Elementary Music Teacher

National Association of Independent Schools; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Association of Independent Schools is hiring an Elementary Music Teacher in Dallas, Texas. This role emphasizes fostering a positive and engaging learning environment for young children. The successful candidate will implement a curriculum that meets the unique needs of each child while promoting creativity and inquiry-based learning.

Ideal candidates will hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and have experience teaching elementary students. The school values diversity and seeks individuals who are eager to contribute to the mission of providing an inclusive education.

Qualifications

• 3 years experience teaching elementary age children, particularly in an independent college preparatory school.
• A love and enthusiasm for teaching young children.
• An interest in early childhood development.

Responsibilities

• Teach a self‑contained classroom delivering instruction aligned with educational philosophy.
• Plan a well‑balanced program of basic academic skills, creative activities, and critical thinking skills.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.

Skills

Knowledge of elementary education

Patience

Creativity

Strong interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Master’s Degree preferred

Job description

Purpose

An ESD Elementary Music Teacher is a passionate educator with comprehensive knowledge of elementary education and child development who employs a variety of teaching tools and methodologies. As an effective member of the Lower School faculty, this individual is flexible and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues. He/she is committed to developing and modifying curriculum to conform with best practices and to best meet the unique needs of every child. The successful candidate is also a lifelong learner who welcomes opportunities for professional development and collegial conversation leading to the development of effective, inquiry‑based education in the classroom.

Essential Functions

Promote the best interests of each child in the Lower School within the context of the Mission Statement and the Founding Tenets.

Use appropriate technology in support of the curriculum of the twenty‑first century global classroom.

Teach a self‑contained classroom delivering instruction aligned with ESD’s Statement of Educational Philosophy.

• Plan a well‑balanced program of basic academic skills, creative activities, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. Lessons should reflect age‑appropriate skills, a sequence of topics and fair student assessments.
• With the Division Head and grade level, research, select and order appropriate supplies and learning materials for units of study.
• With the Division Head and grade level, plan special programs, visitors and field trips.
• Research and develop new curriculum topics.
• Participate in outdoor education program once a year.

Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.

• Conduct a Parent Orientation meeting in the fall.
• Conduct parent conferences on the two family conference days each year and schedule additional meetings as needed in individual cases.
• Make phone calls and/or write notes to parents, tutors, etc. as needed.
• Write report cards with thorough, positive and honest comments on students at the end of each quarter. Reports should be specific to give the parents a clear understanding of the student’s skills, strengths and weaknesses and should include recommendations/suggestions for improvement. Spelling, grammar and content should be of professional quality.
• Work closely with colleagues on the school’s curricular initiatives.

Participate and engage in professional activities and gatherings at team, departmental, divisional, and school‑wide levels.

• Work closely with colleagues on the school’s curricular initiatives.
• Complete recommendations for educational testing and for admission to other schools.
• Attend regularly scheduled grade level meetings and cross‑grade level meetings.

Other duties and responsibilities:

• Attend a chapel service daily.
• Keep a current substitute folder at all times.
• Keep permanent student files current.
• Recommend proper class placement for each child.
• Prepare classroom and attend all meetings during August in‑service week.
• Complete all end of year responsibilities and submit checklist before leaving for summer vacation.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Abuse Risk Management Standards

• Adheres to policies related to boundaries with students.
• Attends required abuse risk management training.
• Adheres to procedures related to managing high‑risk activities and supervising students.
• Reports suspicious and inappropriate behaviors.
• Follows mandated abuse reporting requirements.

Working Environment

• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling.
• Generally 40% sitting, 40% walking and 20% standing.
• Minimal temperature variations (heat conditions?)
• Generally hazard free environment.

The Episcopal School of Dallas is a faith‑centered, co‑educational, college‑preparatory, independent day school with students age 3 – Grade 12. The policy of The Episcopal School of Dallas is to recruit, hire, train and promote employees without discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other status protected by law. In our recruitment practices, we strive to create a diverse school community whose members embrace the Mission and Vision Statement of the school.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Master’s Degree preferred
• 3 years experience teaching elementary age children, particularly in an independent college preparatory school
• A love and enthusiasm for teaching young children
• An interest in early childhood development
• Patience, creativity, optimism, and adaptability
• Knowledge of twenty‑first century learning principles and techniques
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with various constituencies of the school