Specialist – Orchestra and Mariachi

Specialist � Orchestra & Mariachi

Reports to: Director - Visual & Performing Arts
PC#: 17511
Pay Grade: 204
Duty Days: 207
Salary Range: $69,738 - $84,021
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Purpose

Provides districtwide leadership, support, and expertise to secondary orchestra and mariachi programs. This role supports teachers, campuses, and district initiatives through instructional coaching, curriculum alignment, professional learning, and event coordination. The position is designed to increase student achievement through high-quality instruction, aligned practices, and job-embedded professional learning.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Instructional Leadership & Coaching

• Provide ongoing instructional coaching and school-based support to secondary orchestra and mariachi educators
• Observe, support, and assist teachers with curriculum alignment, best practices, and student performance outcomes
• Model effective rehearsal techniques, pedagogy, and instructional strategies
• Diagnose instructional needs and provide targeted, actionable feedback
• Promote and support implementation of aligned curriculum and instructional resources
• Serve as a mentor by modeling high-quality instruction and supporting teacher growth

Curriculum & Program Development

• Support the development, alignment, and implementation of orchestra and mariachi curriculum
• Assist in selecting and developing appropriate instructional materials and literature
• Facilitate horizontal and vertical alignment across campuses and programs
• Integrate current trends in music pedagogy, performance practice, and technology

Professional Learning & Staff Support

• Design, plan, and deliver targeted professional development for orchestra and mariachi educators
• Support Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and collaborative planning structures
• Engage clinicians, consultants, and music educators to provide specialized training
• Assist in recruiting and supporting highly qualified instrumental music educators

Event Coordination & Program Management

• Plan and coordinate districtwide orchestra and mariachi events, including concerts, festivals, contests, and community performances
• Oversee participation and preparation for UIL, TMEA, TAME, and other local, state, and national events
• Ensure compliance with Contest Requirements for all events
• Coordinate logistics, timelines, communication, and documentation for all performances and competitions
• Support equitable access to performance opportunities and program resources

School & Organizational Support

• Collaborate with campus leadership to support program implementation and continuous improvement
• Assist with monitoring compliance related to safety, policies, and program requirements
• Support resource allocation, inventory, and equipment needs for orchestra and mariachi programs
• Analyze student performance data to inform instructional decisions and program growth

Communication & Community Relations

• Serve as liaison between the Visual & Performing Arts department and community organizations
• Provide clear, timely communication with teachers, administrators, parents, and stakeholders
• Support high-quality student performances that reflect district and community standards

Personal Work Relationships

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs all job related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong content expertise in orchestra and mariachi pedagogy and performance practices
• Knowledge of UIL, TMEA, TAME, and applicable performance and adjudication standards
• Knowledge of curriculum design, assessment, and instructional best practices
• Ability to coach teachers and model effective rehearsal and instructional strategies
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to analyze student performance data and support continuous improvement
• Proficiency in technology platforms including Microsoft Office 365, Google Suite, CutTime, and instructional tools
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and lead district initiatives
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education, as well as District policies and procedures
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, including differentiated instruction
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plans
• Knowledge of organizing instrumental music events and ability to support performances
• Skill in working with initiatives that require collaboration with District and outside agencies and organizations
• Skill in organizational development, communications, and interpersonal relations
• Skill in coordinating, planning, organizing, and facilitating staff development
• Skill in professional learning, technical assistance, and consultation
• Ability to learn new software applications or web-based tools and develop materials to deliver knowledge transfer
• Ability to facilitate and conduct group meetings with campus-based staff, students, parents, and community
• Ability to exercise judgment and creativity in decision-making
• Ability to aggregate and analyze student outcome data and communicate insights to instructional leadership
• Ability to prepare oral and written communications including presentations, reports, memoranda, and curriculum documents
• Ability to organize and coordinate work under pressure, meet deadlines, and proactively resolve issues
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation regarding performance and professional growth
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment such as Promethean Board; musical instruments and related equipment.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent walking; frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Exerting: Occasional 20-50 pounds of force; frequent 10-25 pounds of force, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Environment: Works in an office setting; occasional work outside to travel between buildings or in the preparation/completion of meetings (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate; exposure to dust; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university in Instrumental Music Education or related field required; Master's degree from accredited college or university preferred.

  Certification/License: Valid Texas Teaching Certification with endorsement in the area of Music required

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of successful teaching experience in instrumental music (orchestra and/or mariachi)
  • Demonstrated experience in instructional leadership, coaching, or clinician work preferred
  • Evidence of professional involvement and/or leadership at the regional, state, or national level preferred
  • Experience designing and delivering professional development preferred

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.