Salary Range: $76,000 - $168,000. The position on the scale will be based on years of teaching experience and education.

The Dalton School, a progressive K-12 gender-inclusive school in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is consistently recognized as one of the preeminent independent day schools in the nation. Known for its child-centered approach and an exceptional, inspiring faculty, Dalton enrolls over 1,300 students with approximately 350 faculty and staff. Guided by the Dalton Plan, the foundation of a Dalton education, our faculty meets each student’s evolving needs, interests, and abilities, and fosters diversity as an integral part of school life. Dalton challenges each student to develop intellectual independence, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility toward others both within the School and in the broader community.

The First Program at the Dalton School seeks a full-time music teacher in grades K-3. The ideal candidate brings a positive attitude to the classroom and greater community and looks forward to overseeing a creative environment that validates and supports each child. This individual will be versed in current best practices and actively work to grow and enrich the music program for our young musicians. Excellent communication skills, a passion for working with young children, the willingness to collaborate with others and reflect on one's practice, and a sense of humor are essential. 

The primary objective of the First Program music curriculum is to encourage a love and appreciation of music through singing, listening, and movement. Through a combined Dalcroze/Orff approach, children learn about rhythm, notation, harmony style, and interpretation. These goals are accomplished through exposure to a repertoire of songs, dances, and musical games that reflect varied cultural heritages. The social skills of listening, taking turns, and supporting other children’s efforts are emphasized as children experience the joy of cooperative music-making. Individuals are encouraged to be creative and explore their musical ideas wherever possible. Instrumental work incorporates a variety of percussion instruments including Orff instruments (xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels). Recorders are introduced in third grade. Division-wide sing-alongs, assemblies, and chorus concerts are presented throughout the year. They reinforce curricular connections and provide opportunities for children to sing together. Outcomes of the music program include the children’s ability to sing in tune, read simple rhythmic and pitch notation, sing two-part music, practice listening attentively and critically to music, and appreciate varied musical styles from different cultures.

Qualifications:

• A Master's degree is strongly preferred.
• Three years of head teaching experience in music is required.
• Experience and facility with Orff instruments and repertoire, Orff certification preferred.
• Knowledge and/or certified in Kodály or Dalcroze pedagogy.
• Excellent vocal and sight-reading skills and knowledge of how to develop young voices.
• Choral experience with young children (conduct gr. 1-3 chorus 2 days per week).
• Experience with and an appreciation for progressive education and a creative, integrated curriculum.
• Ability to develop and lead K-3 division-wide assemblies and celebrations.
• Experienced piano skills including choral accompaniment.
• Excellent communication (verbal, written, interpersonal) skills.
• Demonstrated organization and planning skills; strong attention to detail, as well as follow-up and follow-through skills to ensure completion of goals and objectives.
• Strong proficiency with technology is preferred.
• Commitment to intra and inter-departmental peer collaboration.
• Ability to adjust teaching methods based on the needs of individual students.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ease in effectively prioritizing multiple competing tasks and demands. 

The Dalton School actively seeks to forward the equity and diversity of our community in our admissions, programs, and hiring. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ethnic origin, age, physical disability or sexual orientation in administration of our educational policies, hiring policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletics and other school-administered programs.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to the employment portal using the following link - https://www.dalton.org/employment-opportunities 

Notice to Applicant: COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

We appreciate your interest in employment at The Dalton School. We would like to note that the School has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.