TEACHER'S ASSISTANT PROGRAM
TA Program Overview
Our Teacher Assistant Program provides young adults with both the education and hands-on experience needed to support their growth as aspiring teachers. Through this program, assistants will not only gain valuable insight into the teaching process but will also have the opportunity to work closely with our Program Director, instructors, and students. As a result, they play a key role in positively impacting our classes by helping ensure that dancers of all ages thrive within the supportive and inclusive community at Backstage Dance Studio.
There are two main goals of our program: to provide aspiring teachers with the training and skills they need to be employable and to ensure dancers in our classrooms are supported along their dance journey. To obtain this goal, our Teacher Assistant Program has three tiers.
PRE-TEACHER ASSISTANT (Pre-TA)*
This program is for young adult dancers (ages 10+) who are interested in being a Teacher Assistant. Pre-TAs will follow a curriculum to complete a comprehensive educational course to earn their Teacher Assistant Certification. Pre-TAs will also be mentored by our Student Teachers and build relationships with their instructors by learning how to assist in the classroom.
*This level is a prerequisite for becoming a Teacher Assistant. Enrollment in the Pre-TA program costs a one time fee of $200. This includes: lesson plans with materials and assignments that take ~6 months to complete, one-on-one check-ins with the Program Director, and mentorship from a Student Teacher to help them grow throughout their first year.
TEACHER ASSISTANT (TA)
Teacher Assistants are dancers who complete the TA Certification Course and consistently meet expectations through routine evaluations. Each week, they assist in assigned classes and continue their education using free monthly resources. Guided by instructors, fellow TAs, and the Program Director, they actively apply their training in real class settings. We hold TAs to a high standard—they lead by example and serve as role models throughout Backstage Dance Studio. For every class they assist or substitute, TAs earn credit toward their family account.
STUDENT TEACHER (ST)
Student Teachers are dedicated TAs who have been a part of our program for at least two years and have extensive dance experience. In addition to assisting classes on a weekly basis, Student Teachers mentor Pre-TAs and are eligible to substitute teach classes when instructors are absent.* Student Teachers also utilize continuing education resources and serve as role models for the studio and their fellow TA cohort. They earn credit to their family account for all hours put into their responsibilities.
*Substitution requires pre-approval.
ELIGIBILITY
We welcome young adult dancers enrolled at BDS who have a passion for dance. Those interested in this program should be mature and eager to learn more. They should also be dedicated to upholding our core values of building confidence, character, and community.
JOIN THE TA PROGRAM!
Review our Code of Conduct and Expectations then submit the Interest Form Below. Interest Forms for our 2025-2026 cohort are due no later than August 1st, 2025.
Questions? Contact our TA Program Director, Alyssa Lunardi at [email protected]
