K-5 Music Teacher

Job Title:  K-5 Music Teacher

Reports to:  Head of Lower School

Job Summary:

The K-5 Music Teacher will plan, develop, and implement an age-appropriate music program for students in kindergarten through 5th grade.  The teacher fosters a love of music through singing, movement, rhythm, instrumental exploration, music literacy, creative expression, and performance.   He/she also presents a school learning environment that guides and encourages students to grow in their understanding and appreciation for a broad variety of music.  

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Plans and develops an engaging, age-appropriate course of study in the classroom, adhering to educational best practices and curriculum guidelines.

• Designs and presents individual lesson plans using a variety of teaching techniques that appeal to various learning styles and methods.

• Prepares materials for lessons and assignments; evaluates, corrects, and grades student performance.

• Collaborates to strengthen alignment of the ECE-US music program

• Manages student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and expectations.

• Monitors students’ progress throughout the year. 

• Communicates all progress and concerns with tact and professionalism to parents and, as appropriate, other faculty, staff, and/or Division Head.

• Builds and maintains positive relationships with students, parents/guardians, and colleagues.

• Enforces safety and security standards for students, staff, and visitors.

• Participates in faculty meetings, educational conferences, in-service opportunities, workshops, and other training seminars.

• Maintains knowledge of research, developments, and best practices in appropriate levels of education.  

• Prepares classroom for class activities at the beginning of the school year; inventory, pack, and organize classroom for summer use.

• Participates in extracurricular activities such as social activities, sporting activities, clubs, and student organizations as directed.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Thorough understanding of pedagogy and the best practices of education.

• Desire to teach and ability to adapt to varied developmental status.  

• Ability to design lessons that teach curriculum in an engaging manner, applying various teaching methods such as play, lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and individual or collaborative projects and research.

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills to manage and control the classroom.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain professionalism and tact in high-stress situations.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Creative analytical and problem-solving skills.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related subject required; Master’s degree preferred; or two to four years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Teaching license preferred.

• Previous teaching experience preferred.

• CPR certification preferred.

Physical Requirements with or without accommodations: 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer or standing to teach.

• Must be able to lift or move up to 40 pounds at times. 

• Must be able to traverse classroom and adjust one’s tone and height, by bending, leaning, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling in order to teach each child.  

• Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception.