Middle School Music Teacher

William Penn Charter School is a Quaker, all gender pre-K-12 independent day school in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Established in 1689 by William Penn and members of the Religious Society of Friends, Penn Charter is a community guided by Quaker testimonies and the central belief that there is “that of God” in every person. A school that honors difference, Penn Charter seeks to be a place where diversity is understood, represented, and valued. Our curriculum embraces a plurality of cultures and celebrates an array of voices, instilling in us a deeper understanding and empathy for individuals in this community and the world.

As our mission states, we value scholarship and inquiry. With excellence as our standard, we challenge students in a vigorous program of academics, arts, and athletics. Through global connections, civic engagement, and a focus on environmental sustainability, we inspire students to be thinkers, collaborators, innovators, and leaders. We educate students to live lives that make a difference.

POSITION SUMMARY

William Penn Charter School seeks a Full-Time Middle School Music Teacher to begin in the 2026-2027 academic year as a member of a strong and collegial department committed to academic excellence. The successful candidate will embrace student-centered pedagogy and technology use in the classroom, model curiosity and a desire for professional growth, and exhibit eagerness to build positive and meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, administrators, and parents in a manner consistent with the School’s mission. Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education is highly desirable. In addition to salary and benefits, teachers have access to a plethora of professional development opportunities via the PC Teaching and Learning Center.

Essential Functions

• Teaches General Music to Grade 6 and Grade 8 students, including vocal music, movement, and beginning musical instruments (Ukulele), music theory, appreciation, basic digital music production, history, and ensemble. 
• Directs the Grade 6 Chorus
• Assists in Middle School Music Choral Rehearsals and Upper School Chorus Rehearsals
• Utilizes repertoire of all types of music literature, including traditional and contemporary, that is appropriate for the ages and skill levels of students. 
• Provides opportunities for middle school music ensembles through vocal music and classroom instruments such as the Middle School invitation vocal ensemble The Naturals. 
• Plans, rehearses, and directs students in musical programs for school and community (winter concert, small ensembles, spring concert, and ensemble opportunities throughout the year). 
• Plans a balanced music program and organizes daily class time so that preparation, rehearsal and instruction can be accomplished within the allotted time. 
• Develops and refines music curriculum based on researched standards of creating, performing, and responding. 
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior to provide an orderly, productive environment during practice, group rehearsals, and music performances.
• Evaluates each student’s musical growth and contribution to the overall group performance, ensuring every student's participation. 
• Communicates clearly with parents and school faculty/staff on the progress of individual students. 
• Maintains care/responsibility for school-owned music, musical instruments, and equipment to prevent loss or abuse. 
• Partners with the administration and staff to provide musical programs for school assemblies, open houses, parent meetings, and seasonal programs. 
• Engage in the collaborative work of the department to consistently review and develop curriculum and instructional practices to best support student growth and engagement.
• Participate in a co-curricular activity such as coaching, clubs, assisting with a theatrical performance, or community service.
• Attend meetings, write comments, and report grades according to predetermined dates on the school calendar.
• Consistently use the HUB (Penn Charter’s learning management system) to post homework and dates of assessments, and to maintain an updated gradebook.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice both in their teaching practice and in building relationships with students and other community members.
• Maintain a growth mindset and actively participate in faculty professional development and supervision, including observations and feedback conversations, with support from the assistant head, division director, and department chair.
• Regularly review and update curriculum maps in partnership with departmental colleagues, the department chair, the division director, and the assistant head of school.
• Other duties assigned by the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, or their designee, such as occasionally proctoring study halls and chaperoning school events.

Competencies

• Minimum BA in Music or Music Education 
• Ability to work with musicians at all skill levels 
• Strong vocal music teaching and directing skills 
• Piano Accompaniment and/or Strings skills are highly desirable but not required
• Music Learning Theory training is encouraged; however, we embrace a variety of music education philosophies, including Orff, Kodály, & Dalcroze. Professional Development will be available for the selected candidate
• Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction for various levels of learners
• A comprehensive understanding of the field of education and a demonstrated willingness to explore and embrace new pedagogical practices, technologies, and research-based practices
• A passion for working collaboratively 
• Exhibit a passion for teaching Music and working with adolescents
• The belief that every student can be successful
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues
• Experience working with student-centered digital music production software such as SoundTrap is desirable
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multitask
• Emotional maturity and a sense of humor

Physical Demands:

• Intermittent or prolonged periods of sitting and standing
• Lifting and transportation of instruments and required equipment for performances is frequent in the Performing Arts Department.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions

Required education and experience:

• An undergraduate degree in Music or Music Education, or a related field  
• Previous experience teaching General Music and/or Choral Music at the Middle School level.

Preferred education and experience 

• Familiarity with the principles and practices of Quakerism and Quaker education
• Three years or more of recent experience teaching General Music and/or Choral Music at the Middle and/or Upper School level

Salary and benefits  

William Penn Charter School offers competitive salaries and comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. William Penn Charter School is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

William Penn Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.