Elementary Music Teacher

Overview

Job Description

Westview Elementary is a K-5 school located in Chattanooga, TN. At Westview Elementary, we are a family. Our school has a warm, caring, environment. We believe that all children can learn. We strive for excellence in our teaching profession and consistently collaborate to reach our common goal -- student achievement.

At Westview Elementary, we challenge students to be thinkers and problem solvers who are ready for college, career, and citizenship. We believe that STEM instructional practices are a catalyst to meet our school mission. Learning is student-led as students research and build & design through project based learning. Students develop problem solving skills by following the engineering design process. 21st Century skills are embedded in our content and related arts instruction. Students are engaged and new learning happens daily.

Not only do we achieve academically, but we care about the social/emotional development of every child. Every student starts the day with a morning meeting with peers facilitated by their classroom teacher. Students are recognized for their leadership and character each month. Westview students set academic and personal goals and are given the opportunity to participate in student-led conferences.

We are looking for teachers who have a growth mindset and who are not afraid to accept a challenge in order to learn a new teaching strategy or skill. In addition, we are looking for individuals who are dedicated to their profession and who will invest in the growth and success of every student.

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.

Responsibilities

• Teaching & Learning - Deeply understand the Tennessee Academic Standards for Fine Arts Education and design compelling learning experiences for all students K-5. Establish clear learning targets and lesson plans for every lesson. Build rigorous and aligned assessments, administer district assessments, and consistently implement instructional best practices. When possible, make genuine curriculum connections with other academic subjects in instruction. As provided under the TN Academic Standards for Fine Arts “Perform” domain, the Music teacher will present 3-4 concerts/performances outside of school hours each school year.
  
  

Follow Hamilton County Schools’ Instructional Framework, Including

• Ensuring Equity in Actions
• Setting High Expectations
• Building a Productive Classroom Culture
• Responsive Teaching and Learning
  
  

The Music teacher may engage students in additional after-school activities including but not limited to guitar, chorus, or staging a musical.

• Classroom Culture: Build a safe and productive classroom culture that fosters student responsibility for classroom music equipment. Positive relationships are evident, procedures are clear, and the classroom is safe and secure for learning to unfold. Student and teacher interactions promote a growth mindset and activate students’ leadership skills.
• Family & Community: Consistently develop strong relationships with students’ families while diligently informing parents of expectations, positive news, and/or concerns about their children. Communicate with parents about performance opportunities. Assist 5th grade students and parents with information about MIddle School Arts opportunities.
• Professional Responsibilities: Actively participate in professional learning communities (PLCs) with colleagues in order to improve teaching and student learning. Reflect on instruction and leadership while contributing ideas, expertise, and time to the mission and goals of the school and district-wide Fine Arts department. Maintain an accurate instrument and equipment inventory.
  
  

Qualifications

Knowledge/Education/Experience:

• Teaching candidates must hold a valid state of Tennessee teaching certification in Music Education (K-5) or be upcoming graduates in an accredited teacher preparation program. If you hold a teaching license in another state, you must apply for a Tennessee teaching license.
• Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree.
  
  

Skills/Qualifications

• Committed to high academic achievement, music literacy, and high expectations for all students
• Able to be a positive team-player and communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, students, and families
• Open to being coached and receiving feedback in order to advance learning and growth for students
• Professional with high personal standards and integrity
  
  

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.

Salary Scale

This position may be eligible for an increase in total compensation. The Differentiated Compensation Plan applies to designated schools and hard-to-staff positions. Please see https://www.hcde.org/staff/human_resources/differentiated_compensation for more details.