Teacher - Middle School - Orchestra Director

Primary Purpose:

Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society. The goals for the orchestra director are to actively recruit students, retain them in the orchestra program, promote a lifelong appreciation of music and encourage high school completion while teaching fundamental instrument technique and pedagogy.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

• Valid Texas teaching certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of orchestra curriculum and instruction
• Ability to engage students to become independent performers
• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of UIL and TMEA contest rules & procedures
• Ability to organize and manage an effective parent volunteer organization
• Knowledge of budgets, trip planning and school procedures
• Basic understanding of PA equipment

Experience:

Performance Responsibilities and Duties:

• Direction of middle and high school instrumental performers, including orchestras, soloists, and ensembles.
• Establish performance requirements, enforce academic requirements, and verify each student's eligibility to participate in orchestra.
• Provide for in orchestra participation at extracurricular events, including concerts, community performances, and UIL activities.
• Comply with federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, UIL rules, and board policy in the in orchestra area.
• Support in orchestra booster club activities.
• Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to determine program effectiveness and ensure that program renewal is continuous and responds to student needs.
• Recommend policies to improve program.

Budget and Inventory

• Ensure that programs are cost-effective and funds are managed wisely.
• Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.
• Coordinate fundraising activities and manage funds.
• Maintain current inventory of all fixed assets within department.
• Oversee process of cleaning, repairing, and storing all in orchestra equipment.

Instructional Strategies

• Deliver the required curriculum as defined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles.

• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.

• Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP).

• Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements.

• Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process.

• Plan and supervise assignments of additional staff assigned to individual classes.

• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

• Participation in events such as: High School UIL Solo/Ensemble Contest, High School TMEA Region Orchestra auditions/concert; local competitions such as the Middle School All-City Honor Orchestra auditions; UIL Concert & Sight-reading contest, and spring concert orchestra festivals; community events and other duties as assigned by the campus principal or the Director of Fine Arts.

• Work with other members of the faculty to promote school-wide arts events.

• Must be able to actively demonstrate tone production, articulation and pedagogy on a string instrument on a daily basis.

• Help students analyze and improve study methods and habits.

• Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.

• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.

• Be a positive role model for students, support mission of school district.

   

Student Management

• Apply and enforce student discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Accompany and supervise students on both in-town and out-of-town trips.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

Communication

• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members.

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; [P.E. teachers: automated external defibrillator (AED)]
• Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may lift and move text books and classroom equipment
• Environment: Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Pay Grade: Teacher, Librarians, & Nurses (RN) Salary Plan

Master's Degree: Additional $1,000 annual stipend

The Abilene ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, experience, and abilities.

The foregoing statements describe the general role and responsibilities assigned to this job. I understand this is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned; other duties may be assigned as needed.