Elementary Music Teacher

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

Job summary

Uncommon Schools is seeking a dedicated Elementary Music Teacher to enhance our music program. This role involves teaching music literacy through engaging activities, collaborating with staff for performances, and participating in a supportive educational environment. Candidates should have a degree in music education and a passion for fostering musical talent among K-12 students.

Benefits

Generous paid time off

Best-in-class training and development

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) retirement savings program with employer match

Mental health and wellness benefits

Qualifications

• Experience teaching general and vocal music to elementary children.
• Experience with Kodaly and Orff approaches preferred.
• Minimum of two years teaching experience in urban schools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement curricula and assess student progress towards academic standards.
• Design and facilitate music-related instruction and manage classroom activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues for music performances and events.

Skills

Communication

Classroom Management

Music Literacy

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Music in Music Education

Tools

Piano

Recorder

Orff Instruments

Job description

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;
• Develops 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; and
• Participate in an annual three-week staff orientation and training.

Qualifications:
Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts of 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; and
• 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.

Benefits

• 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)
• Financial Planning
  • 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 locatedHERE.

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].