High School Choir Teacher

Summary:

The Junior High and High School Choir Teacher will provide engaging and developmentally appropriate vocal music instruction to students in grades 7–12. This role includes building vocal technique, music literacy, and performance skills through a variety of choral experiences, fostering a lifelong appreciation of music.

Licensure Requirements: Must hold a NMPED Secondary Teaching License with Endorsement in Performing Arts or K-12 Specialty Area License with Endorsement in Performing Arts

The position is open until filled.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Foster a love and appreciation of vocal music in students.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of choral music education, vocal pedagogy, and the district-approved music curriculum.
• Teach a variety of choir classes, including general music (if applicable), beginning/intermediate/advanced choir, and small vocal ensembles.
• Provide clear and constructive feedback to students to enhance musical and academic growth.
• Create a safe, positive, and inclusive classroom environment that encourages creativity, expression, and collaboration, and manages classroom behavior and rehearsal etiquette.
• Plan and direct school choir performances, concerts, and community outreach events.
• Work effectively with parents, colleagues, and community stakeholders.
• Participate in school-wide events and maintain a professional presence at concerts, competitions, and performances.
• Uphold the values, ethics, and mission of Portales Municipal Schools.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain an organized inventory of choral music, equipment, and materials.
• Follow confidentiality laws and district policies.
• Be knowledgeable of and align lessons with New Mexico State Music Standards and Benchmarks.
• Prepare lesson plans and show evidence of curriculum alignment.
• Organize student participation in district and regional honor choirs, festivals, and competitions.
• Support and follow Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Set and maintain high expectations for student behavior and achievement.
• Support school spirit and student achievement through choir involvement at school events.
• Comply with district safety, health, and operational policies.
• Other duties as assigned by the Principal or Superintendent.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Prolonged standing, walking, and occasional movement of classroom equipment.

Safety/Health and Other Requirements:

• Knowledge of hygiene and vocal health best practices.
• FBI fingerprint background check required for employment.
• Ability to work in varied environments and respond to interruptions with flexibility and patience.
• May require after-hours work for performances and events.

Work Environment:

• The position requires energy, enthusiasm, and flexibility.
• Interruptions and noise levels may vary.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently and collaboratively.

Portales Municipal Schools are located in the City of Portales, which has a population of about 12,000. The area's economy is based primarily on agriculture. Portales is the home of Eastern New Mexico University and is less than 20 miles from Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis, NM.

The Portales Municipal School District consists of six grade-level schools. This means that each school, except the high school, consists of two grade levels and is not community-based. Portales High School houses grades 9-12, while Brown Early Childhood Center is grades PK-K; James Elementary is 1st and 2nd grade; Valencia Elementary consists of grades 3rd and 4th; Lindsey/Steiner Elementary is grades 5th and 6th; and Portales Junior High is the home of 7th and 8th-grade students.