Music Teacher

Music Teacher Job Description

Title: Music Teacher

Reports to: Principal

This position follows the school year calendar and leadership/co-planning weeks in the summer, inclusive of but not limited to staff meetings, teacher workdays, workshops and other professional development, all school programs and activities, and other hours as required and deemed necessary by the Secondary Principal.

The Music Teacher and Curriculum Lead understands and promotes the school’s mission, vision, core values and policies both within and outside the immediate school community.  The Music Teacher and Curriculum Lead is responsible for providing an integrated music program at the Elizabeth Academy Lower and Upper School campuses that supports the individual needs of our students in accordance with the school’s mission, vision and values.

Required Time Commitment:

1. Regular working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the academic year and Montessori Foundations training in the summer: June 15th-19th 9am-5pm

2.     Expected to arrive at work on time, unless an alternate arrangement is made with the Principal. Although we understand that emergencies can occur, if we observe a pattern of tardiness or early departures, you will receive a verbal warning.  If late arrivals or early departures continue, this will be noted in your file and could impact your future employment.

3.     Staff meetings, workshops and other professional development, all school programs and activities, and other hours as required and deemed necessary by the Principal.

Music Curriculum Lead Duties:

1. Coordinate with visual arts, performing arts, dance enrichment specialists, interventionists, instructional coaches, therapists, and classroom teachers at all levels to develop and deliver an integrated visual arts program that supports the individual needs of the children in accordance with the school’s mission, vision and values twice a year (Love and Light- December, and Spring Showcase- May)

2. Collaborate with principals to support decision making and problem solving for the Elizabeth Academy Primary

and Secondary School music program.

3. Responsible for organization and overall direction of musical performances and student showcases under the oversight of the Principal.

4. Works in collaboration with the Primary School music specialists to create a cross-campus end of year musical performances.

5. Develop Elizabeth Academy’s music scope and sequence for Elizabeth Academy.

Planning, Preparation and Instruction Duties:

Create instruction that supports the development of the cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual growth of the child.

1.     Use the School Curriculum and current research-based best instructional practices approved by the Curriculum Director to develop integrated units of instruction that meet both group and individual needs of all students.

2.     Responsible for maintaining an on-going dialogue and coordinating curriculum integration and implementation with Principal, classroom teachers, therapists, instructional coaches, and interventionists.

3.     Work with students of all abilities, including those with special needs and learning differences.

Enrichment Class Environment/Management Duties:

Responsible for preparing an environment that meets the sensitive period/plane of development of the children he/she works with.

1.     Create an environment that demonstrates rapport with respect and kindness for all students as well as between students.  Models and guides children in conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies.  Promote understanding and appreciation of all cultures.

2.     Demonstrate rapport with respect and kindness for, and collaboration with all staff members and parents.  Proactively use conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies in interactions with all adults to maintain a peaceful and respectful school environment.

3.     Promptly report behavioral and/or learning concerns beyond typical classroom strategies to the Head of School, filling out any appropriate forms and follow the procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook.  Keep an open line of communication with classroom teachers.

4.     Promptly report to the Head of School and fills out the appropriate school form if any concerns arise related to potential child abuse or neglect.

5.     Responsible for the safety of all children in his/her care until dismissed to a responsible adult.  Responsible for the appropriate treatment and well-being of all children in the school, based on respect, positive discipline and consistency with the teachings of Montessori.

Communication and Collaboration

Responsible for communication that supports an understanding of the school’s mission, values and program, develops positive relationships with and protects the privacy and confidentiality of all students, staff members and parents within the school community.

1. Assist in the development of and plays an active role in school wide activities, including but not limited to parent orientation, open house, parent education events, Harvest Share, Spring Showcase, end of year programs, etc.
2. Proactively and professionally communicate with administration when frustrated or encountering difficulties, notifying them of frustrated/concerned parents, and seeking admin support.
3. Communicate with classroom teachers,therapists, and other support providers to establish an awareness of student goals, concerns, and progress and that communication is documented.
4. Understand that crucial conversations include behavioral, social/emotional, academic progress, and resolution of parent concerns or frustrations. Ensures that the administration is aware of crucial conversations.
5. Listen, validate, and maintain professionalism.

Professional Responsibilities

Involved in ongoing self-assessment and refinement of practice in the classroom as well as collaborative professional growth.

1. Participate in an ongoing evaluation process, including classroom observations, feedback conferences, mid-year/end of year self-evaluations in conjunction with a professional development plan.
2. Maintain teaching skills and actively seek out and participate in professional development activities related to inclusion, Montessori education, and other relevant topics.
3. Join professional organizations and maintain awareness of major areas of research in teaching and resources for professional learning.
4. Participate in collegial activities to make the entire school a productive learning environment, including but not limited to program level meetings, curriculum and special needs-related discussion groups, mentoring, etc. Attend all scheduled meetings and teacher workdays.
5. Work scheduled hours.
6. Arrange for a substitute when needed and requests approval for any planned absences or vacations, avoiding blackout days.
7. Wear professional attire and always use professional communication.
8. Responsible for tracking and reporting professional development participation.
9. May be asked to participate in up to four required Saturday professional development days as deemed appropriate by administration.
10. Conflict of Interest - Any commitments related to employment outside of Elizabeth Academy must not conflict with school responsibilities and must occur outside of regular work hours or during PTO time.

Related Duties

1. Complete and maintain all records, reports, evaluations and inventories of student records and tests in a timely manner as required by the Head of School.
2. Operate within an annual budget, submit materials request forms, and turn in receipts, in addition to following any other budget-related procedures as required by the Business Office in a timely manner.
3. Responsible for reading and adhering to the guidelines as established in the staff handbook and adhering to all school policies.
4. Responsible for complying with all state regulations/requirements of accrediting organizations.
5. Responsible for training, mentoring and providing a kind and respectful working environment for assistants and/or student teachers.
6. Responsible for keeping the Head of School updated on events, issues, schedules and curriculum coordination.