Orchestra Teacher - 201 Days

This position posting is for an orchestra teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. As a middle high school, the position covers both the middle and high school strings programs. Qualified applicants must have strong skills in the areas of standards-based planning, instructional best practices, and intentional use of assessments. Applicants must be eager to work cooperatively within department and school team settings. Applicants must be organized and possess outstanding communication skills in working collaboratively and effectively with students, teachers, parents, and administrators. Teachers who are also interested in serving in HS or MS coaching positions are encouraged to apply. 

Signal Mountain Middle/High is a 6-12 school located on Signal Mountain, TN, just outside of Chattanooga.  We are the only International Baccalaureate school in Hamilton County, offering both the prestigious IB Middle Years Program (MYP) and Diploma Program (DP).  Although known for our academic accomplishments, SMMHS also provides students with many other experiences, including State-Championship athletics programs, award-winning performing and visual arts programs, and opportunities for students to learn and grow through a variety of extracurricular activities. While knowledge of IB requirements is preferred, training is also available for teachers who are new to IB.

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. 

• Teaching & Learning - Deeply understand the Tennessee Academic Standards for Fine Arts and establish clear learning targets and lesson plans for every lesson. Build rigorous and aligned assessments, administer district assessments,  and consistently implement instructional best practices. Facilitate individualized instruction leading to successful student auditions for regional and state honor clinic ensembles, college and university degree programs and scholarships, and other awards and recognitions. Ensembles should be prepared to perform at regional Concert Performance Assessment.  As provided under the TN Academic Standards for Fine Arts “Perform” domain, curricular ensembles will perform at least 3 concerts 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 Orchestra teacher may engage students in additional ensembles including but not limited to the following: Guitar, Chamber Ensembles, and others. 

The Orchestra teacher may also be asked to teach classes including but not limited to the following: General Music, Music History, Music Theory, and others as requested by the school principal. 

• Classroom Culture: Build a safe and productive classroom culture that fosters student responsibility for personal and ensemble 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 student-leaders are cultivated. 
• Family & Community: Consistently develop strong relationships with students’ families while diligently informing parents of expectations, positive news, and/or concerns about their children. Provide opportunities for parents to be involved in the Orchestra program. The Orchestra teacher must continuously promote the program to ensure that a healthy proportion of the student body participates in Orchestra-based Music programming. 
• Professional Responsibilities: Actively participates 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. Manage the Orchestra program budget to facilitate continuous improvement and opportunities for students.

Knowledge/Education/Experience:

• Teaching candidates must hold a valid state of Tennessee teaching certification in Music Education (K-12) 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, independent musicianship, 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.