Orchestra Teacher, Middle School

Job Title: Orchestra Teacher, Middle School

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Principal

Pay Grade:  DSISD Teacher Compensation Scale

Dept./School: Assigned MS Campus

Date Revised: 6.15.26

Primary Purpose: Direct and manage the orchestra program at assigned middle school. Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth and provide an opportunity to participate in extracurricular orchestra. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; bachelor’s degree in music preferred
• Valid Texas teaching certificate
• Demonstrated competency in instrumental music

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of overall operation of instrumental music program

• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Knowledge of University Interscholastic League (UIL) rules
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Ability to interpret data
• Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

• Student teaching or approved internship and orchestra directing experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Direct instrumental performers, including orchestra, soloists, and ensembles,
2. Establish performance requirements, enforce academic requirements, and verify each student’s eligibility to participate in orchestra.
3. Provide for orchestra participation at extracurricular events including concerts, contests, and UIL.
4. Develop and implement plans that fulfill the requirements of the district’s middle school curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for individual student differences.
5. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations.
6. Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
7. Work with other member of the staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements.
8. Assist in obtaining and using evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to determine program effectiveness and ensure that program renewal is continuous and responds to student needs.

Student Growth and Development

1. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
2. Be a positive role model for students and support mission of the school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
2. Manage student discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
3. Accompany and supervise students on out-of-town trips and activities, and arrange transportation and meals for out-of-town events.
4. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

Communication

1. Establish and maintain a positive professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members.

Budget and Inventory

1. Develop and administer budget based on documented program needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
2. Coordinate fundraising activities and manage funds.
3. Maintain current inventory of all fixed assets related to the program.
4. Oversee cleaning, repairing, and storing of all instruments and equipment.
5. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
2. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
3. Comply with federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, UIL rules, and board policy in the band area.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

 None.

Working Conditions:

Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; a variety of musical instruments.

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Frequent walking.

Lifting: Regular moderate lifting and carrying (15–44 pounds); may lift and move musical instruments.

Environment: Continual exposure to noise. Work both outside and inside; exposure to heat and cold.

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent district and statewide travel.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.