Extended Term Substitute, Orchestra Teacher (Sept-Nov 2025), Vassal Lane Upper School Position Available In Middlesex, Massachusetts

Extended Term Substitute, Orchestra Teacher (Sept-Nov 2025), Vassal Lane Upper School Cambridge Public Schools – 3.6

Cambridge, MA Job Details Full-time Estimated:

$55.7K – $81.3K a year 20 hours ago Qualifications Classroom management Computer literacy Mid-level Bachelor’s degree Organizational skills Classroom experience

Teaching Full Job Description Position:

Extended Term Substitute, Orchestra Teacher, Grades 5-8 Available September 2025 through no later than November 2025

Visual & Performing Arts Department/Vassal Lane Upper School The Opportunity:

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts seeks a confident, creative, and compassionate Extended Term Substitute (ETS) Strings Orchestra teacher to enhance the vision for the strings and orchestra and music programs for Vassal Lane Upper School (6-8). The ETS Strings and Orchestra Instrumental Teacher is responsible to the Director of the Visual and Performing Arts Department (VPA) and the Principals at each school. The ETS Strings and Orchestra Instrumental Teacher will teach 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to play the violin, viola, and cello, working collaboratively with the band director at the school, as well as the other music and theater teachers. The team will be responsible for developing school ensembles, presenting concerts, and distributing and collecting school-owned instruments. In addition to advanced instrumental proficiency, the candidate must possess classroom management skills, use appropriate authentic assessment strategies to monitor student progress, have the ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners, and employ pedagogical methods that motivate students to pursue instrumental study. The selected candidate must be computer literate, organized, able to responsibly meet professional obligations, willing to participate in school, district, and state level music performances, contribute to department and school-wide curricular projects and other initiatives, and be able to steward the careful use of supplies, equipment, and teaching resources.

Key Responsibilities:

Teach strings and orchestra music to grades 5-8. You will lead both ensembles and pull out classes. Implement a rigorous and balanced standards-based music curriculum including knowledge of vocal development Ability to teach recorder, performance and chorus Employ pedagogical methods that motivate students to purse instrumental study Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners Demonstrate flexibility and compassion, while maintaining high expectations for student achievement Demonstrate strong classroom management skills Employ instructional methods that motivate students to continue to pursue study in the music community Collaborate with school faculty to develop interdisciplinary curriculum and work with challenging students Organize and participate in school, district, state and community level music performances Contribute to departmental and school wide curriculum projects and other initiatives Steward the careful use of supplies, equipment, and teaching resources

Your Skill Set:

As the incoming Orchestra Teacher, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications: Experience designing and teaching engaging music curricula, leveraging culturally responsive pedagogy that recognizes the importance of including students’ cultural references in all aspects of learning. Strong commitment to social justice and equity. High degree of comfort working with colleagues to build and refine engaging, standards based learning experiences that are responsive to the needs and interests of the communities you serve. Belief in the power of reflection and open to feedback and support. Collaborative disposition, eager to partner with classroom teachers, School and VPA staff, and other team members in the district on behalf of our students and families. Excellent classroom management skills and use appropriate authentic assessment strategies to monitor student progress. Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners and adjust practice to meet the needs of all students. Strong organizational skills, setting up structures that allow you to manage your own work effectively and position colleagues for success. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required. Massachusetts Licensure for Music preferred. How to

Join Our Team:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills, experience, and commitment to equity in education meet the qualifications of the position as well as stating how you heard about this opportunity. At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.