Leave Replacement PreK through Grade 4 Music Teacher

Princeton Day School; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton Day School seeks a Leave Replacement Music Teacher for Pre-K through Grade 4, starting December 2026 through June 2027. The role involves teaching daily music lessons, coordinating performances, and leading the Fourth Grade Operetta as Music Director.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in Music Education (Master's preferred), with Orff/Kodály certifications encouraged and experience in elementary theatre and dance. Schedule is 8 hours daily, Mon-Fri, 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Music Education is required; Master's preferred.
• Level certification in Orff-Schulwerk and/or Kodály is recommended; piano skills helpful.
• Experience teaching elementary theatre and dance is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Teach daily lessons for Pre-K through Grade 4, integrating Music, Theater, and Dance.
• Coordinate and lead concerts and performances, including the Fourth Grade Operetta and Final Assembly.
• Serve as Music Director for the Fourth Grade Operetta.
• Organize and lead Winter and Spring Players' Circles.
• Collaborate with Dance, Theater, and Visual Arts disciplines.

Skills

Elementary teaching experience

Music integration across disciplines

Concert coordination

Professional communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Music Education

Master's degree preferred

Orff-Schulwerk certification

Kodály certification

Tools

Piano skills

Job description

Princeton Day School is seeking a Leave Replacement Pre-K through Grade 4 Music Teacher beginning in December 2026 through June 2027. The LS Music Teacher reports to the Head of Lower School and to the Director of Visual and Performing Arts.
Schedule Expectations

• 8 hours daily, Monday through Friday
• Daily schedule is 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (except during the weeks of duty assignments)
• Attend divisional, grade level, and all‑school faculty meetings, which may take place before or after the above daily scheduled hours
  

For This Position, The Ideal Candidate Is Expected To

• Teach daily lessons for Pre-K through Grade 4, integrating Music, Theater, and Dance
• Coordinate and lead various concerts and performances throughout the year, including the Fourth Grade Operetta and Final Assembly.
• Coordinate and produce the Fourth Grade Operetta, serve as Music Director
• Organize and lead Winter and Spring Players' Circles
• Collaborate with other PDS Arts disciplines, including Dance, Theater, and Visual Arts
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, students, parents, and other PDS community members.
• Communicate professionally with parents/guardians.
• Assist with other duties or assignments as appointed by the Head of Lower School.
  

Qualifications And Personal Attributes

• Bachelor's Degree in Music Education (Master's preferred)
• Minimum of three years' experience teaching elementary students preferred
• Level certification in Orff-Schulwerk and/or Kodaly is recommended, and piano skills are helpful
• Experience teaching elementary theatre and dance is highly desirable, with an emphasis on storytelling and creative movement.
  

Compensation Range: $45,400 - $73,200 a year (this role is not eligible for benefits)
At Princeton Day School, offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package is one way we recognize our employee's contribution to the success of the school and our role in helping our employees and their families be healthy, feel secure and maintain work/life balance. Full‑time and part‑time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are eligible for PDS' competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous 403(b) match, paid time off, and many other valuable benefits.
Princeton Day School is the region's premier independent day school for students from Pre-K through Grade 12. We aspire to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive community in which all members are seen, challenged, affirmed, respected and valued. Nestled on a picturesque 106-acre campus just two miles from Downtown Princeton and with a history dating back to 1899, PDS provides students with unparalleled opportunities for discovery, exploration and innovation and seeks employees who are passionate about their work and who embrace the importance of lifelong learning.