How to be A Great Teacher’s Assistant

• Don’t wait to be asked especially when you’ve been assigned small tasks that are done for each lesson (like taking roll or handing out stickers at the end of class). This is what it means to anticipate. Developing this awareness is important if you want to be a great assistant.
• Be unobtrusive. When you see a student that needs your help or correction, address or pull them aside quietly so that you don’t distract other class members.
• Don’t be a distraction. Follow the lead of your teacher. If he/she is trying to get the class to pay attention, that is your job too. Unless you are leading or teaching, you are there to help keep the students’ attention on your teacher or on what they are doing (not to pull focus to yourself).
• Make corrections with a compliment. For instance, say something like “Anna, you are pointing your toes nicely, try to keep your knee straight when you tendu. You are being a great listener today!”
• Offer positive reinforcement instead of yelling or complaining about bad behavior. Many assistants are helping in classes with young kids and tots, an age where having FUN is the biggest priority.
• Be prepared and on time. Being prepared can be anything from having the proper clothes or shoes with you to knowing the exercises or dances that you are supposed to lead.
• Ask questions, give suggestions, and save the silliness until after class whenever possible. Your teacher is counting on being able to focus on their class of students without worrying about you (or your behavior) at the same time. You will be the focus when it’s your turn in class.
• Show your enthusiasm without being silly. Use a bright tone of voice (think of making your voice slightly higher) when you talk to the children, use a lot of energy when you demonstrate, and smile a lot. This will show your enthusiasm and still keep the kids focused and paying attention. You can have fun as long as you are not distracting the students from what they are doing.
• Be ready for the unexpected and try to handle things maturely when they do. If you work with very young children you must be prepared for the occasional “accident” and its aftermath. You can also expect that sometimes kids will say some pretty funny or strange things. Again, watch your teacher for how to respond in an appropriate, kind, and respectful manner.
• Know when to refer a parent to your teacher. If you are approached by a parent with a question and are not sure how to answer, don’t make it up. If it seems the parent is upset it is not your job to deal with the problem. If a parent wants you to know why or why not things are being done the way they are, it is best to let your teacher address this. If you are uncomfortable in any way with the question, it is okay to pass it on to the teacher!
• Give corrections and discipline with confidence. Admittedly, it can be kind of strange to suddenly be “in charge” when you are normally a pupil yourself. But even though the children in your class probably look up to you, they are not likely to listen to you if you don’t speak clearly and firmly. Sandwiching corrections and being positive may help you to feel like you are not being mean or yelling. Try to avoid making requests in the form of a question (For ex: “Are you ready to put the props away?”). This gives the impression that they have an option to say no. (Instead try “Alright, it’s time to put the props away!” in a way that sounds as if you are excited to be moving on to the next activity as well).
• Communicate clearly with your teacher. If you have a question, ask at an appropriate time. If you are not sure what is expected of you, don’t be afraid to ask or find out how you can improve.
• Take care of yourself! You are probably a busy teen or pre-teen with homework, dance classes, and other activities in which you are involved. If you are well rested you will be more useful to your teacher and be more energetic in your classes (all of them). If you are missing sleep to fit everything in, maybe you should discuss this with your parents and teacher. Adding an apprenticeship to your activities may not be in your best interest right now

What are some benefits of being a Dance Assistant?

Remember, being an assistant is an important job! But it comes with perks as well! At APA, student assistants get paid, via credit to their studio accounts, for every hour they assist. Plus they gain leadership skills, responsibility, and sometimes the inspiration to become a teacher themselves! This is often the first job many of our students will have, and if there’s one thing we all know to be true, it’s that there’s nothing better than doing a job you love! Visit our staff page and read some bios – you may be surprised to see how many of our beloved and talented teachers, all started as students and ASSISTANTS. Ready to join the team?

Currently, we are accepting applications for student dance assistants for the 2023-2024 season!

If a student is going to be 10 years old by September 1st and is interested in assisting dance classes next school year, please click below to complete an assistant application.  All applications are due no later than June 30th. For every 1 hour of assisting, the assistant will receive a $7 credit in their APA account. Please keep in mind the more flexibility and availability you have, the easier it is to schedule. Please make sure to review each application as there have been changes. Any assistant who commits to assisting a minimum of 1 class at the Franklin location will get priority scheduling! 

Click here for 2023-2024 Assistant Application!