Music Studio Teacher

Smith College•College Place, WA

7d•$23 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Early Childhood Education at Smith College is seeking a Music Studio Teacher to plan, develop, and evaluate a comprehensive early childhood program within the music studio. This role involves coordinating the studio space, developing and implementing a curriculum integrated with the classroom curriculum, and assessing children's musical development. The teacher will also participate in the afternoon program as a classroom teacher, build positive working relationships with colleagues, families, and children, and foster partnerships to develop a model early childhood program based on best practices. The position requires understanding and implementing CECE policies, pursuing professional development, and supporting students and faculty. Effective communication of the school's philosophy, vision, and core values is essential, as is supporting a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Requirements

Background Record check, including fingerprinting
Bachelor’s degree
Two years teaching experience preferred, or equivalent combination
Coursework and/or experience in early childhood program or related field
Coursework and/or experience in the music studio discipline
Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care teacher certification or eligibility required
Commitment to supporting an environment of trusting relationships, enjoyment, and learning for children and staff in a laboratory early childhood education and care program
Operate with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality
Collaborate with team members to assess complex and sensitive child, family, staff, and programmatic issues, identify and implement solutions
Commitment to upholding the Reggio Emilia-inspired vision and principles for the school
Maintain high levels of communication, literacy, and interpersonal skills
Proficiency with electronic communication, e.g., Power Point, Word, Word Press, Gmail, Google Docs, etc.
Experience with and demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education principles and practice
Demonstrated commitment to supporting family and staff diversity
Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 10lbs., frequently lift and carry up to 25 lbs., and occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Ability to communicate with children at eye-level, climb stairs, push a stroller with up to 6 toddlers, and supervise children on walking trips.
Ability to supervise and interact with children outdoors for extended periods of time in varied weather conditions.
Nurturing, patient, appreciative of children’s capacities, flexible and adaptive to changing situations, value observation, risk-taking and reflection
Clerical and organizational skills
Appreciative of the importance of environment in children’s programs
Responsive to and appreciative of individual temperaments
Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice
Interact in a collegial and professional manner with families, children, and staff.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Reggio Emilia and music education preferred but not required
Obtain lead teacher certification within two years of employment
Obtain appropriate first aid and CPR within first two months of employment
Bachelor’s degree related to music preferred (performance, composition, or education)
Two years experience with music education preferred
Experience as an early childhood classroom teacher preferred
Obtain appropriate Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care teacher certification within a time frame agreed upon with director
Coursework and/or experience in early childhood program or related field preferred
Coursework in studio discipline required
Experience with Reggio Emilia and arts education preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum for the music studio that aligns with the Reggio Emilia- and RIE-inspired philosophy, utilizes the First Steps in Music approach, and adheres to Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) regulations.
Maintain ongoing written observations and assessments of children and their development.
Lead schoolwide musical events, including Friday morning All-school sings.
Participate in facilitation of student and faculty research projects and course-related experiences.
Supervise children, know individual children’s needs, ensure health and safety, and promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
Serve as a positive role model for children and families and anticipate and respond to children’s needs for guidance.
Facilitate daily activities and transitions to ensure smooth classroom operations and maintain a positive, respectful environment.
Support children’s investigations and explorations in a team-based environment.
Assist with instruction and evaluation of children in the afternoon program, working with individuals or small groups, reading to children, promoting healthy habits, sharing observations, documenting play, and assessing work.
Participate in team meetings focusing on children’s needs, curriculum planning, family involvement, collaboration, resources, policies, and procedures.
Interact with families informally about their child’s daily school experience.
Maintain written records of curriculum and children’s development; document children’s learning and experiences; publish written reports and portfolios on children’s development; publish weekly electronic communication (documentation and blogs).
In cooperation with the Associate Director, manage the studio budget.
Participate in school-wide events, some of which may involve weekends and evenings.
Develop collaborative relationships with families and colleagues in the CECE and community.
Collaborate with the Associate Director to coordinate all-school and studio events.
Share responsibility for preparing and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, organization, and aesthetics in the environment, including cleaning, inventory, stocking materials, preparing food, laundering, preparing napping/playground areas, creating displays, organizing materials, and setting up activities.
Primary responsibility for maintaining the music studio classroom environment and materials.
Collaborate with other teachers to maintain afternoon classroom environments, record-keeping, and documentation of children’s learning experiences.
Create and maintain a studio environment that reflects the aesthetic and pedagogical philosophy of the school and provides an engaging, supportive, and safe space.
Assist in the creation of such an environment in the classroom.
Back up other staff needs as necessary.
Assume the duties of the classroom supervising teacher during short-term absences.
Fill in as classroom teacher as needed in the morning.
Perform related duties as required.