4th-8th Grade Music Teacher

Catherine Cook; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Catherine Cook School is looking for a vibrant 4th-8th grade Music teacher who will enrich the community by nurturing creativity and collaboration in students. The ideal candidate will engage students through diverse musical styles while creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. This position offers opportunities for professional development and active participation in community-building efforts within the school.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

403(b) plan

Generous paid time off

Pet Insurance

Professional Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Creates a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Develops sequential music curriculum for grades 4th-8th.
• Integrates musical instruments for creative exploration.

Responsibilities

• Nurtures creativity and collaboration through music activities.
• Promotes students' musical skills and expression.
• Acts as Middle School Student Advisor.

Skills

Engaging Educator

Collaboration

Creativity

Music Education

Education

Degree in Music Education

Tools

Orff instruments

Recorder

Ukulele

Guitar

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

• Supervisor: Director of Teaching and Learning
• Location: Chicago, IL, on-site
• Starting Date: August, 2025
  
  
  

• Type: Full-Time, 10-month
• Supervisor: Director of Teaching and Learning
• Location: Chicago, IL, on-site
• Starting Date: August, 2025
  
  
  

Why consider Catherine Cook School?

Cook is a vibrant and inclusive learning community where curiosity, connection, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to developing creative, collaborative problem solvers who tackle global challenges from multiple perspectives. Our dedicated faculty and staff help students from preschool through 8th grade become empowered learners and leaders.

All Cook employees are trained and supported in incorporating wellness and belonging into their work with students and adults. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and social-emotional learning (SEL) are the cornerstones upon which we build a curriculum and community. At Cook, we commit to all community members being active learners, from our preschool students to us as adults.

We invite you to consider how Cook will benefit from having you, along with your experiences in educating and learning, as a part of our community.

How will this role contribute to the growth of the Cook community?

Catherine Cook School seeks a vibrant and innovative 4th-8th grade Music teacher and Middle School student advisor. This position will enrich the school community by nurturing creativity, collaboration, and an appreciation for the arts. They’ll empower students to develop musical skills and express themselves, strengthening the school’s vibrant culture through interdisciplinary connections and performances at Middle School Gatherings, Assemblies, and other venues, both formal and informal.

How You’ll Contribute And Grow

In this role, you will:

• Connect with and care for students and colleagues through weekly duties and administrative tasks.
• Grow as a lifelong learner through active participation in meetings and professional development opportunities.
• Proactively and reflectively communicate through various platforms the vision, goals, and progress of your work with both internal and external collaborators
• Grow our culture of belonging and wellness through active participation in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and social-emotional learning (SEL) efforts.
• Serve as an Ambassador for our Enrollment Management and Development efforts.
• Utilize Google and Outlook Applications for individual and team collaboration and communication.
  
  
  

What will the ideal candidate for this role embody?

We are looking for a Music Teacher who embodies the following qualities and skills:

An Engaging Educator:

Creates a positive, inclusive, and disciplined learning environment that encourages active participation, collaboration, and risk-taking.

Develops and implements a sequential music curriculum for 4th-8th grade students, ideally rooted in the Orff-Schulwerk approach and educational standards.

Integrates Orff instruments (barred instruments, unpitched percussion), recorder, ukulele, and guitar as central tools for musical exploration and concept development focusing on proper technique, reading notation, and ensemble playing.

Prepares students for assemblies throughout the school year

Incorporates diverse musical styles, cultures, and historical periods into the curriculum.

Fosters improvisation, composition, and creative movement within the music classroom.

Differentiates instruction to meet the needs of all learners, including those with varying musical backgrounds and learning styles.

Manages classroom resources and instruments effectively, ensuring their proper care, maintenance, and repair schedule.

A Reflective and Collaborative Professional:

Actively collaborates with colleagues and contributes positively to the school community.

Explores opportunities for interdisciplinary projects and collaborations with other subjects and grade levels.

Aligns curriculum with the Early Childhood/Lower School Music Teacher

A Skilled Communicator and Assessor:

• Effectively documents student progress.
• Communicates effectively with students, parents/guardians, and colleagues regarding student progress and program details.
• A Community Builder:
• Intentionally cultivates strong relationships with students, families, caregivers, colleagues, and the wider community.
• A Middle School Student Advisor:
• Works to understand the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical changes that occur during early adolescence in order to anticipate needs of students and respond appropriately.
• Builds rapport and trust with advisees while creating a safe, approachable, and confidential environment where students feel comfortable sharing concerns, asking questions, and seeking help.
• Shows empathy and compassion as middle school students navigate social pressures, identity formation, and academic challenges.
• Optional additional stipended role as Middle School Musical Director
  
  

What is the salary range for this position?

In compliance with IL’s Equal Pay Act, this position's salary range is $50,000-$115,000. When extending an offer, Catherine Cook considers factors such as (but not limited to) the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, and market and organizational considerations.

Catherine Cook School is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

What else is there to know about employment at Cook?

Catherine Cook offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and financial security of our employees. Our benefits for full-time eligible employees include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 403(b) plan
• 100% of the premium covered for Basic Life insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D
• HSA, FSA, Dependent Care FSA available
• Professional Development opportunities
• Generous paid time off
• Pet Insurance
• Identity Theft Protection

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Education and Training

• Industries

  Primary and Secondary Education

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