2025-2026 Secondary Choir and Music Teacher (Middle School)

Ithaca City School District; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 53,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a passionate Secondary Choir and Music Teacher to inspire middle school students through music. This role emphasizes an inclusive and culturally responsive approach, celebrating student identities and fostering a community of joy and confidence through group singing. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to social justice in education and the ability to engage diverse learners effectively. Join a dynamic team dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their musical skills while promoting a rich understanding of cultural diversity.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racist and culturally responsive curriculum.
• Experience in teaching diverse student populations.

Responsibilities

• Teach middle school choir and music with a focus on inclusivity.
• Foster a supportive environment through group singing and music.

Skills

Music Education

Culturally Responsive Teaching

Vocal Techniques

Differentiated Instruction

Social Justice in Education

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Music Education

New York State Music K-12 Teaching Certification

Job description

ITHACA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

400 Lake Street • Ithaca, New York • 14850

NOTICE OF VACANCY

We envision 6000+ Thinkers. Thinking is foundational to the development of self and society. It is the cornerstone of all creative ideas and problem-solving, new scientific discoveries, new products and services, individual and organizational learning, education, business success, interpersonal and intrapersonal communications, all social change and even democracy itself. Our vision is what we see. It motivates us. Our vision is audacious. Our mission is to engage, educate, and empower. We will strive to engage all students in the importance and relevance of thinking; to educate every learner to communicate, comprehend, and collaborate for understanding; and to empower all in the ICSD to achieve academic excellence.

Position Title: 2025-2026 Secondary Choir and Music Teacher (Middle School)

Brief Description:

Teach secondary, middle school choir and music. Celebrate student identities through music and culture with an anti-racist, culturally responsive commitment. Support all students utilizing an inclusive, differentiated approach. Study and perform vocal and choral music including folk, jazz, gospel, spirituals, and pop within a social justice lens. Foster the joy, confidence, and community that is cultivated within the school setting through group singing. Study healthy vocal techniques related to posture, breathing, and tone production as well as basic musicianship skills including music reading, singing in harmony, understanding music terms, and identifying music symbols. Work with department professional learning communities within the school and district to further district mission and goals. Proven commitment to being a reflective educator committed to antiracist and culturally responsive curriculum and pedagogy.

Location(s):Fine & Performing Arts

Anticipated Start Date: 8/27/2025

Posting Dates:5/5/2025 - Until Filled

Number of Vacancies: 1

Application Requirements:

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Proof of Certification (or pending certification
4. Official copy of transcripts: undergraduate and graduate
5. Three (3) Letters of Reference
6. MANDATORY Writing Sample (see prompt below)

The Ithaca City School District values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans, people with disabilities, and those with lived experiences.

MANDATORY Writing Sample A writing sample is required for the application to be complete. Please upload your writing sample separately or with your cover letter.

The ICSD has a diverse student population representing a variety of races, gender identities, learning needs, socio-economic status, sexual orientations, languages, national origins, etc. Describe your teaching strategies and/or experiences for effectively educating students from diverse backgrounds. Please give specific examples of how you respond effectively to students who have a variety of identities, and/or respond effectively to students who are different from your own identity. How do you ensure success for every student? Tell us about any personal and professional experiences you have had that would help you help us to fulfill our district equity goals. The Ithaca City School District is a 1:1 district in grades 3-12. Please provide examples of how you have used or your vision for using digital technology in instruction. Also, please provide evidence of how you stay current with students’ digital world.

Required Qualifications:

• The Ithaca City School District is committed to eliminating race, class, and disability as predictors of academic performance, co-curricular participation, and discipline. Qualified candidates will demonstrate a basic awareness of these commitments and a strong willingness to support these efforts.

• All candidates must Possess New York State Music K-12 Teaching Certification. This requires at least a Bachelor’s degree. Licensed teachers from other states may qualify for reciprocity.

Desired Characteristics:

• An educational leader whose competency, energy, and commitment will help ensure that students thrive;

• Proven ability to interact effectively with students and their families who represent cultures that are diverse in terms of race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics in order to build an effective and collaborative school community;

• Ability to implement culturally responsive curriculum; create an inclusive classroom; and differentiate instruction

Internal Applicants: Apply online at SchoolFront |Steps of how to apply

When applying through SchoolFront you can log in with your ICSD email credentials using the following single-sign on link here. Once logged in please go to recruiting > Available Internal Postings.To find the position, write Choir and Music

If you are a substitute, a coach or in the process of onboarding and haven’t officially started, you will be considered an external applicant.

External Applicants: Apply online at RecruitFront

In order for us to receive your application, you must complete the following three steps on RecruitFront:

1. Create a RecruitFront profile: If it's the first time applying to ICSD

2. Create an Application: Checkmark Teacher/Admin Only!

3. Apply to Job Posting: After finishing step 2, select APPLY on the job posting.

Salary Range:$53,291-$75,191 (10-month full-time base) Currently on union negotiations

The Ithaca City School District does not unlawfully discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military status, veteran status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, or other federal/state protected status.