations management, program management, customer service, and maintenance staff as needed.
  • Oversee volunteer staff where appropriate.
  • Ensure rooms have all the necessary equipment and teaching implements.
  • Secure property and open/close building as needed.
  • Ensure building and rooms are in good order at the end of the shift and that equipment is returned to its appropriate place.
  • Set alarm as needed.
  • Assist with administrative tasks as assigned, such as room reservations, data entry, etc.

    Qualifications:

  • Experience managing events.
  • Experience with customer service and setting boundaries with participants.
  • Experience working with children preferred.
  • Familiarity with Google Suite.
  • An understanding of COVID-19 safety protocols.
  • Strong detail orientation and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to think on one's feet and adapt to changing situations.
  • Ability to carry out emergency protocol in event of fire, inclement weather or other crises.
  • Access to a personal smartphone during shift.
  • Available to work evenings and weekends.

    Physical requirements:
    The position requires the ability to see, hear, sit, stand, walk, reach, push and pull. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds regularly and 30 pounds occasionally.

    Other Duties:
    Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

    Compensation: $19.20/hourly
    Discounts at the School and some voluntary benefits are available for part-time employees.


    To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

    • Equal Employment Opportunity

    Old Town School is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. Old Town School strives to be an inclusive and equitable organization that is reflective of the diversity of the city of Chicago. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. This is critical to our success as a community focused organization.

    4544 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625  •  (773) 728-6000 •  customerservice@oldtownschool.org
    Customer Service Phone Hours:
    9:00 AM – 8:30 PM Central (Monday – Thursday)
    9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Central (Friday – Sunday)