General Music and Band Teacher

POSITION TITLE: General Music and Band Teacher
GRADES: 4-8
STATUS: Full-Time, 10-month position 

Position Description:

Las Américas ASPIRA Academy is seeking a highly-qualified, enthusiastic individual to serve in the roles of General Music – Band Teacher.  The successful candidate will have excellent people skills, be self-motivated, have demonstrated ability to deliver lessons to support the curriculum goals in Music. The teacher will develop in each student an appreciation of the art of music, as part of general culture. He/she will teach techniques of vocal and/or instrumental music expression.  The teacher will discover and develop students' talents in the field of music.  In addition, the teacher will develop students' knowledge and skills in listening to and reading music.  They may teach music in their own classrooms or travel to different classrooms throughout the day. The teacher will collaborate with other Performing Arts teachers to plan and conduct rehearsals for student performances throughout the year and the annual school musical. The teacher will recruit and retain students in the upper elementary (grades 4-5) and middle school Band programs. He/she will teach appropriate vocal pedagogy, ensemble and instrumental skills for student success. The teacher will prepare individual students for success at individual auditions and competitions. The teacher will develop in each student an appreciation of the art of instrumental music, as part of general culture. He/she will teach techniques of instrumental music expression. The teacher will discover and develop students' talents in the field of instrumental music. He/she will collaborate with building Performing Arts staff and vertical staff. The music educator will prepare instrumental students for successful performances and competitions. 

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement curricula to meet the Delaware Arts Standards in Music.

• Plan daily academic, differentiated lessons and implement specific strategies to teach students the fundamental principles of music and musicianship skills, such as music theory and basic notation.     

• Be accountable for students' academic growth and achievement.

• Design and implement summative assessments to measure progress towards academic standards and formative assessments to drive instruction.

• Use assessment data to inform curricular and instructional practices.

• Create a positive, achievement-oriented learning environment.

• Reflect on successes and areas of growth as a teacher, seek to improve performance, and respond to feedback.

• Participate in collaborative curriculum development, grade-level activities, and school-wide functions.

• Communicate regularly with parents regarding their children's academic success.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Act as educational leader for students participating in school day and extracurricular band activities. 

• Set rehearsal and performance schedules (Winter/Spring concerts, community performances) in cooperation with other school activities. 

• Responsible for teaching all Band classes (grades 4 through 8), some General Music classes (grades 6 through 8) and coordinating divisional level and ensemble performance schedules. Some classes will be mixed grade classes.

• Responsible for working with others in the Performing Arts Department and help develop the Music (Band/Choir) budget.

• Teach skills in music appreciation, harmony, and in instrumental music and/or choral music.

• Utilize repertoire of types of music literature appropriate for the ages and skill levels of pupils.

• Establish and maintain standards of pupil behavior to provide an orderly, productive environment during practice, group rehearsals, and musical performances.

• Evaluate each pupil's musical growth and performance, assessing each individual's contribution to the performance of the group.

• Select and request books, musical instruments, and instructional aids.

• Establish performance requirements, enforce academic requirements, and verify each student's eligibility to participate in band. 

• Develop and implement plans for instrumental music program and show written evidence of preparation as required. 

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

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

• Maintain required inventory record.

• Supervise pupils in and out of classroom activities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Music Education with a concentration in instrumental music.

• Possesses or is eligible for a valid State of Delaware Teaching License (for more information on State of Delaware licensure, please visit the website of the Department of Education at: http://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title14/1500/1510.shtml.

• Successful completion of Praxis I and II exams (unless holding an initial teaching license from the State of Delaware).

• Must play at least one instrument with a high level of proficiency.

• Possess a strong background in music theory, musicianship and basic piano skills.

• Strong instructional skills and classroom management.

• Must have the ability to work well with, and relate to, children of all ages.

• Possess the ability to convey enthusiasm and excitement for music to students to help instill them with a desire to learn.

• Ability to reflect upon teaching practices and respond to constructive feedback.

• Experience in teaching vocals in a choir setting preferred.

• Knowledge of overall operation of instrumental music program.