Performing Arts Teacher
Winchester Thurston School
Position Information
Work Schedule Monday – Friday, with occasional evening hours for performances; regular work hours are 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Non-exempt, Full-time (9 Months)
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Position Summary
The Performing Arts Teacher provides instruction and supervision for students in Grades 5 – 8 as well as Upper School Chorus and is responsible for planning lessons, teaching a specific number of classes, and maintaining classroom order and discipline. The Performing Arts Teacher must understand and respond to the unique needs of students, fostering in each student a sense of confidence, ethics, responsibility, and respect for others. The individual in this position teaches and serves in a manner that advances and upholds the mission and philosophy of Winchester Thurston School.
The Performing Arts Teacher performs under the general direction of the Head of School and under the daily supervision of the Director of Middle School. The individual in this position will work closely with the Division Directors, the Department Chair and members of the Performing Arts Department, other faculty members, students, and parents.
The Performing Arts Teacher is responsible for the following duties:
- Teach grade 5 general music classes, 6 – 8 performing arts classes and direct Middle School and Upper School Chorus, instructing about music principles and techniques while encouraging creative expression and nurturing musical abilities
- Plan and execute lessons in the context of a year-long curriculum, using varied methods of instruction and assessment in accordance with departmental/divisional curriculum and competencies and the School's educational philosophy
- Create and maintain an appropriate and organized classroom environment with an emphasis on the physical and emotional well-being and safety of students
- Be available during CORE and other times throughout the school day to provide instructional support to students both in and out of class, as needed, and to answer questions regarding content
- Communicate regularly with and respond to parents' questions and concerns in an effective and timely manner through a variety of means, including email, telephone, student progress reports, and parent notices
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for and commitment to the School's City as Our Campus initiative by actively seeking meaningful community connections for experiential learning opportunities within and outside the classroom
- Engage in and support the School's commitment to equity and inclusion, including but not limited to, curriculum, teaching practice, and professional growth
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for and commitment to the School's strategic priorities by designing and implementing learning experiences that are interdisciplinary, student-centered, and/or project-based
- Commit to ongoing professional growth through WT's faculty growth process and professional development opportunities
- Work as a team member with teaching colleagues and administrators by attending all school-wide meetings, department meetings, Middle School faculty meetings, and in-service days, and serving on committees as needed
- Assist the admission process by meeting with prospective families, attending admission events, and helping screen prospective candidates for admission
- Complete student assessment reports (e.g., grades reports, interim comments, etc.) in accordance with school guidelines and the deadlines established by the Director of Middle School
- Serve as a student advisor, as needed
- Participate in a mentoring program with an experienced faculty member during the interim service period
- Fulfill duties that are connected with non-academic responsibilities, including but not limited to, taking attendance, lunch and recess duties, chaperoning field trips, after-school events or grade-level trips, and other assigned duties
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Music Education or equivalent experience in music education pedagogy and choral instruction, Master's degree is preferred
- Experience working with students in a school setting (minimum 3 years of full-time teaching experience required)
- Strong piano proficiency required
- Experience with instrumental music preferred
- Experience teaching and/or performing in theatre arts
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Educational philosophy consistent with that of the School
- Ability to utilize technology in the classroom
Winchester Thurston School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or disability in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs. WT is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic community and strongly encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ candidates, and women.
Pay: $40,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
