Elementary Music Teacher

Hamilton County Schools; Tennessee; On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton County Schools, based in Chattanooga, TN, seeks a dedicated Music educator for Wolftever Creek Elementary (K-5). You will design engaging, standards-aligned music lessons that foster student growth and participation.

You will collaborate with a supportive team, lead student performances, and integrate family communication to enhance the school’s culture of learning and joy in the arts. This opportunity emphasizes professional growth within a strong district framework.

Qualifications

• Must hold Tennessee Music Education certification or be a current student student completing licensure.
• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Ability to teach K-5 music and align with state standards.
• Strong communication with students, families, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Teach music to K-5 in alignment with Tennessee Academic Standards for Fine Arts.
• Plan and deliver 3-4 concerts/performances each school year outside classroom hours.
• Develop and administer assessments and track student progress in music.
• Collaborate with PLCs and school staff to support school-wide goals.
• Maintain inventory and care for musical instruments and equipment.

Skills

Music teamwork

Willingness to be coached

Professional integrity

Effective communicator

Passion for students' growth

Education

Bachelor's degree

TN Music Education certification (K-5) or candidate

Job description

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.

Welcome to Wolftever Creek Elementary

At Wolftever Creek Elementary, we are more than a school, we are a community dedicated to empowering children to succeed while creating an environment where educators thrive. We believe that when students feel known, valued, and supported, they achieve at high levels. We also believe that when teachers are respected, encouraged, and equipped with the resources they need, they are empowered to do their very best work.

Wolftever Creek Elementary proudly serves students in Pre-K through 5th grade and has earned a Level 5 TVAAS designation, the highest growth rating awarded by the State of Tennessee. This distinction reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, high quality instruction, and ensuring every student experiences meaningful academic growth. While we celebrate our accomplishments, we remain focused on growing stronger each year and helping every child reach their fullest potential.

Our mission is to empower children to succeed by building positive relationships, maintaining high expectations, and providing purposeful, engaging learning opportunities. Everything we do is centered around creating a school where students feel safe, challenged, and inspired to learn.

As a member of the Wolfpack, you’ll become part of a collaborative team that believes in supporting one another, celebrating successes, and working together to solve challenges. We value educators who are passionate about children, committed to continuous learning, and excited to make a lasting impact. Whether you are a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, you will find a leadership team that is approachable, supportive, and invested in your professional growth.

The foundation of our culture is The Wolftever Way, our school wide social-emotional learning framework that teaches and celebrates the character traits we believe are essential for success in school and in life:

• Welcoming – We include everyone.
• Ownership – We own our choices.
• Leadership – We lead by example.
• Friendship – We lift others up.
• Thankfulness – We chose gratitude.
• Effort – We always give our best.
• Valor – We do the right thing even when it’s hard.
• Empathy – We care about how others feel.
• Respect – We treat everyone with kindness.

These values are more than words on a poster, they are intentionally taught, modeled, celebrated, and woven into the daily life of our school. They guide the way we treat one another and help foster a culture where students and adults feel connected, respected, and empowered.

We also know that outstanding schools are built through strong partnerships. At Wolftever, we value our relationships with families and the community, recognizing that educating children is a shared responsibility. Together, we work to create an environment where every student can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

If you are looking for a school where excellence is expected, collaboration is celebrated, innovation is encouraged, and relationships are at the heart of everything we do, Wolftever Creek Elementary is the place for you. We are seeking educators who are passionate about student success, committed to continuous growth, and eager to help shape the future of our students and our school.

Join the Wolfpack and help us continue to Level Up Learning, Leadership, & Culture while making a lasting difference in the lives of children every day.

Wolftever Creek Elementary — Where Children Are Empowered to Succeed.

Responsibilities

• Teaching & Learning - Deeply understand the Tennessee Academic Standards for Fine Arts Education and design compelling learning experiences for all students K-5. Establish clear learning targets and lesson plans for every lesson. Build rigorous and aligned assessments, administer district assessments, and consistently implement instructional best practices. When possible, make genuine curriculum connections with other academic subjects in instruction. As provided under the TN Academic Standards for Fine Arts “Perform” domain, the Music teacher will present 3-4 concerts/performances outside of school hours each school year.

Follow Hamilton County Schools’ instructional framework, including:

• Ensuring Equity in Actions
• Setting High Expectations
• Building a Productive Classroom Culture
• Responsive Teaching and Learning

The Music teacher may engage students in additional after-school activities including but not limited to guitar, chorus, or staging a musical.

• Classroom Culture : Build a safe and productive classroom culture that fosters student responsibility for classroom music equipment. Positive relationships are evident, procedures are clear, and the classroom is safe and secure for learning to unfold. Student and teacher interactions promote a growth mindset and activate students’ leadership skills.
• Family & Community : Consistently develop strong relationships with students’ families while diligently informing parents of expectations, positive news, and/or concerns about their children. Communicate with parents about performance opportunities. Assist 5th grade students and parents with information about MIddle School Arts opportunities.
• Professional Responsibilities : Actively participate in professional learning communities (PLCs) with colleagues in order to improve teaching and student learning. Reflect on instruction and leadership while contributing ideas, expertise, and time to the mission and goals of the school and district-wide Fine Arts department. Maintain an accurate instrument and equipment inventory.

Qualifications

Knowledge/Education/Experience:

• Teaching candidates must hold a valid state of Tennessee teaching certification in Music Education (K-5) or be upcoming graduates in an accredited teacher preparation program. If you hold a teaching license in another state, you must apply for a Tennessee teaching license.
• Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Committed to high academic achievement, music literacy, and high expectations for all students
• Able to be a positive team-player and communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, students, and families
• Open to being coached and receiving feedback in order to advance learning and growth for students
• Professional with high personal standards and integrity

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.

Salary Scale

This position may be eligible for an increase in total compensation. The Differentiated Compensation Plan applies to designated schools and hard-to-staff positions. Please see https://www.hcde.org/staff/human_resources/differentiated_compensation for more details.