Job Title: Music Teachers - Choir, Violin/Viola, Cello/Bass, and Orchestra

Program: Lower School - Grades 3 -8

Reports to: Pedagogical Director 

FLSA: Hourly 

Date: May 2023

General Statement of Duties:

Shining Mountain Waldorf School is searching for music teachers for choir grades 4-8; violin/viola  grades 3-8; cello/bass grades 3–8, and an orchestra teacher grades 5-8. 

As a member of the faculty at Shining Mountain Waldorf School, our music teachers are responsible for the music education of grades 3-8  students. Music is integral to the Waldorf curriculum, and our music teachers work to introduce choral, instrumental and general musical skills to younger students and to develop these skills throughout the lower school. SMWS students are required to take weekly private string instrument lessons throughout the school year and they are strongly encouraged to continue lessons during the summer. Our music teachers work collaboratively with the Lower School teachers and report to the Pedagogical Director.  

This position could be combined should the candidate have multiple musical skills. 

Teaching Responsibilities:

1. Choosing repertoire, planning lessons, and teaching classes of elementary and  middle students.
2. Preparing students for performances at concerts, festivals and special events throughout the academic year.
3. Attending weekly meetings of the music department, lower school department meeting, and the Plenum. 
4. Assisting class teachers with music pertinent to curriculum and class plays.
5. Monitoring students on recess duty.
6. Attending evening parent meetings a few times per year to present aspects of the music program.
7. Meeting with parents at yearly parent conferences.
8. Writing student mid-year progress reports and end-of-year reports.

Teaching Specifics:

• Third Grade: 2 classes violin/viola, 2 classes cello/bass per week
• Fourth Grade: 2 classes violin/viola and 2 classes cello/bass per week, 1 class choir
• Fifth Grade: 1 sectional violin/viola; 1  sectional cello/bass; 1 Orchestra per week, 1 class choir
• Sixth Grade:1 sectional violin/viola; 1  sectional cello/bass; 1 Orchestra per week, 1 class choir
• Seventh Grade: 1 sectional violin/viola; 1  sectional cello/bass; 1 Orchestra per week, 1 class choir
• Eighth Grade: 1 sectional violin/viola; 1  sectional cello/bass; 1 Orchestra per week, 1 class choir

Teaching Skills: 

• Knowledge of choir and strings pedagogy and repertoire.
• Exemplary classroom management and discipline.
• Ability to collaborate with music and other faculty on curriculum and performances.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and parents. 
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral. 

Additional Responsibilities:

In accordance with the SMWS philosophy, the person filling this position may be required to carry out other duties necessary to the fulfillment of the school’s mission, strategies, and agreements.

Education and Qualifications:

• Degree in music education or performance.
• Teaching experience in classroom/group settings.
• Willingness to learn about Waldorf education and incorporate Waldorf principles of child development into teaching.

Work Setting

• General classroom outdoor environments
• Occasional weekend and evening hours

Salary, Hours, and Benefits

• Each music class is 40 minutes of instruction and 5 minutes for transition to the next class. 
• Hourly rate is $45.00 to $75.00 per hour 
• This position will be a part time hourly position during the school year (August - June)

Physical Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to perform:
• Sitting and standing for class presentations
• Lift 25 pounds, bending, stretching
• Mobility to move about the classroom and walking to buildings throughout our 12 acre campus 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Shining Mountain Waldorf School is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, familial status, sexual orientation or national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law.  We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, where employees are treated with respect and dignity.  

If you wish to apply or seek further information, please send a statement of interest, resume and three references to hrmgr@smwaldorf.org.