The summer after graduation can be a time of great excitement and at times even greater challenges. This is especially true for dance and dance education students, as many prepare to make the leap from student to teacher in the span of just a few months. If you are a recent graduate getting ready to embark on a career in dance education, NDEO is here for you! We are your go-to resource for everything you’ll need to build your career, from networking opportunities to job postings to professional development. To support you in your transition from student to educator, we offer a Young Professional Membership. This one-year non-renewable membership is designed for individuals who are within 3 years of graduation from high school, community college, college, conservatory, or university (bachelor's or master's program) and are pursuing dance education a profession. It is ideal for both student members of NDEO who want to retain their membership, and for those who are new to the organization. The membership is offered at a special rate, but includes all the NDEO benefits you’ll need to start and sustain your career, including:
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Networking: Connect with some of the most engaged teachers in the field, from dance education leaders to other recent graduates nationwide. Online forums and special interest groups provide opportunities to share ideas and seek advice, while conferences and events give you the meet new colleagues in person. Through NDEO, you will “find your tribe” - a diverse and welcoming group of professionals who are as passionate about dance education as you are!
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Resources: As you start out in your studio or classroom, you will likely need curriculum and lesson plan ideas, research to support your work, and advocacy tools to help you promote your program to parents, administrators, and the community. NDEO provides all these and more, through the Dance Education Literature and Research Descriptive Index (DELRdi), our quarterly publications - The Journal of Dance Education and Dance Education in Practice, and dance education standards.
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Mentoring: Our new Mentorship Program, currently in the pilot stage, serves as a support system for dance teachers with fewer than five years of experience in the PK-12 field of dance education.
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Job Postings: NDEO members can access our Jobs Board and have weekly job postings sent to you via email. Our job postings can help you find employment in K-12, higher education, dance studios, community outreach, arts administration, and related fields.
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Professional Development: Members can take courses through our Online Professional Development Institute and attend our annual National Conference and Special Topics Conferences (additional fees required). These provide critical opportunities to further your skills and earn continuing education units that may help you advance your career.
During the month of July, we celebrate NDEO membership by offering a special discount to new NDEO members. If you sign up and pay before July 31, 2018, you can save 10% on your Young Professional Membership. Use the code NDEOJuly2018 at checkout to receive the discount. (Please note that to be approved for the Young Professional Rate, you must send proof of your graduation date, such as a diploma or transcript, to membership@ndeo.org.) Take advantage of the special discount this July and let NDEO help you get ready for your first back-to-school season as an educator!