K-5 Elementary Music Teacher 2025-2026

La Cima Elementary Charter School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking an inspiring music teacher to join their vibrant team. This role involves teaching music education to students from grades K-5, fostering a love for music through engaging and diverse experiences. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in music education and a passion for social justice and educational equality. Responsibilities include planning lessons, leading performances, and collaborating with colleagues to create a nurturing environment. If you are dedicated to making a difference in students' lives through music, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience teaching music in K-5 environment.
• Strong instrumental skills including piano accompaniment.
• NYS Teaching Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teaches general music to K-5th grades including harmony and appreciation.
• Plans and directs students in musical programs for school and community.
• Evaluates students' musical growth and communicates progress with parents.

Skills

Classroom Experience

Music Education

Social Justice Awareness

Instrumental Skills

Differentiation Techniques

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Music or Music Education

Master's Degree in Music or Music Education

NYS Teaching Certification

Tools

Orff Method

Kodaly Method

Dalcroze Method

Job description

Who We Are Seeking to Join Us

La Cima School seeks an inspiring music teacher who is responsible for teaching music education to students in grades K-5th Grade and assists the staff of the school in the improvement and appreciation of music instruction. The music teacher helps students grow in their enjoyment, appreciation, and performance of music through a variety of planned music experiences which include singing, moving to music, playing of instruments and listening. Performs other duties directly related to this job description.

Teacher Qualifications

• 3+ years of classroom experience as a teacher in K-5 environment, preferred
• Bachelor's Degree required in Music or Music Education, Master's Degree preferred
• NYS Teaching Certification (or eligible for reciprocity) Certification, strongly preferred
• Data driven orientation to instruction
• Passionate about social justice and educational equality
• Demonstrates evidence of investing families, colleagues and community members in the success of all students
• Belief in and embodiment of La Cima’s CARE Principles and theory of change
• Ability to work with musicians at all skill levels
• Strong instrumental skills, including piano accompaniment
• Orff, Kodaly, or Dalcroze training strongly encouraged

Teacher Responsibilities

• Teaches general music to K-5th grades including harmony, appreciation, history, and ensemble.
• Teaches general styles of music including theory and musical notation.
• Utilizes repertoire of all types of music literature, including traditional and contemporary that are appropriate for the ages and skill levels of students.
• Provides opportunities for performances including chorus & musicals.
• Teaches singing to students from beginner to advanced level.
• Incorporates musical instruments and movement in lessons.
• Plans, rehearses, and directs students in three musical programs for school and community.
• Differentiates music curriculum to meet the needs of the individual student and the student body.
• Plans a balanced music program, and organizes daily class time so that preparation, rehearsal and instruction can be accomplished within the allotted time.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior to provide an orderly, productive environment during classes, practice, group rehearsals, and music performances.
• Evaluates each student’s musical growth and provides opportunities for every student to contribute to group performances.
• Communicates clearly with parents and school faculty/staff on the progress of individual students.
• Maintains care/responsibility for school-owned music, musical instruments, and equipment to prevent loss or abuse.
• Cooperates with Head of School and staff in providing musical programs for school assemblies, open house, parent meetings and seasonal programs.
• Deep knowledge of NYS Learning Standards for the Arts in Music.

Planning:Adhere to La Cima’s mission and educational philosophy including all curriculum; Maintain and enrich their expertise in the subject area(s) they teach; Develop lesson plans that ensure the attainment of state learning standards and grade level expectations; Effectively plan with grade level team; Work together with specialty teachers to create interdisciplinary units of study.

Invest Scholars and Families:Create a joyful and engaging classroom environment that encourages students’ positive interactions with other students and grown-ups and mirrors school-wide expectations; Engage in effective and appropriate classroom management consistent with school-wide expectations; Communicate with parents consistently, as often as necessary to provide information, learn more about students, and share student successes; Prepare progress reports and lead family conferences.

Professional Development:Participate in a variety of staff development programs, including summer institute and throughout the year; Participate in developing and meeting the goals of an individualized professional growth plan.

Cultural Adherence:Work collaboratively with grade level and school-wide team to develop a culture of learning, both inside and outside of the classroom; Recognize the importance of living and teaching our core principles every day; Consistently model a learning orientation for children and colleagues. Perform other duties to support the ongoing development of La Cima, as deemed appropriate by school leadership.