Middle School Music Teacher, Instrumental Band

Uncommon New York City Charter Schools • New York, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Uncommon Schools seeks an accomplished, passionate band teacher to join our growing K-12 music program through a two-year leadership pathway. As our Apprentice Band Teacher, you will spend your first year working across several of our strongest middle school band programs. You'll support alongside experienced lead band teachers and receive weekly coaching from our Director of Music Programs. In SY27-28, you will step into the lead band teacher role at one of our middle school campuses, ready to lead a program you've been prepared for from day one. Our band pedagogy balances direct music literacy instruction with ensemble-based learning across woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Students build foundational reading and performance skills on their instruments while exploring repertoire across a wide range of styles, genres, and cultures. Band teachers at Uncommon introduce instruments to beginning players and grow returning students into confident, expressive ensemble musicians.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in music education required
• 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
• Two or more years of teaching experience in an urban public or charter school setting preferred
• A coachable mindset: you seek out feedback and put it into practice quickly
• Flexibility and professionalism working across multiple school sites and host teachers
• 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 music and music education
• Self-motivation and a strong commitment to being a team player

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred
• Valid state certification helpful but not required
• Experience arranging instrumental music helpful

Responsibilities

• Support in host school band programs alongside lead band teachers, including sectionals and small-group instruction, full-ensemble rehearsals, instrument inventory and repair tracking, and concert logistics
• Engage in weekly observation and coaching cycles with the Director of Music Programs, taking on increasing ownership of classes and ensembles over the course of the year
• Deliver high-quality instrumental instruction aligned to the network band program vision and music-specific academic standards
• Teach concert band pedagogy across woodwinds, brass, and percussion, including tone production, technique, music literacy, sight-reading on instruments, and ensemble performance repertoire
• Rehearse and conduct ensembles with 5+ types of instrumentation
• Plan music literacy lesson components in rhythm and pitch notation, improvisation, and composition
• Design and implement assessments that measure student progress toward standards, and use that data to refine curriculum and instruction
• Partner with the Director of Music Programs and High School Band Director on curriculum development, performance repertoire, high school recruitment, and events
• Collaborate with Principals and Directors of Operations to plan and execute performances throughout the school year
• Prepare to lead a band program in SY27-28, including outlining strategy for student recruitment, instrument inventory setup, and family communication
• Build strong classroom management aligned with Uncommon's systems and adapt to the routines of each host school
• Support school instructional and cultural needs, including academic coverage, test proctoring, daily systems duties, and other supportive duties
• Contribute to collaborative curriculum development, department activities, and schoolwide functions
• 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: Entry Level