Teacher - 0.6 Music Educator (Strings) (SY 26-27)

Position: Music: Strings Educator (low strings preferred)

Position Type: Part-time 0.6 FTE

Department: Fine, Applied and Performing Arts

Location: Watertown Public Schools

Reports to:  Coordinator of Fine, Applied,and Performing Arts

Affiliation: Watertown Educators Association

Salary range: As determined by CBA Salary Schedule, Unit A

General Description:  

The Watertown Public Schools seeks an outstanding Performing Arts Educator to guide elementary and secondary students in learning String Instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass).

Responsibilities:   The desired candidate for the Watertown Strings Performing Arts Position will be responsible for teaching music to students in 4th through 12th grade.  The educator will be part of a vibrant learning community and tasked with instruction that helps students grow in their participation, understanding and creation of music experiences that are culturally relevant and reflect the values of the learning community.  The Strings Educator will be tasked with designing and implementing lessons for students who elect: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass.  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Proficiency in teaching a culturally relevant instrumental music curriculum
• Instrumental conducting for students in grades 4 through 12.   
• Proficiency in repertoire selection for all types of music literature, including traditional and contemporary, that are appropriate and inspirational for the ages and skill levels of students
• Proficiency in teaching elementary strings and developing relevant performance opportunities
• Proficiency in teaching secondary strings and developing relevant performance opportunities.  
• Provides opportunities for music ensembles
• Plans, rehearses, and directs students in a minimum of two performance opportunities per academic year
• Promotes and publicizes student performance opportunities
• Differentiates music curriculum to meet the needs of the individual student
• Develops and refines music curriculum based on NAfME’s standards of creating, performing, and responding
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior to provide an orderly, productive, and positive learning environment
• Assesses and evaluates student’s growth
• Communicate clearly and consistently with parents and learning partners on the progress of individual students
• Ability to arrange repertoire to meet student skill level
• Maintain music library, school instruments, and equipment
• Contribute to Professional Learning Team regarding teaching and learning
• Skill in selecting culturally relevant repertoire

Core Competencies: Using the Massachusetts Model System for Educators Rubric, priority skills and abilities that all Watertown Public School teachers should possess:

Curriculum, Planning, and Assessment

(Subject Matter Knowledge, Well-Structured Lessons, Curriculum and Planning Indicator, Child and Adolescent Development)

• Demonstrates mastery of and enthusiasm for the content area and the pedagogy it requires
• Can convey a grasp of child development and how students learn
• Designs effective and rigorous standards based units of instruction consisting of well-structured lessons with measurable outcomes.

Teaching All Students

(Meeting Diverse Needs, Student Engagement, Safe Learning Environment)

• Uses instructional practices that are likely to challenge, motivate, and engage all students and facilitate equitable, active student participation
• Builds a productive learning environment where every student participates and is valued as part of the class community
• Cultural Proficiency 
• Actively creates and maintains an environment in which students’ diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are respected

Family and Community Engagement

(Parent/Family Engagement)

• Engages with families and builds collaborative, respectful relationships with them in service of student learning
• Professional Reflection & Collaboration 

Professional Culture

(Reflective Practice, Professional Collaboration)

• Regularly reflects on practice, seeks and responds to feedback, and demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to continuous learning and development
• Seeks to participate in and contribute to a collaborative adult learning community.

Qualifications:

• Current MA (DESE) Certification in Music Education
• A minimum of a bachelor's degree. Music degree preferred
• Experience in directing high school ensembles
• Knowledge of current trends in music education and pedagogy
• Experience working with a diverse student population
• Experience in authentic and culturally relevant world music
• Experience using technology to engage all students in learning
• Experience with formative and summative assessments
• Knowledge and application of MA State Curriculum Frameworks for Music and National Standards for Music
• Ability to engage in reflective self-evaluation concerning student learning
• Ability to inculcate feedback from administrators and peers
• Highly organized and punctual
• Belief in our philosophy that “Music is for everyone”

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Watertown Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.