Middle School Music (Grades 6-8)

Description:

About the role: At RPA, music education is a creative, hands-on, personalized experience that helps students explore their inner musician. RPA's music department thrives on contemporary, student-driven experiences. We're looking for a creative, passionate Music Teacher who is ready to build off of a program that speaks to middle schoolers. This role centers on hands-on, genre-diverse courses such as rock band, ukulele, and guitar, as well as a beginning music lab. Courses are designed to meet students where their musical interests already live. If you believe music should be joyful, accessible, and a little loud, you'll fit right in at RPA. What you'll do: Curriculum & Instruction Design and deliver engaging, standards-aligned music courses, including rock band, ukulele, guitar, and a beginning music lab Develop and implement additional nontraditional music courses that reflect student interests and RPA's commitment to personalized learning Teach foundational music literacy, including rhythm, notation, ear training, and music theory, in ways that connect to the genres and instruments students are working with Differentiate instruction to support beginners and more experienced musicians within the same classroom Design and administer formative and summative assessments to track student growth and provide timely, actionable feedback Direct and develop multiple "Rock Band" ensembles, coaching students on stage presence, collaborative songwriting, and live performance dynamics. Design and implement a curriculum that aligns with RPA's proficiency-based model, allowing students to demonstrate mastery through flexible assessments like performances and recording projects. Performance & Student Showcases Organize and lead performance opportunities, such as concerts, showcases, and school events, that celebrate student growth and build community Guide students through the experience of rehearsing, collaborating, and performing as an ensemble Create a performance culture rooted in effort and improvement, not perfection Culture & community Build a classroom culture where creativity, risk-taking, and musical curiosity are celebrated Act as a mentor and coach, building genuine relationships that foster a safe and inclusive environment. Maintain regular communication with students and families about progress, course activities, and upcoming performances Collaborate with colleagues to support school-wide events, interdisciplinary projects, and RPA's whole-child mission Manage and maintain instruments, equipment, and music technology in good working order What we're looking for: Ability to teach foundational music literacy across a range of skill levels and learning styles Genuine enthusiasm for the charter school model and the creative freedom it provides to reimagine what music education can look like Belief that music should be personal and that every student deserves a path into music that reflects who they are and what they love A growth mindset and the ability to meet students where they are, whether they've never touched an instrument or have been playing for years Strong communication skills with students, families, and colleagues A collaborative spirit and commitment to contributing to RPA's culture of innovation and student-centered learning

Requirements:

Oregon Teaching License with a Music endorsement preferred; candidates eligible for charter school licensure will also be considered Proficiency in guitar, ukulele, or other contemporary instruments. Experience teaching rock or popular music styles is a strong plus Experience working with middle school-aged students preferred