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Job Description
Music Teacher (Ages 2 1/2 - Grade 8) The Grosse Pointe Academy - 4.0 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI Job Details Full-time 14 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Paid time off Vision insurance 403(b) Life insurance Qualifications Music Teamwork Teaching Certification Education Bachelor's degree Working with students Community relationship building Full Job Description Position Description Under the direction of the Head of School and Assistant Heads of School, the Music Teacher is responsible for the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive music program serving students ages 2½ through Grade 8. The primary function of this role is to plan, organize, and implement an engaging instructional and performance program in a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic and creative potential. The role calls for a dynamic educator with flexibility, energy, and enthusiasm; high expectations for themselves and their students; and a strong understanding of students' developmental needs across early childhood through middle school.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Curriculum & Instruction Program Implementation:
Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences across all grade levels, from preschool through Grade 8.
Lesson Design:
Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities, providing a variety of learning materials and resources to support educational goals.
Early Childhood Music:
Design and deliver engaging, play-based music experiences for preschool and early elementary students, incorporating Orff instruments (xylophones, glockenspiels, metallophones, and unpitched percussion), singing games, movement, and rhythmic exploration to build foundational musicianship.
Instrumental Instruction:
Teach piano, guitar, choir bells, ukulele, and/or other musical instruments as appropriate, in conjunction with music reading and literacy.
Student Evaluation:
Assign and grade class work and assignments; observe, evaluate, and maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development.
Performance Production:
Produce school musicals and other performance-related events, such as Grandparents Day, the Middle School play, the Grades 1 and 2 cross-curricular performance, and the Grades 3 and 4 performance.
Event Music:
Provide music at weekly chapel, Grandparents' Day, Kindergarten Celebration, 8th Grade Baccalaureate and Graduation, and other events throughout the year.
Feedback & Communication:
Provide appropriate, timely feedback to students on their in-class work, and communicate student progress to parents regularly.
Collaboration:
Work with colleagues on cross-curricular projects, and collaborate with school leadership to ensure the music program aligns with institutional goals and mission.
Community Building:
Foster positive, collaborative relationships among students, faculty, families, and administration through music.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Content Expertise:
Strong foundational knowledge of music theory, vocal and instrumental pedagogy, and performance practice.
Early Childhood Methodology:
Demonstrated understanding of Orff Schulwerk and other early childhood music approaches, including the use of Orff instruments to build rhythm, pitch, and ensemble skills in young learners.
Developmental Range:
Ability to differentiate instruction effectively across a wide developmental span, from age 2½ through Grade 8.
Performance Direction:
Skill in preparing and directing student performances, concerts, musicals, and special events.
Adaptability:
Flexibility to adjust instructional plans and activities based on student needs, developments in the subject area, and emerging teaching resources and methods.
Communication Skills:
Ability to make musical concepts accessible and engaging through relatable activities, models, and demonstrations.
Professional Development Continuous Improvement:
Keep up to date with developments in music education, teaching resources, and methods, and make relevant changes to instructional plans and activities accordingly.
Additional Responsibilities Community Engagement:
Follow all school policies and procedures as stated in the Employee Handbook, and participate actively in faculty meetings, committees, and school-wide initiatives.
Coaching & Extracurriculars:
Coaching and extracurricular opportunities are also available if interested.
Required Qualifications Education:
Degree in Education, Music Education, Education Administration, or a related field.
Certification:
Valid Michigan teaching certification.
Experience:
Minimum of five years of experience working directly with students; previous music teaching experience required, and experience with Orff Schulwerk or early childhood music instruction preferred.
Background Check:
The successful candidate must provide a mandated fingerprint clearance. Who We Are The Grosse Pointe Academy is an independent day school serving students ages 2.5 through Grade 8 whose mission is to nurture, challenge, and inspire the intellectual, creative, and personal potential in each and every child. The Academy curriculum prepares confident lifelong learners in a joyful and challenging learning environment, encouraging intellectual curiosity, empathy, leadership, independence, global citizenship, active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication. Located in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, The Grosse Pointe Academy is situated on a historic 20-acre campus with centuries-old architecture overlooking Lake St. Clair. To learn more about The Academy Cornerstones, visit and select "Who We Are" for more information.
Benefits:
403(b) Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
