Middle School Music Teacher, Instrumental Band

Uncommon Schools • New York, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Uncommon Schools seeks an accomplished, passionate Middle School Music (instrumental, band) Teacher to join our faculty. This position offers an exciting opportunity to join a growing program dedicated to developing musical talent throughout the K-12 education of our scholars. Our music pedagogy is grounded in balancing direct literacy and ensemble skills through ensemble-based learning on various instruments (woodwinds, brass, percussion). The program focuses on building foundational literacy and performance skills on an instrument while exposing students to diverse musical repertoires, styles, genres, and cultures through performance. The band teacher introduces instruments to new students and develops older students within classroom ensemble settings. This role is for an Instrumental Band position at one of two middle school campuses.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in music education required.
• Experience leading and directing bands and advanced experience with instrumental pedagogy.
• Proficiency playing and teaching woodwinds, brass, and percussion required.
• Ability to manage and direct large groups of students.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom.
• Proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom.
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for academic subjects.
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Valid State Certification is helpful but not required.
• Experience arranging instrumental music is helpful.
• Minimum of two years teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement network band program vision by leading high-quality instrumental instruction for middle school musicians that meet music-specific academic standards.
• Teach all music-based content including string ensemble instrumental pedagogy (violin, viola, cello, bass) and/or wind ensemble instrumental pedagogy (rhythm, wind, and brass), music literacy and sight-reading on instruments, and ensemble performance repertoire.
• Direct afterschool band with 5+ types of instrumentation.
• Collaborate with Sr. Manager of Music Programs and High School Jazz Band Director on curriculum development, performance repertoire, high school recruitment, performance, and events.
• Develop music literacy lesson components related to teaching rhythm and pitch notation, improvisation, and composition.
• Collaborate with Principal and Director of Operations to create and plan for multiple performances throughout the school year.
• Design and implement assessments that measure progress towards academic standards.
• Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices.
• Support school instructional and cultural needs including academic teaching coverage, test proctoring, daily systems duties, and additional supportive duties.
• Participate in collaborative curriculum development, department activities, and school-wide functions.
• Develop strong classroom management skills congruent with Uncommon Schools system of management.
• Be accountable for students’ mastery of musical standards.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Participate in an annual three-week staff orientation and training.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA).
• 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match.
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level