Choir Director Grades 6–12

Position Title: Choir Director

Grades 6–12

Purpose:

Lead, design, and deliver a rigorous, standards-based choral program for middle and high school students in alignment with Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Arts Learning Standards for Music and MDE’s Arts Instructional Resources.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum

• Teach choral performance courses (e.g., choir, show choir) across grades 6 through 12, incorporating appropriate repertoire that supports vocal growth, cultural relevance, and Mississippi CCR Arts Learning Standards.Mississippi Department of Education 1
• Plan and deliver instructional units that guide students through all artistic processes—Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting—as outlined in MDE guidelines.Mississippi Department of Education
• Implement formative and summative performance assessments, including concerts, recordings, and written reflections, to evaluate student growth.Mississippi Department of Education

Program Management & Environment

• Establish and maintain a safe, inclusive, and performance-focused rehearsal and classroom environment that promotes student engagement and vocal health.Mississippi Department of Education 11Mississippi Department of Education 11ETP MDEK12 11
• Manage choral program administration including planning events, tracking budgets, coordinating scheduling, and ensuring equitable access for all students.Mississippi Department of Education
• Advocate for the choral program: showcase student achievements, engage families and the community, recruit participation, and utilize social media or local media for promotion.Mississippi Department of Education 4Mississippi Department of Education 4ETP MDEK12 4
• Support student accommodations—such as IEPs and diverse learning needs—through inclusive practices and differentiated instruction.Mississippi Department of Education 11Mississippi Department of Education 11Mississippi Department of Education 11

• Professionalism & Collaboration

• Hold a valid Mississippi teaching certification with vocal/music endorsement (e.g., code 166 Music Education Vocal K-12) or work toward adding that endorsement. Mississippi Department of Education
• Participate actively in professional development and contribute to the broader educational community through associations like the Mississippi Choral Directors Association or Mississippi Music Educators Association.ETP MDEK12 13Mississippi Department of Education 13Mississippi Department of Education 13
• Mentor student teachers, if applicable, and work collaboratively with school administrators, staff, and external music professionals.Mississippi Department of Education

Qualifications

• Certification: Valid Mississippi teaching license with appropriate music/choral endorsement (e.g., Vocal Music Education K-12).Mississippi Department of Education 1
• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Music Education, Choral Music, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Proven success in teaching choral ensembles, rich knowledge of vocal technique and choral pedagogy across grade bands.
• Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and public-relations skills; adept at building community and elevating the visibility of the arts program.
• Attributes: Supportive, student-centered, vocal-health-conscious, and committed to continuous growth in both pedagogical practice and student learning.

Why This Role Matters

• Standards-based Excellence: Anchored in MDE's CCR Arts Learning Standards and supported by their Arts Instructional Resources, this role ensures high-quality, sequential music instruction.Mississippi Department of Education 1
• Artistic & Academic Growth: It goes beyond performance—it nurtures critical thinking, collaboration, cultural literacy, and expressive skills in students.
• Program Visibility & Advocacy: You’re not just directing music—you’re advocating for its value within and beyond the school, ensuring sustained support and recognition.

Summary

This is a leadership role. It requires someone who can design and deliver a dynamic, inclusive choral program, manage operations effectively, engage the community, and grow professionally—all grounded firmly in Mississippi’s standards and resources.