Elementary Music Teacher (K-3)

BelovED Community & Empowerment Academy Charter Schools; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

BelovED Community Charter School is seeking an enthusiastic Elementary Music Teacher for grades K-3 to support our growing music program. This role involves teaching general music, directing the 5th-grade choir, and fostering creativity in a supportive environment. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in Music Education and a commitment to inclusive music education.

Benefits

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)

Short Term & Long Term Disability

Training & Development

Qualifications

• Experience in teaching elementary school music required.
• Knowledge of Orff, Kodály, or similar approaches preferred.
• Ability to play piano or guitar in the classroom.

Responsibilities

• Teach general music to grades K-3, including music theory and performance skills.
• Direct the 5th-grade choir, leading rehearsals and preparing for performances.
• Collaborate with colleagues on music curriculum and student engagement.

Skills

Classroom management

Communication

Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Music Education

New Jersey Department of Education Certification

Job description

Elementary Music Teacher (Grades K-3)

Overview / Why Our School is Special:

BelovED Community Charter School is a highly successful charter school that supports its teachers, serves a diverse student population, and is invested in the growth of our arts education programs. We are seeking an enthusiastic and passionate music educator to join our growing K-12 music program for the 2025-2026 school year.

This individual will primarily teach general music to students in grades K-3, fostering a love for music and creativity in our lower elementary academy. Additionally, they will direct the 5th-grade choir, leading daily rehearsals to prepare for the end of year performance. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Electives Department Chair to align with grades 4-5 general music, beginning band, choir, and broader department goals.

This position provides the flexibility to use self-created materials and the ability to adapt or integrate additional resources based on the student needs and teaching style.

Teacher Responsibilities:

Values, Expectations, and Commitment:

• Commit to the school’s values and mission.
• Hold high expectations for each student and work diligently to help them reach their full potential in music education.

Teaching and curriculum:

• General Music
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate music lessons for grades K-3, incorporating singing, movement, instruments, and creative expression.
• Introduce basic music theory, notation, rhythm, and performance skills.
• Develop original lesson plans or modify existing resources to best support student learning.
• Align lessons with New Jersey standards for music education.
• Foster an inclusive and supportive environment for learning that encourages joy in music-making.
• Communicate with families about classroom activities, student progress, and any concerns.

Fifth Grade Choir

• Lead daily rehearsals for fifth grade choir, focusing on vocal health, technique, and ensemble singing skills.
• Select age-appropriate repertoire for an end-of-year choral performance.
• During the first few weeks of school, co-teach fifth grade general music with the Electives Department Chair; after the transitional period, students will rotate weekly between general music and choir in smaller cohorts.

Band Support

• Assist with select full-band rehearsals or sectionals (co-teaching alongside the Electives Department Chair) as needed to support ensemble growth.
• Responsibilities will be collaborative with a focus on support, with no independent instruction required.

Collaboration:

• Work with the Electives Department Chair to plan for continuity and progression from K-3 to 4-5 in the music curriculum.
• Take initiative to integrate interdisciplinary concepts into music curriculum, including school wide initiatives focusing on DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).
• Participate in coaching meetings, department meetings, and staff meetings to contribute to the success of the music program.

Performances and Events:

• Prepare K-3 students for participation in winter and spring Showcases, highlighting students’ skills in the arts.
• Prepare fifth grade students for a dedicated end-of-year concert with the fifth grade band.
• Support additional music activities, instrumental lessons, and/or events as needed.

Teacher Supports:

At Beloved Community Charter School, we provide a supportive teaching environment where educators can thrive. Our music teachers benefit from:

• Dynamic Teaching Environment - Although this role is a traveling position where the music teacher moves between classrooms, we have plans to transition into a dedicated music classroom in our new building for the 2027-2028 school year.

• Curriculum Flexibility - The freedom to adapt your own curriculum, using self-created materials, or incorporating existing materials.

• Collaboration - The opportunity to be a part of a growing K-12 music program.

Preferred:

• Vocal music background with experience leading young singers.
• Familiarity with Orff, Kodály, or similar pedagogical approaches.
• Ability to play piano or guitar to accompany classroom activities.
• Classroom management, communication, and planning skills.

Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education.
• New Jersey Department of Education Certification (CE, CEAS, or Standard)
• Demonstrated experience teaching elementary school music or equivalent experience focused on younger learners.

Charter schools ARE public schools. Our teachers are part of the New Jersey Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF), same as teachers at traditional public schools, and can transfer their pension credits from a traditional public school to our school and vice versa. Additional benefits include:

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development

As an equal opportunity employer, Empowerment Academy hires without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.