Lower School Music Teacher

Description

We are seeking a warm, experienced, and innovative music teacher to join our TK-Grade 5 teaching team. The successful applicant will enjoy working in a collaborative environment and embrace an inquiry-based and developmental approach to teaching music, movement, and rhythm to children. The ideal candidate will understand how to provide differentiated and extended learning experiences within the context of a progressive school and use a variety of teaching strategies to engage students in developing a love of music. Effective classroom management skills are a must. A love of learning and love of school, and a willingness to support unique and unpredictable learning journeys by students will help you thrive at Blue Oak School.

Requirements

• Music Teaching Credential and/or MEd or related field
• A minimum of two years classroom teaching experience
• Experience with progressive pedagogy, student-centered learning, project-based learning, and integrated curriculum planning
• Experience/knowledge of Orff Approach, Kodaly, etc.
• A specialization in a particular area, instrument, or style of music
• A commitment to creating an inclusive classroom community that allows for a multitude of perspectives to be heard and respected 
• A love of working with students and creating a joyful learning environment 

Attributes

• Commitment to personal and professional development and a growth mindset
• High expectations for self, colleagues and students
• Hardworking, organized, good communicator, and reliable
• Ability to model professional and ethical standards when working with students and families
• Sense of humor, authentic empathy, warmth, and collegiality
• Desire and ability to contribute to student and community life inside and outside the classroom
• Commitment to social justice and fostering culturally competent and inclusive classrooms
• Ability to model professional and ethical standards when working with students and families
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to exercise gentle authority consistent with our school culture
• Strong communication skills with parents and colleagues

Responsibilities

• Provide developmentally-appropriate instruction on singing, rhythm, beat, tempo, movement, improvisation, and the playing of pitched and unpitched percussion instruments. 
• Collaborate with colleagues to design integrated curriculum, projects, and service-learning opportunities
• Incorporate local and global music into teaching to connect students to their community and the world.
• Create a classroom space that is differentiated, engaging, responsive, and beautiful
• Integrate tools and technology as appropriate to support learning and deepen projects
• Identify and respond to individual students’ academic, social, and emotional needs, including learning differences in collaboration with Learning Specialist
• Plan, design, and implement authentic assessment of student progress
• Write progress reports and be available for conferences with parents
• Plan, organize, and deliver culminating performances for the community twice during the school year

Blue Oak School, nestled in beautiful downtown Napa, CA, is a TK-8 progressive school of about 200 students that offers a challenging and stimulating education to children of diverse backgrounds, experiences and interests. Through the culture and community of the School, teachers nurture the development of character and foster confidence, creativity, flexibility and curiosity in each child. Students, in turn, encourage each other to learn. Relationships among freedom, responsibility, community and environment are explored through studies that engage students as stewards in service to the School, the region, and the world. Blue Oak School does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual or gender identity in its hiring processes and actively promotes the principles and practices of diversity throughout the school community.  

If hired, the annual salary for this position is 50% of a salary from the range between $60,000 and $90,000 for a 100% full-time employee. The salary may vary depending on preparation, skills and experience. Competitive benefits, for eligible employees, include medical, dental, life insurance, 401k retirement match, and generous paid time off benefits.

Interested candidates should apply at  Lower School Music Teacher.