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. The position represents an exciting opportunity to join a growing program that is dedicated to developing excellence in musical talent throughout the K-12 education of our scholars. Our music pedagogy approach is grounded in balancing direct literacy and ensemble skills through ensemble-based learning on a variety of instruments (woodwinds, brass, percussion). Our music program includes building foundational literacy and performance skills on an instrument while exposing students to various music repertoires, styles, genres, and cultures through performance repertoire. The band teacher introduces the instruments to new band students while developing older students who have been a part of the program in classroom ensemble settings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in music education is 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; and
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree is 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 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;
• Develop music literacy lesson components related to teaching rhythm and pitch notation, improvisation and composition;
• High-level collaboration 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 but not limited to academic teaching coverage, test proctoring, daily systems duties, additional supportive duties
• Participate in collaborative curriculum development, department activities, and school-wide functions;
• Develops 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; and
• 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