Middle School Music Educator - Choral and General Music (SY26-27)

Position: Middle School (6-8) Choral and General Music

Position Type:  1.0 (full time)

Department: Fine, Applied, and Performing Arts

Location: Watertown Middle School

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

Affiliation: WEA Unit A

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

General Description:

Watertown Public Schools is seeking a middle school Music Educator who can inspire a love of music-making in students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade. The role involves teaching general music and combined grade-level chorus. The ideal candidate will bring a culturally relevant and dynamic approach to music education, fostering a musical community based on participation, inclusion, collaboration, and creativity. Experience with Kodály pedagogy is preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Daily instruction in general music and elective chorus

• Creation of a classroom environment that is safe, respectful and conducive to learning for every student

• Creation of curriculum and syllabi for all assigned classes

• Creation and implementation of Standards-Based assessments

• Tiers and scaffolds curriculum and instruction for all learners

• Utilizes repertoire of all types of music literature, including a variety of genres, cultural and historical perspectives

• Coordinates rehearsals and concerts, directs musical programs and performances outside of the classroom

• Collaborates with colleagues for district concerts and events

• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and is active in departmental Professional Learning Community

• Organizes class time to maximize learning opportunities

• Promotes respect, rigor, and responsibility

• Supervises students in out-of-classroom ensembles as assigned

• Supervises the storage and use of school-owned equipment and property

• Coordinates repairs and purchases with district administration

• Establishes and maintains high standards of student behavior

• Communicates expertly with parents and learning partners

• Fulfills all grading obligations punctually

• Identifies students’ needs and communicates/coordinates with professional staff regarding students’ needs

• Inspires students to create and grow

• Promotes enrollment in elective classes and the annual musical

• Reaches out to our Multi Lingual Learners to insure multiple access points for participation

Qualifications:

• Current MA (DESE) Certification in Music Education

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree. Master’s degree  preferred

• Experience in directing Choral ensembles

• Experience with vocal pedagogy

• Knowledge of current trends in music education and pedagogy

• Experience working with a diverse student population

• Experience in authentic and culturally relevant repertoire selection

• Experience in basic guitar, basic ukulele and basic hand drumming

• 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 AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The position can be physically demanding and necessitates the ability to actively conduct ensembles.  Reasonable accommodations may be made if requested in advance.  Performance  Arts Educators are required to supervise students in a variety of settings.  Moving between classrooms may be required.  Moving physical objects such as:  instruments, music stands and written music is required.  Stagecrafting and blocking for musical/drama presentations is required.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those and employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the position change.

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.