K-3 Elementary Music Teacher

Job Title:               MUSIC TEACHER

Reports To:           Superintendent/Building Principals/Music Coordinator

Classification:       Certified Position

Updated By:           Sandi Chamberlain

Updated Date:       February 1, 2008

SUMMARY:  To develop in each pupil an appreciation of the art of music as part of general culture; to teach techniques of vocal or instrumental music expression; to discover and develop talents of pupils in the field of music; to develop knowledge and skills in listening to and reading music.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Other duties may be assigned

• Instructs pupils in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of the school district.
• Teaches skills in music appreciation, harmony, and explorations in music, and/or in instrumental music (band, orchestra, instrumental ensemble) and/or choral music (chorus, choir, choral ensemble) to elementary, junior high and high school pupils. Utilizes course of study adopted by the Board of Trustees and other appropriate learning activities.
• Plans a balanced music program, and organizes daily class time so that preparation, rehearsal, and instruction can be accomplished within the allotted time.
• Provides individual and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each pupil.
• Utilizes repertoire of all types of music literature, including traditional and contemporary, that are appropriate for the ages and skill levels of pupils.
• Controls the storage and use of school-owned property; makes minor adjustments and requests repairs to instruments as required.
• Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to provide an orderly, productive environment during practice, group rehearsals, and musical performances.
• Evaluates each pupil’s musical growth and performance, assessing each individual’s contribution to the performance of the group.
• Plans, rehearses, and directs pupils in musical programs for school and community.
• Selects and requisitions books, musical instruments, and instructional aids; maintains required inventory records.
• Communicates with parents and school counselors on pupil progress.
• Identifies pupil needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping pupils solve health, attitude, and learning problems.
• Cooperates with the school administration in providing musical programs for school productions, graduation ceremonies, and civic functions.
• Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities as assigned.
• Works cooperatively with teaching and non-teaching personnel while implementing the music program.
• Participates in curriculum and other developmental programs.
• Participates in faculty committees and sponsorship of pupil activities.
• Maintains professional competence through in-service education provided by the district, and is self-selected professional growth activities related to music.

The above performance responsibilities are not all-inclusive and may be altered or added to by the Principal, Superintendent of Schools, and/or the Board of Trustees.

QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from an accredited college or university; and a valid Montana teaching certificate with endorsement in music.  (For elementary music an endorsement in Elementary Curriculum is acceptable).

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:  The work environment for instructors has increasingly become technology driven.  Lewistown Public Schools expects staff to meet reasonable expectations in the use of computers and other technology, in and out of the classroom.

REASONING ABILITY:  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

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 is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception

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 occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Employees of Lewistown Public Schools must exhibit acceptable work habits and perform tasks in a professional manner by adhering to the following guidelines:  Maintain proper grooming and dress consistent with the type of task being performed; be regular in attendance and punctual for work; initiate tasks in a self-directed manner and perform work with a minimum of supervision; organize work and manage time to achieve efficiency and high quality of work; perform tasks neatly and accurately in accordance with desired quality and quantity; provide positive feedback to supervisor(s) for implementing ideas which will make the work assigned more effective and efficient; maintain self control and a friendly, outgoing disposition; and maintain confidentiality of related work matters as applicable.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE:  Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment in the Lewistown Public Schools.  Employees of Lewistown School District #1 must submit to a fingerprint criminal background check.  Any appointment will be contingent upon the results of the criminal background report received from the Department of Justice, which must be acceptable to the Board of Trustees, in its sole discretion.

EVALUATION:  Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.