2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR -Visual and Performing Arts Advisor Assistant (Certificated Employee) at Desert Sands Unified School District
About the Employer
We are pleased that you have expressed an interest in employment with our district. Desert Sands Unified School District is committed to the students and the families of the communities that we serve. We have a competitive salary and benefit package to offer our employees along with excellent working conditions in modern school facilities. Our district is located in the resort communities of Indian Wells, Bermuda Dunes, Palm Desert, La Quinta, and Indio. Our community offers the amenities of a resort lifestyle along with an affordable housing market for full-time residents. The Personnel Office strives to provide the best possible service to our current employees and applicants to the district. Please feel free to call any of the staff members listed in our division for assistance.
Job Summary
Job Summary
Visual and Performing Arts Assistant (Tier I-IV) The Visual and Performing Arts Assistant will support our dynamic arts programs by providing instruction, mentorship, and program assistance in music, theatre, dance, visual arts, or related areas. The position’s specific focus will depend on the program’s needs and the candidate’s area(s) of expertise. Key Responsibilities: Provide specialized instruction, coaching, and mentorship in assigned areas (e.g., instrumental/vocal music, color guard, dance, theatre, visual art). Assist with program design and development, including choreography, musical arrangements, set or show design, and other production elements. Offer one-on-one and small group support to enhance student growth and skills. Prepare warm-up routines and practice exercises tailored to program goals. Stay informed about current trends, professional exemplars, and best practices in the arts to deliver relevant, high-level instruction. Attend scheduled rehearsals, performances, exhibitions, and production meetings. Teach and reinforce fundamental artistic and/or performance techniques, including tone production, music literacy, artistic composition, dance movement, stage presence, and ensemble skills. Guide students in developing expressive performance, creative voice, and artistic identity. Foster a positive and inclusive environment that encourages artistic expression, individual growth, and collaborative ensemble work.
Requirements / Qualifications
No credential Required
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (Letters of Recommendation - 3 Letters are required (Current- Within the last 18 months))
- Resume
Requirements / Qualifications
No credential Required
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (Letters of Recommendation - 3 Letters are required (Current- Within the last 18 months))
- Resume
Comments and Other Information
VAPA Category II (Non-DSTA Members): "Flat Rate Stipends"
-VAPA Support Stipend, Tier I, $2,000 (+ fixed costs/taxes)
Recommended for any number of hours less than 5 per week for the duration of the semester.
-VAPA Support, Tier II: $5,500 (+ fixed costs/taxes)
Recommended for 5 hours through any number of hours less than 10 hours per week for the
duration of the semester.
-VAPA Support, Tier III: $11,000 (+ fixed costs/taxes)
Recommended for 10 hours through any number of hours less than 15 hours per week for the
duration of the semester.
-VAPA Support, Tier IV: $16,500 (+ fixed costs/taxes)
• Recommended for 15 hours through any number of hours less than 20 hours per week for the
duration of the semester.
Comments and Other Information
The Desert Sands Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, potential parental, family and/or marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, in its educational program (s) or employment. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Dr. Joseph Hyde, Title IX Coordinator, Desert Sands Unified School District, 47-950 Dune Palms Rd, La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 771-8695, joseph.hyde@desertsands.us; Dr. Lisa McColl, Title IX Coordinator, Designee/Resolution and Compliance Officer, Desert Sands Unified School District, 47-950 Dune Palms Rd, La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 771-8695, lisa.mccoll@desertsands.us; Mr. Alpercy Bennett Jr., 504 Coordinator, Desert Sands Unified School District, 47-950 Dune Palms Road, La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 771-8652, alpercy.bennettjr@desertsands.us.
Comments and Other Information
VAPA Category II (Non-DSTA Members): "Flat Rate Stipends"
-VAPA Support Stipend, Tier I, $2,000 (+ fixed costs/taxes)
Recommended for any number of hours less than 5 per week for the duration of the semester.
-VAPA Support, Tier II: $5,500 (+ fixed costs/taxes)
Recommended for 5 hours through any number of hours less than 10 hours per week for the
duration of the semester.
-VAPA Support, Tier III: $11,000 (+ fixed costs/taxes)
Recommended for 10 hours through any number of hours less than 15 hours per week for the
duration of the semester.
-VAPA Support, Tier IV: $16,500 (+ fixed costs/taxes)
• Recommended for 15 hours through any number of hours less than 20 hours per week for the
duration of the semester.
Comments and Other Information
The Desert Sands Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, potential parental, family and/or marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, in its educational program (s) or employment. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Dr. Joseph Hyde, Title IX Coordinator, Desert Sands Unified School District, 47-950 Dune Palms Rd, La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 771-8695, joseph.hyde@desertsands.us; Dr. Lisa McColl, Title IX Coordinator, Designee/Resolution and Compliance Officer, Desert Sands Unified School District, 47-950 Dune Palms Rd, La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 771-8695, lisa.mccoll@desertsands.us; Mr. Alpercy Bennett Jr., 504 Coordinator, Desert Sands Unified School District, 47-950 Dune Palms Road, La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 771-8652, alpercy.bennettjr@desertsands.us.
Application Deadline
5/29/2027 11:55 PM Pacific
Date Posted
6/9/2026
Contact
Number of Openings
Not Specified
Salary
Single Rate
Stipend Stipend
Stipend Stipend
Add'l Salary Info
See notes below
Length of Work Year
10 months
Employment Type
Part Time