Youth Dance / Cheer / Sports Instructors in Washington, District of Columbia at The Starz Program of Greater Washington

Love working with kids? Looking for a flexible part-time role where you can make a real impact while building your teaching and leadership skills?Join a passionate, supportive team and spend your days bringing energy, creativity, and confidence to children across the Greater Washington, DC area!

The Starz Program is a nationally recognized children’s fitness enrichment program that has served communities across the country for over 20 years. Our mission is to help kids build confidence, resilience, and a love of movement through fun, engaging classes.

In this role you will teach a variety of classes to students (ages 2-12) on-site at schools and country clubs near Arlington, VA or Bethesda, MD. This role is perfect for former or current dancers, cheerleaders, gymnasts, and/or athletes with teaching experience. Many of our instructors grow with us into expanded roles in marketing, curriculum, training, and program leadership.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead fun, structured classes for 5–15 students at a time
• You’ll follow our curriculum while bringing your own creativity and personality to each class
• Set up and clean up equipment
• Create a positive, safe, and energetic learning environment
• Communicate with parents, school staff, and the Starz team
• Stay organized and prepared using provided lesson plans
• Attend monthly meetings and trainings

What we look for in a Starz Instructor:

• Responsible – arrives 15 minutes early to each class, can independently manage a 45-60-minute class of up to 15 students, without support of a co-teacher.
• Professional – neat in appearance, friendly and courteous with partner site staff.
• Enthusiastic – MUST enjoy teaching and working with young children, be able to confidently connect with children primarily ages 2-12.
• Fun – enjoys having FUN with young children, being goofy, using your imagination, and watching children smile all while managing and teaching an effective class.
• Reliable transportation – must have reliable transportation to and from partner sites and a valid driver’s license.
• Organization- Instructors are given a weekly lesson plan and curriculum to follow but will need time to prepare for classes outside of the classroom.

Schedule & Commitment:

• Teach 2-8 hours per week
• Select the classes you want to teach each season; design your own schedule
• Classes operate Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm
• We’re looking for team members interested in growing with us for multiple seasons

Season Dates:

• Fall: mid-September – mid-December
• Winter: mid-January – mid-March
• Spring: mid-March – mid-May
• Optional Summer Camps: June – August (half-day or full-day)

Popular Classes:

• Dance (ballet, hip-hop)
• Cheerleading
• Sports (soccer, basketball, kickball, tennis, pickleball, fitness, and more)
• Creative Movement
• Gymnastics
• Fitness

Requirements

• 18+ with a high school diploma or GED
• Must have a reliable car to drive to local schools and valid driver’s license
• Experience working with children in a formal/structured environment (coaching, camps, teaching)
• Comfortable teaching different types of classes at a preschool and/or elementary-school level
• Available to teach at least 2 or more classes per week
• Able to work on-site at schools in the Arlington, VA or Bethesda, MD area
• Strong communication and classroom management skills
• Able to pass background check and school screening requirements
• Able to lift up to 20 lbs and actively lead movement-based classes without limitation

Why You’ll Love Working With Starz

• Design a flexible schedule that fits around your schools, family, personal commitments, or other work
• Enjoy short, meaningful shifts—most instructors teach just 2–6 hours per week
• Make a real impact in children’s lives without the demands of a full-time classroom
• Competitive, reliable pay: $25 per hour (typically $100–$150/week)
• $100 paid training stipend to support a smooth and confident start
• Join a supportive, encouraging team that values your experience and provides professional development and ongoing guidance
• Opportunities to contribute beyond teaching, including mentorship, curriculum input, or program support
• Performance & referral bonuses that recognize your contributions
• Regular team gatherings to connect, recharge, and have fun together

Position Details:

• Job Type: Part-time (W-2 employee)
• Pay: $25 per hour
• Hours: 2–8 per week
• Pay Schedule: Direct deposit every other Friday
• Location: In-person at partner schools and clubs throughout the Greater Washington DC area