Position Type:
TEACHER-K-12/MUSIC
Date Posted:
7/6/2026
Location:
Deering High School
Date Available:
08/24/2026
Closing Date:
07/17/2026
TITLE: High School Music Teacher - Deering High
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Deering High School is seeking an experienced music educator to teach grades 912 and lead a comprehensive instrumental music program. The successful candidate will create a joyful, inclusive, culturally relevant, and rigorous learning environment while directing the concert band and jazz band, teaching a Digital Music course, and facilitating an adaptive music class. The ideal candidate will possess strong conducting and instrumental pedagogy skills, including proficiency in guitar/ukulele and basic piano, and will prepare students for performances, district and state festivals, and other community events. The candidate will build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues while fostering a culture of musical excellence and belonging.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Differentiate music curriculum to meet the needs of individual students and the diverse student body, including students with varying abilities in an adaptive music classroom
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Teach instrumental music courses, including band, with the skills and instructional methods necessary to grow and sustain a high-quality instrumental music program
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Demonstrate proficiency in guitar/ukulele and basic piano instruction to support a comprehensive music education program
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Teach a Digital Music course using an established curriculum while fostering creativity and music technology skills
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Direct concert band and jazz band ensembles, including selecting developmentally appropriate repertoire, rehearsing effectively, conducting performances, and building musicianship across a variety of instruments
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Prepare students for school concerts, local performances, city parades, and other planned music experiences
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Prepare and support students through the audition process for district and state music festivals
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Establish and maintain standards of student behavior to provide an orderly, productive environment during classes, rehearsals, and performances
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Build positive relationships with students, serving as a mentor and fostering a culture of belonging, collaboration, and musical excellence
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Inspire and motivate students to practice outside of class, participate in extracurricular ensembles, and engage with the local music community
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Collaborate with music and non-music colleagues to support student learning and school-wide initiatives
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Maintain responsibility for school-owned music, instruments, equipment, and related resources to ensure proper care, organization, and longevity
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Continue to develop and expand the instrumental music program through recruitment, retention, and high-quality instructional practices
CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Maine State Teacher Certificate with Endorsement 614 (Music, PK-12) (more info)
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Maine State CHRC authorization (more info) **
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**if you already have an active teacher certification, you do not need a separate CHRC as this clearance is tied to your teacher certification
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:
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Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
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Assignment: Permanent
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Reports to: School Principal
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Contract: Part of PEA union (see 2025-2028 CBA here)
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Salary: Based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA
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Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here
ABOUT DEERING:
Deering is a comprehensive public high school serving about 800 students. As the most diverse school in Maine, we are committed to disrupting inequities in our community by creating a joyful place of learning that ensures every student succeeds. As part of Portland Public Schools, Deering promotes district goals as outlined in the Portland Promise, and is guided by our district's Instructional Vision, which prioritizes inclusive classroom environments, active learning, high expectations, culturally responsive teaching, an assets-based approach, collaboration, and assessments for learning.
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Portland 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, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.
