| Department: | Middle School |
| Location: | St. Louis, MO |
Position Start Date: 2024-25 school year
Application Process
For immediate consideration, complete our online application at https://www.micds.org/our-school/career-opportunities/ and upload a copy of your cover letter, resume, and statement of teaching philosophy. This position is not benefit eligible.
JOB SUMMARY
MICDS is seeking a dynamic and talented instrumental music educator to join our Performing Arts team, teaching Middle and Upper School orchestra (strings). Orchestra teaching includes being a central member of the teaching team for a growing strings/orchestra program, including being lead teacher for 5th, 6th and 7th Grade orchestra classes, and one of the Upper School orchestras. This position involves working in close collaboration in a team with the assistant teacher, the director of orchestras, and the extended day strings teacher to help develop and deepen a vibrant and meaningful orchestra program. The ideal candidate will have strong musicianship, training in music education, and classroom teaching experience with particular strength in beginning and intermediate level orchestra. Essential musicianship skills include knowledge of best practices in strings methods, programming ability for repertoire that is both appropriate and appealing to beginning and intermediate orchestra students, and classroom teaching experience for both upper and lower strings instruments. Preference is given to a candidate who has a lower strings specialty. As a member of a team of over 20 teaching artists and a part of the larger MICDS community, the ideal candidate will demonstrate effective collaboration with colleagues in a shared goal of creating and maintaining a student-centered music program. MICDS encourages ongoing professional growth and seeks faculty with a strong interest in implementing new curriculum and pedagogies aligned with highly effective teaching practices as well as a commitment to meeting the needs of a diverse group of learners. Preference is given to candidates with a bachelor’s degree in Music or Music Education, master’s preferred, and at least two years experience teaching classroom orchestra at the Middle and Upper School levels.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Works with the department chair and curricular team to plan, document, evaluate, and revise curriculum.
Creates effective assessment tools to support student achievement and growth.
Implements effective classroom management strategies to ensure a productive learning environment.
Evaluates, documents and communicates student progress through reporting systems and conferences.
Attends faculty and departmental meetings.
Assists and supports students outside of class as needed.
Communicates student progress consistently with parents and guardians.
Collaborates effectively with departmental and grade level teams as well as student support services personnel.
Participates in the MICDS professional development framework and pursues outside opportunities to stay current with best practices.
Other projects and responsibilities may be added at the School’s discretion.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Music or Music Education required and master’s preferred
Expertise in beginning and intermediate strings methods
Teaching experience in an orchestra classroom that includes violin, viola, cello, and bass
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and diverse music curriculum
Ability to work in an environment that embraces a diverse community of students, educators, parents, and alumni
Experience working in a one-to-one laptop environment or relevant technology skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Must enjoy working and learning with children
OTHER INFORMATION
A criminal history and background check is required and must be successfully completed prior to employment.
May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.
Work primarily in a traditional climate controlled classroom environment.
Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.