Secondary Music Teacher

JOB POSTING DETAILS

Job Title

Secondary Music Teacher

Job Type

Full Time

Position Level

Experienced

Job Description

Reports To: Secondary Principal

FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary Of Duties

Reporting to the Secondary Principal, the Secondary Music Teacher is responsible for building and sustaining a comprehensive, dynamic music program for middle (6-8) and high school (9-12) students. This multifaceted role blends musical expertise with pedagogical skill to instruct students in vocal and instrumental performance, music theory, and appreciation. The teacher will design and deliver a curriculum that fosters technical skill and cultural appreciation, often integrating Hawaiian musical traditions and digital technology. The teacher will guide students from foundational middle school instruction through advanced high school ensemble performances, preparing interested students for continuing music in college or outside of school, while fostering a lifelong love of the arts for all.

Duties And Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Curriculum Development

• Curriculum Design: Develop and implement engaging lesson and unit plans aligned with national music standards that are scaffolded for student growth across multiple years. Tailor instruction for diverse learners, incorporating music theory, history, and various repertoire, specifically integrating Hawaiian or Polynesian music.
• Ensemble Direction: Rehearse and conduct school ensembles, carefully selecting repertoire that challenges students appropriately while matching their current skill levels.
• Music Theory & Literacy: Teach core music fundamentals, including notation, rhythm, harmony, sight-reading, and music appreciation.
• Individualized Instruction: Differentiate instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, supporting beginners while challenging advanced musicians.
• Instructional Technology: Incorporate digital technology, including recording software, to enhance classroom instruction and student projects.
  
  

Performance & Event Management

• Performance Planning: Plan, produce, and coach students for concerts, emphasizing musicality, performance etiquette, and stage presence.
• Community Engagement: Organize community performances and special events to showcase student talent, advocate for the school's music program, and represent the school in the broader community.
• Cultural Performances: In collaboration with the Secondary Olelo teacher, prepare secondary students to perform for IPA’s annual May Day performance, including both the pre-show and the performance.
  
  

Classroom & Student Management

• Classroom Management: Create a positive, supportive, and physically/emotionally safe learning environment using positive reinforcement and clear expectations.
• Assessment & Feedback: Evaluate student performance through playing tests, live performances, and portfolios, providing constructive, growth-oriented feedback.
• Mentorship & Retention: Actively recruit and retain students, smoothing the transition from middle to high school programs. Foster student confidence, support growth in academic and performance areas, and act as a positive mentor during their adolescent development.
  
  

Administrative & Professional Duties

• Communication: Maintain regular, proactive communication with parents, school administrators, and colleagues regarding student progress, upcoming events, and program needs.
• Equipment Maintenance: Manage the inventory, secure storage, routine maintenance, and repair coordination of school-owned instruments, sheet music, and classroom technology.
• Professional Development: Stay updated on new teaching methodologies, music education standards, and music technology.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities over other faculty or staff members, but involves directing students, managing parent volunteers during events, and potentially coordinating guest clinicians or accompanists.

Applicant Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Applied Music, Music Performance, or a closely related field is standard.
  
  

Experience & Skills

• Experience: Previous experience (3 years preferred) teaching music in a school setting at the secondary level, with a strong background in conducting ensembles.
• Instructional Skills: Demonstrated ability to teach varying skill levels, bridging the gap between introductory middle school concepts and advanced high school repertoire.
• Musical Proficiency: High level of proficiency in instruments and/or voice.
• Communication: Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Cultural & Collaborative Competencies
• Cultural Competence: Sensitivity to and experience with students from diverse backgrounds, specifically within the Hawaii community.
• Culture & Environment: Proven ability to cultivate a supportive, inclusive classroom environment that encourages artistic risk-taking.
• Collaboration: An enthusiastic commitment to being an active, collaborative member of the school's faculty and wider arts community.
  

Physical Requirements

Environment: Ability to work in a dynamic school environment, including indoor classrooms, auditoriums, and occasional outdoor settings for rehearsals or events. Requires regular standing, sitting, and moving around the classroom.

Physical Activity: Requires standing for extended periods while conducting, and the ability to safely lift, carry, and move musical instruments, music stands, and equipment (regularly up to 25 - 50 lbs).

Noise Level: Comfort working in environments with moderate to high noise levels typical of a music classroom, band room, or live performance setting.

Salary Range: $50,000 to $65,000

Education

4 Year Degree

Non-discriminatory Statement

Island Pacific Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a workplace environment that encourages growth and respect for all current and prospective employees based upon job-related factors such as their educational background, work experience, and ability to perform the essential functions of a particular job. It is the policy and practice of Island Pacific Academy to prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Apply To

Ms. Harriet Ngethe

808-674-3523

HNgethe@ipahawaii.org