Asheville City Schools Job Description

JOB: Orchestra/Strings Teacher - Valid NC Licensure Required

JOB STATUS: Part-Time (50%)

LOCATION: Asheville Middle School

CONTACT: [email protected]

AVAILABLE: January 19, 2027-June 9, 2027, continued and/or expanded employment contingent on program enrollment data in preparation for the 2027-2028 school year.

Position Overview

Asheville Middle School is seeking a collaborative, dedicated string educator to lead our orchestra program, increase student participation, and expand opportunities for students to learn, grow, and perform together. This part-time position offers an exciting opportunity for an educator who combines strong instrumental instruction with the ability to engage students, build lasting relationships, and cultivate a vibrant, inclusive ensemble experience.

The successful candidate will play an important role in strengthening student recruitment and retention while helping develop a sustainable strings pathway that connects elementary feeder schools, middle school, and future high school opportunities. We seek an educator who understands that a thriving orchestra program depends not only on quality musical instruction, but also on student belonging, meaningful performance experiences, family engagement, and a shared enthusiasm for making music.

Primary Responsibilities

Student Engagement, Recruitment & Program Growth

- Develop and implement strategies to encourage new students to enroll in orchestra and sustain participation as students progress through middle school.

- Create an engaging, inclusive learning environment where students of varied experience levels feel welcomed, challenged, supported, and motivated to continue playing.

- Build a positive ensemble culture that fosters student belonging, musical growth, collaboration, and pride in performance.

- Provide meaningful performance opportunities that celebrate student progress, strengthen community connections, and generate interest in orchestra participation.

- Collaborate with elementary feeder schools, families, school administration, and community music partners to increase awareness of and access to orchestra opportunities.

- Contribute to the development of a sustainable strings pathway that supports student progression from elementary school through middle school and, as opportunities develop, into high school.

- Monitor participation and retention patterns and use that information to inform recruitment, instructional planning, and program improvement.

Curriculum & Instruction

- Teach middle school orchestra classes aligned with North Carolina Essential Standards in Music.

- Provide engaging, performance-based instruction tailored to students' varied skill levels, using a balanced repertoire of traditional and contemporary music.

- Use differentiated instruction and small-group teaching strategies to support individual technique, musical development, and ensemble performance.

- Incorporate appropriate educational technology and instructional resources to enhance student learning.

- Monitor student progress and provide constructive feedback that builds musical proficiency, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

Collaboration & School Community

- Collaborate with colleagues to support student well-being, engagement, and academic progress.

- Work with school administration and music colleagues to plan and deliver student performances, showcases, concerts, and other appropriate musical experiences.

- Maintain clear, proactive communication with families regarding student progress, participation, and performance opportunities.

- Build positive working relationships with school and district leaders to support program development and long-term sustainability.

- Contribute to a positive, inclusive school climate and support school policies and initiatives.

Qualifications

- Licensure: Hold or be able to obtain a North Carolina teaching license in Music Education.

- Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

- Student-Centered Instruction: Commitment to creating an inviting, supportive learning environment that encourages participation, musical growth, and continued engagement among diverse learners.

- Instrumental Instruction: Demonstrated ability to teach instrumental technique and ensemble skills at the middle school level.

Preferences

- Experience teaching middle school orchestra or strings.

- Demonstrated success engaging students, encouraging continued participation, or growing an instrumental music program.

- Experience developing student ensembles, organizing performances, or building partnerships with feeder schools, families, and community music organizations.

- Ability to teach and support the development of students playing violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

- Interest in developing a sustainable strings program that connects students' middle school experiences with future high school opportunities.

Working Conditions

The position requires the ability to demonstrate instrumental techniques, safely handle classroom and performance equipment, and support student rehearsals and performances. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law and district policy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to sit, stand, walk, and drive a car. Must be able to lift mail and boxes up to 10 lbs. Must be able to sit at a computer for extended periods of time. Physical demand requirements are for Light Work.

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions, assignments or directions to subordinates or assistants.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read simple forms. Requires the ability to prepare time sheets and supply requisitions using prescribed format.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagrammatic form; to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in Standard English.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, to add, subtract, divide, and multiply.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using a keyboard.

Manual Dexterity: Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal levels of stress.