.91 FTE Elementary Music Teacher SY25-26 (General Music and Band)

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm Elementary Music Teacher to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Music teaching position that includes teaching Instrumental Band at Eliot Elementary School and General Music Classes Grades K-3 at Sunita Williams, Eliot, and Broadmeadow Elementary School. In applying it is strongly suggested that you review the commitment of this district to its work on equity that is publicly available on our website.

About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here.

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to develop students' interest, abilities, talents, and skills for artistic expression and creativity in the performing arts, as well as aesthetic understanding and appreciation by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; developing lesson plans; modeling the necessary skills to performing assigned tasks; providing a safe and optimal learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.

The course load includes General Music and Elementary Band classes.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Develops and administers music education curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and an ability to implement culturally responsive classroom teaching practices.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Develops balanced music programs and lessons to organize class time so that students have adequate time for preparation, rehearsal, and instruction.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student musical learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
• Utilizes repertoire of all types of music literature, including a variety of genres, cultural and historical perspectives. 
• Coordinates rehearsals and directs students in musical programs and performances outside the classroom
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to ensure a productive learning atmosphere during practice, rehearsal, and performances.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate music supplies and instrumental equipment, maintains inventory records, and ensures equipment is in good working order.

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current art instructional teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiates instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of art curriculum and concepts.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation concerning performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Education

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Masters Degree preferred.
• Candidates with formal training in the First Steps Curriculum, Kodaly, Orff, and/or Dalcroze are preferred.

Experience

Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level and/or subject.

License:

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education license as an elementary music teacher.

Selection Procedure:

All resumes will be screened and selected candidates will participate in a thorough interview process. Finalists will be invited for a teaching demonstration. 

Application Procedure:

Please apply online.

Applications will be considered only when a cover letter, resume, three letters of recommendation, license, and transcripts have been attached to your online application.

Compensation and Benefits: 

Please review Unit Contract A and this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits.

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.

All positions are subject to the approval of the 2025-2026 Needham Public School budget by the Town of Needham.