Elementary Music Teacher

Uncommon Schools, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

An established nonprofit network of public charter schools is seeking a passionate Elementary Music Teacher to inspire and educate students in K-12 music education. This role emphasizes a commitment to excellence in musical talent development through engaging teaching methods grounded in the Orff and Kodaly approaches. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, contributing to curriculum development and performance planning while ensuring students achieve mastery in music literacy. Join a dedicated team that values equity, diversity, and the transformative power of education, making a lasting impact on students' lives.

Benefits

Generous paid time off

Best-in-class training and development

Comprehensive health insurance

403(b) retirement savings program

Paid leave of absence options

Mental health and counseling support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Music or Music Education is required.
• Experience teaching music to elementary-aged children is essential.

Responsibilities

• Implement curricula to meet music-specific academic standards.
• Teach music content including singing, dance, and instrumental music.
• Develop assessments to measure student progress in music.

Skills

Teaching Music

Classroom Management

Communication Skills

Collaboration

Piano Proficiency

Vocal Proficiency

Improvisation

Composition

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Bachelor of Music in Music Education

Job description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Job Description

Uncommon Schools seeks an accomplished, passionate Elementary Music Teacher to join our faculty. The position represents an exciting opportunity to join a growing program that is dedicated to developing excellence in musical talent throughout the K-12 education of our scholars. Our general music pedagogy is grounded in the Orff and Kodaly approaches. Our music program includes singing, movement, playing instruments, and music literacy in every class, with students engaged in as much active music-making as possible. Instrumental instruction includes recorder (in third grade), unpitched percussion, and Orff instruments.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Implement network-provided curricula and activities to meet music-specific academic standards;
• Teach all music-based content including but not limited to singing, dance and movement, elementary instrumental (recorder, Orff instruments, drumming) music;
• Develop music literacy lesson components related to teaching rhythm and pitch notation, solfege reading and singing, improvisation and composition;
• High-level collaboration with Enrichment teachers and Director of Operations to create and plan for multiple performances throughout the school year;
• Design and implement assessments that measure progress towards academic standards;
• Support school instructional and cultural needs including but not limited to academic teaching coverage, test proctoring, daily systems duties, additional supportive duties;
• Participate in collaborative curriculum development, department activities, and school-wide functions;
• Develop strong classroom management skills congruent with Uncommon Schools system of management;
• Be accountable for students’ mastery of musical standards;
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues;
• Participate in an annual three-week staff orientation and training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Music in Music, Music Education or Performance;
• Experience teaching general and vocal music to elementary aged children;
• Experience with the Kodaly and Orff approaches. Levels training in one or both pedagogies is highly preferred;
• Ability to manage and direct large groups of students;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Valid State Certification is helpful but not required;
• Piano and vocal proficiency, knowledge of recorder, basic guitar. Additional instrument proficiency is helpful;
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable;
• Experience performing and/or teaching music is highly preferred;
• Minimum of two years teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred;
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom;
• Proven track record of high achievement in the classroom;
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for academic subjects;
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.

Additional Information

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $72,000 to $115,000.

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant full-time teaching experience, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time teaching experience will likely have a starting salary of $72,000.

* The range above represents our compensation scales for the 2025-2026 school year. If starting prior to June 30th, 2025, compensation will be based on a slightly lower range, reflective of current compensation scales. New hires who fall into this category will see an increase in their compensation starting on July 1st, 2025 for next school year which aligns to the scale above.

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer);
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development;
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA);
• 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match;
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.);
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits.

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [e-mail].