6-12 Grade Choir Instructor

Sylvania; Dowagiac (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Dowagiac Union Schools is seeking a Middle School/High School Choir Instructor to provide engaging vocal music instruction for grades 6–12. The role directs choral ensembles, prepares students for performances, and assesses progress within the district's Fine Arts program.

You will select diverse repertoire, differentiate instruction, and foster an inclusive classroom. Collaboration with staff, families, and administrators is essential to support student achievement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in music education or music with teacher preparation.
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with music endorsement or ability to obtain certification.
• Knowledge of vocal pedagogy, choral conducting, and music education methods.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver standards-based vocal music instruction aligned with state arts standards.
• Teach healthy vocal technique, sight-reading, music theory, and ensemble performance.
• Direct and rehearse choral ensembles for concerts, festivals, and events.
• Select diverse choral literature representing multiple styles and cultures.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
• Foster an inclusive, positive classroom environment encouraging collaboration.
• Assess student progress and communicate with families.
• Integrate instructional technology and digital music resources.
• Recruit and encourage student participation in the vocal program.
• Coordinate logistics for concerts, field trips, and performances.
• Collaborate with Fine Arts colleagues and school staff.
• Manage music library, equipment, attire, and materials.
• Participate in meetings and district activities.

Skills

Vocal pedagogy

Choral directing

Classroom management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Music Education or Music with appropriate teacher preparation

Job description

Dowagiac Union Schools

243 S. Front Street

Dowagiac, MI 49047

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

July 27th, 2026

VACANCY LISTING

Middle School/High School Choir Instructor

Position Summary:

The Middle School & High School Choir Instructor provides engaging vocal music instruction for students in grades 6–12, fostering musical growth, creativity, and performance skills. The instructor directs choral ensembles, prepares students for performances, assesses student progress, collaborates with staff and families, and supports the district's Fine Arts program.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver standards-based vocal music instruction aligned with the Michigan Academic Standards for the Arts.
• Teach healthy vocal technique, music literacy, sight-reading, music theory, ear training, diction, and ensemble performance skills appropriate for grades 6–12.
• Direct and rehearse middle school and high school choral ensembles, preparing students for concerts, festivals, competitions, graduation ceremonies, and other school and community performances.
• Select and program diverse, developmentally appropriate choral literature representing a variety of musical styles, cultures, and historical periods.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs, abilities, and interests of students.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and student achievement.
• Assess student progress through a variety of formative and summative assessment methods and communicate progress with students and families.
• Integrate instructional technology and digital music resources to enhance teaching, learning, rehearsal, and performance.
• Recruit, retain, and encourage student participation in the district's vocal music program.
• Collaborate with Fine Arts colleagues, classroom teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff to support student success and promote Fine Arts programming.
• Manage the choral music library, classroom equipment, performance attire, budgets, and instructional materials.
• Coordinate logistics for concerts, festivals, field trips, and other performance-related events.
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, school improvement initiatives, and district activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal or district administration.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Music Education or Music with appropriate teacher preparation.
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with the appropriate Music (JX) endorsement, or the ability to obtain certification.
• Demonstrated knowledge of vocal pedagogy, choral conducting, music education methodology, and classroom management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience teaching middle school and/or high school vocal music.
• Experience directing choral ensembles and preparing students for concerts, festivals, and adjudicated performances.
• Ability to motivate students to achieve high levels of musical performance while fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with students from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Salary: Per the Master Contract

Deadline: Until filled

Contact: Gregory Guernsey, Middle School Principal

[e-mail]

Kelly Millin, High School Principal

[e-mail]

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER