Division: Lower School
Job Title: Lower School Music Teacher
Status: Exempt, full-time school year
Salary: $75,000 to $105,000
ABOUT POLY
Founded in 1907, Polytechnic School is the first nonprofit, coeducational, K-12, independent school in Southern California. The meaning of polytechnic as “many arts” is reflected in the school’s ambitious and student-centered educational program. Nationally recognized as a K-12 educational leader, Poly develops the unique intellect, talents, and character of each student through transformative teaching within a diverse community devoted to academic excellence, the creative arts, the camaraderie of team sports, and service to others.
Poly strives to be an inclusive community that fosters academic excellence and personal growth by ensuring that all of our 870 students, nearly 65% of whom identify as Students of Color, are seen, heard, and valued as their authentic selves. We respect the dignity and worth of every individual and seek to celebrate the joy, the love, and the creativity that emanate from the human spirit. Throughout our Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, students, faculty, and staff commit to deepening our understanding and knowledge of ourselves, each other, and our ever-changing world.
Within our community of care, Poly students build the confidence and capacity to think critically and creatively to become responsible global citizens and intellectual leaders. Taught by an extraordinary faculty, Poly graduates are ready to fulfill the promise of their talents and lead meaningful, purposeful lives.
To learn more about Polytechnic School, please visit us.
Reporting to the Director of the Lower School, the Lower School Music Teacher will take a student-centered approach and align with the school’s mission to support students' academic, extracurricular, social, and emotional growth. Polytechnic School seeks a vibrant and highly skilled educator to lead the general and vocal music program for students in kindergarten through grade 5. This teacher will design and implement a developmentally appropriate music curriculum that fosters creativity, musical understanding, collaboration, vocal development, general instrumental exploration, and joyful performance.
As an essential member of the Lower School faculty and K-12 Performing Arts Department, the Lower School Music Teacher will support and continue to develop the school’s Performing Arts scope and sequence in music, including note reading, rhythm, musical styles and forms, composers, music history, vocal technique, and diverse repertoire. The teacher will prepare students for major Lower School performances, including the Winter Sing and End-of-Year Sing, while creating meaningful opportunities for students to experience music as an important part of community life. This position requires close collaboration with homeroom teachers, Performing Arts colleagues, administrators, families, and the broader K-12 community.
Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Curriculum, Instruction, and Performance
- Design and implement a scaffolded music curriculum for students in kindergarten through grade 5 that supports musical understanding, creativity, skill development, and joyful participation.
- Teach general music, vocal music, music appreciation, rhythm, note reading, musical styles and forms, composers, music history, and diverse repertoire.
- Lead students in vocal development, ensemble singing, creative expression, collaborative performance, and instrumental exploration, including percussion and Orff instruments as appropriate.
- Plan, rehearse, direct, and manage major Lower School performances, including the Winter Sing and End-of-Year Sing, while maintaining a supportive and joyful rehearsal environment.
- Oversee performance logistics, including repertoire selection, staging, rehearsal planning, communication, and coordination with the Performing Arts Department.
Collaboration, Communication, and Student Support
- Collaborate with Performing Arts colleagues to support a cohesive K-12 music program and clear student progression.
- Work with Lower School homeroom teachers to integrate musical concepts with classroom learning when appropriate.
- Communicate proactively and professionally with families regarding student progress, performances, and program expectations.
- Collaborate with members of the Lower School faculty, staff, and broader K-12 community.
- Foster an inclusive, creative, and engaging classroom environment grounded in care for young learners.
- Engage robustly in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion through curriculum choices, repertoire selection, classroom culture, and student-centered teaching.
Professional Growth and School Life
- Participate in Lower School faculty meetings, Performing Arts Department meetings, professional development, and school events.
- Supervise students as needed during school duties, transitions, rehearsals, performances, and special events.
- Serve as a Panther Pod co-leader and participate in other Lower School community-building programs as assigned.
- Maintain and grow expertise in music education through regular participation in professional development opportunities.
- Participate enthusiastically in the greater life of the school.
- Take on other duties as needed.
Physical requirements and work environment
- Work in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines, as well as a diverse array of contacts;
- Work at a desk and computer;
- Ability to move throughout the music classroom and performance spaces;
- Ability to sit, stand, model movement, conduct, accompany, and work at a child’s level;
- Ability to lift and move classroom instruments, music stands, chairs, and performance materials;
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds;
- Support student supervision during performances, rehearsals, transitions, and school events;
- Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled classroom environment;
- Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
Salary
Polytechnic School is committed to attracting and retaining talented, dedicated employees through a competitive compensation plan that is commensurate with experience.
Benefits
A full benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.
Equal Opportunity Employer
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, Poly will recruit, hire, train, and promote faculty and staff without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, medical condition and physical or mental disability (whether perceived or actual), or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. School policy also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Music Education, Music Performance, or a related field.
- Master’s degree, Kodály certification, Orff certification, or other specialized music education training preferred.
- Minimum of five years of teaching experience with elementary-aged students preferred.
Music Instruction and Pedagogy
- Strong background in general music, vocal music, choral direction, and developmentally appropriate music pedagogy.
- Strong piano accompaniment skills required.
- Ability to lead and inspire young learners in both classroom and performance settings.
- Experience developing curriculum and supporting a music scope and sequence.
- Familiarity with diverse musical traditions, repertoire, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Working knowledge of music notation software such as Dorico or Sibelius preferred.
Classroom Culture, Communication, and Organization
- Demonstrated experience creating inclusive learning environments and opportunities.
- Ability to use effective classroom management techniques.
- Commitment to developmental education, differentiated instruction, interdisciplinary teaching, and community service.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage the logistics of performances and large-group rehearsals.
