6th/7th Grade Vocal Music - Prairie Ridge Middle School (School Year 2026-2027 School Year)

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment.

JDE: 604.E

6th/7th Grade Vocal Music

Position Summary

The role of vocal music teacher is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing a comprehensive vocal music program that encompasses both curricular and extracurricular activities. The teacher will instruct students in vocal techniques, music theory, and performance skills, while fostering a supportive and creative learning environment. Additionally, the teacher will direct choral ensembles, prepare students for performances and competitions, and collaborate with colleagues, parents, and community stakeholders to promote the importance of music education.

Job Title: 6th/7th Grade Vocal Music

Salary: Teacher Salary Schedule D Stipend (Position is linked to teaching contract)

Reports To: Activities Director and Building Principal

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Minimum Qualifications:

• Iowa State Teacher License
• Bachelor’s degree in position related area
• Meet 5-12 Music certification requirements of the Department of Education, State of Iowa
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable
• Endorsements: 144 K-8 Music, 145 5-12 Music

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous teaching experience, preferred
• Experience teaching middle school and/or high school vocal music
• Experience leading small group ensembles and extra-curricular groups
• Experience working as a part of a collaborative team (PLC)
• Successful incorporation of standards-referenced practices in classroom instruction

Duties to include:

• Show choir

Essential Functions

• Instruction:
• • Instruct students in vocal techniques, including breathing, posture, tone production, and diction.
  • Teach music theory, sight-reading, and ear training as they pertain to vocal performance.
  • Design and implement engaging lesson plans that cater to students' varying skill levels and learning styles.
  • Foster a love for music by creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
• Ensemble Direction:
• • Conduct rehearsals for various vocal ensembles, such as choirs, acapella groups, and chamber ensembles ensuring students develop both individual and group skills.
  • Prepare students for performances, competitions, and other musical events.
  • ensuring students develop both individual and group skills.
• Curriculum Development:
• • Implement a comprehensive and standards-based instrumental music curriculum.
  • Integrate music theory, history, and appreciation into instrumental lessons to provide a well-rounded music education.
• Assessment and Feedback:
• • Evaluate student progress through assessments, performances, and other means.
  • Provide constructive feedback to students to help them improve their musical abilities.
• Collaboration:
• • Collaborate with other music teachers and staff to enhance the overall music program.
  • Coordinate with colleagues in planning and executing school-wide musical events.
• Communication:
• • Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues regarding student progress, performances, and other relevant information.
  • Participate in parent-teacher conferences to discuss student development and address any concerns.
• Professional Development:
• • Stay current with trends and best practices in music education.
• Attend workshops, conferences, and professional development opportunities to continuously improve teaching skills.
• Administrative duties, to include, but not limited to:
• • Create calendar, reserve facilities, reserve transportation
  • Communication
  • Collaborate with building principal and activities director throughout the year
  • Overseeing staff
  • Manage inventories
  • Manage budgets
  • Oversee and coordinate all aspects of festival and contest hosting
  • Oversee and coordinate all aspects of a band trip
  • Attends booster meetings
  • Other administrative duties as needed.

Other Functions

• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events, as assigned.
• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.
• Demonstrate integrity and maintain confidentiality.
• Is respectful and appropriately interacts with staff, students, and visitors.
• Uphold and adhere to safety rules and policies of the Ankeny Community School District safety program.
• Support the goals and objectives of the school district and follow all district policies.
• Demonstrate the ability to attend work on a regular and routine basis to avoid disruption to district operations.
• Perform all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others.
• Respond to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Working Environment

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, reaching, driving, standing and walking. Working conditions may include extreme temperatures and humidity. Hazards may include exposure to communicable diseases. This position requires one to maintain emotional control under stress.

Terms of Employment

Work year established by the District; Salary according to schedule adopted annually.

Clearances

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

Evaluation

Job performance will be evaluated annually, as per district policies and procedures.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Approved by: Date: May 2nd, 2024

The Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Action Employer.