Long Term Substitute Elementary Music Teacher

Music Teacher (Pre-K to Grade 5)

Department: School
Reports To: Principal and/or Designee

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Principal and/or designee, the Music Teacher instructs students in the technical aspects of music and singing, conducts rehearsals, and evaluates and grades student performance. The Music Teacher encourages students to learn about and appreciate all genres of music.

This position explains and demonstrates artistic techniques, organizes performance groups, stays current with developments in the field, incorporates music history into lesson plans, advises students on future careers, and selects and obtains materials such as textbooks and performance pieces.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Teach music to students in Grades Pre-K through 5 in classes such as, but not limited to, piano, guitar, electronic music (Mac lab), band, and chorus sectionals.
2. Meet and instruct assigned classes in the locations and at the times specified.
3. Prepare lesson plans, course materials, homework assignments, and handouts for assigned classes. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
4. Plan programs of study that meet the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students.
5. Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students.
6. Set expectations and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
7. Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals, and communicate clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects.
8. Use a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media in student lessons. Explain and demonstrate artistic techniques.
9. Implement the district's philosophy of education and its instructional goals and objectives.
10. Evaluate and grade students' classwork, performances, projects, assignments, and papers on a regular basis, and provide progress reports as required.
11. Identify the developmental needs of students, and coach and mentor students to improve their music knowledge and skills. Seek the assistance of district specialists as needed regarding the identification of learning disabilities.
12. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect student equipment, materials, and facilities.
13. Maintain accurate and complete student records (e.g., attendance and grades) as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation.
14. Assist the administration in implementing policies and rules governing student life and conduct. Help develop reasonable classroom rules and procedures to maintain order in a fair and just manner.
15. Be available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the classroom when required or requested.
16. Plan and supervise meaningful assignments for teacher aides and volunteers, and, in collaboration with department heads, contribute to the evaluation of their job performance.
17. Participate in ongoing professional development.
18. Attend regular staff meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
19. Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor(s).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of district and school rules, regulations, and policies applicable to the area of assignment.
• Ability to work effectively with district personnel, administrators, staff, and parents.
• Ability to communicate and understand information and ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to select and use instructional methods and procedures appropriate to the situation when learning or teaching new material.
• Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform music.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) All Grades Music Certification, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.
• At least two (2) years of work experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Highly motivated and enthusiastic, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Well-rounded musical keyboarding skills are essential.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently.
• Proficiency with technology, computers, relevant software, and devices used to enhance the learning environment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, stretching, standing, and walking. The employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear, and is frequently required to use their hands to handle or feel objects. Frequent and repetitive hand and finger movements are required when playing instruments, using writing tools, and using computers. The employee must be able to lift and/or move objects up to ten (10) pounds and occasionally lift items over ten (10) pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to noise levels normally found in a school environment. Learning spaces may be noisy at times.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and are not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.