Band/Music Teacher

The vision of each of the Fitchburg Public Schools is to provide learning experiences that engage all students in achieving high academic standards while developing intellectual rigor, creative interest, and social characteristics that prepare them for the challenges of living successfully and productively as citizens of this new century.

Job Details:

The Band Teacher is responsible for delivering a high-quality instructional experience consistent with the curriculum standards of the school district.  The music teacher will demonstrate expertise and knowledge in a range of vocal techniques and vocal and choral pedagogy.  The music teacher shall utilize repertoire and materials of all types of musical backgrounds, both traditional and contemporary, as well as culturally and ethnically diverse and responsive, that is appropriate for the ages and skill levels of students. The music teacher is responsible for utilizing research-based pedagogical strategies to teach and engage diverse groups of students to grow the music program using creative, interactive, and engaging teaching methods.  The music teacher will teach general music courses as required.

Essential duties for all faculty members include classroom instruction; conferences with students, parents, and colleagues; and active participation in the work of the department on curriculum development, activities, and pedagogy.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary license in:
• Music: Vocal/Instrumental/General: All levels 
• Demonstrated knowledge of musical repertoire, rehearsal techniques, performance ability, and piano skills.  Demonstrated guitar skills are also desired.
• Demonstrated knowledge of music production/technology and compositional techniques
• Contemporary/non-traditional solo/ensemble experience preferred but not required 
• Knowledge of current education legislation/regulations
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents and advocate for children to effectively problem-solve
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders
• Belief in the commitment to increasing personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student.
• Artistic vision and administrative skills to lead and continue to grow the thriving musical culture present in our music department

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

 The Band teacher will;

• Provide learning experiences in music as guided by the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and district standards and requirements, while creating an environment that is conducive to student learning;
• Demonstrate and model healthy vocal and choral techniques in a wide range of musical genres and styles
• Oversee administrative functions of the choral program; maintain the choral library and all equipment related to the choral program;
• Collaborate effectively with members of the music department
• Collaboratively coordinate after-school/evening rehearsals and concerts 
• Plan and organize music field trips and participation in choral festivals and competitions;
• Provide student performances for various school and community events;
• Collaborate and support growing middle school choral programs;
• Monitor and supervise students, through effective classroom management;
• Promote high standards and expectations for student achievement;
• Be responsible for using innovative approaches, and instructional strategies including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to learn;
• Be responsible for effective planning and assessment of curriculum and instruction;
• Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum standards and establish clear objectives which reflect these standards for all lessons, units, and projects
• Differentiate instruction and provide appropriate opportunities for learning using a response to intervention (RTI) framework;
• Follow professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents, and colleagues;
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy;
• Maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at professional development events, and by self-generated activities that meet district expectations and the requirements for recertification;
• Implement the district's mission, philosophy of education, and instructional standards and objectives;
• Develop a schedule to meet and instruct assigned students in the locations and at the time designated;
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by district policy and administrative regulation;
• Assist administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develop reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner;
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students;
• Promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including, implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and/or English Learners (EL);

Reports to:        Principal/Assistant Principal

Evaluated by:    Principal/Assistant Principal

Terms of Employment/Salary/Work Year:

As negotiated by the Fitchburg School Committee and the Fitchburg Education Association (FEA).

Competitive and comprehensive health benefits are offered through the City of Fitchburg; www.fitchburgma.gov/benefits. 

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of NCBC (fingerprinting) and CORI prior to your start of employment. 

The responsibilities and duties listed are illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Notice of Non-Discrimination
The School Committee’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it does business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or equal treatment in its programs and/or activities in compliance with state and federal law.
Questions related to this policy must be addressed to: The Office of Human Resources, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, HR@Fitchburg.k12.ma.us