Music Teacher

Aspire Public Schools; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire Public Schools seeks a dedicated teacher to provide high-quality instruction in a small school environment where every student is known and valued. The role advances Aspire’s mission to ensure every California student has access to a high-quality public education.

You will develop lessons aligned with California State Standards, assess student learning, differentiate instruction, and collaborate with lead teachers, principals, and instructional coaches to strengthen teaching practices and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of California State Standards and subject‑specific frameworks.
• Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative student data.
• Ability to differentiate instruction based on student needs.
• Strong collaboration skills with colleagues, families, and the school community.
• Commitment to Aspire’s anti‑racism and equity values.

Responsibilities

• Establish a culture of high expectations and belief that every student will attend college.
• Develop and implement lesson plans aligned with California standards.
• Assess students regularly and refine instruction based on data.
• Collaborate with colleagues to improve instructional practices.
• Communicate regularly with families about student progress.
• Manage student behavior and maintain accurate records.
• Participate in professional development with instructional coaches.

Job description

ABOUT ASPIRE

Aspire Public Schools operates a network of high‑performing, college‑preparatory charter schools serving TK‑12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998—in an effort to transform inequitable racial, social, and gender outcomes that our communities continue to face—Aspire is one of the largest and most forward‑thinking open‑enrollment public charter school systems in the nation.

Our purpose is to prepare our scholars for success in college, career, and life. At Aspire, we set a foundation for our scholars to gain knowledge, skills, and power to access and make choices for their families and post‑secondary lives. Every day, our community of students, families, teachers and staff comes together to learn, work, and play in an environment grounded in our values of Bienestar (Well‑Being), Culture of Belonging, Community Partnership, Agency & Self‑Determination, and Joy.

JOB SUMMARY

Provide high‑quality instruction within a small school environment where every student is known and valued as an individual; uphold the mission and values of Aspire Public Schools and contribute to our goal that every student in California has access to a high‑quality public education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Establish a culture of high expectations that includes the shared belief that every student will attend college.
• Develop and implement lesson plans and classroom activities aligned with California State Standards and Aspire Instructional Guidelines.
• Assess students regularly and analyze student results; refine and differentiate classroom instruction based on assessment data and student needs.
• Collaborate with colleagues to improve instructional practices throughout the school; share best practices.
• Communicate regularly with students and their families about classroom activities and student progress.
• Involve parents and guardians as partners in their students’ education.
• Manage student behavior to ensure every student is fully engaged.
• Actively participate in professional development activities, and work closely with lead teachers, principal, and instructional coaches.
• Maintain accurate student records including attendance.
• Identify unique student needs and collaborate with team members to effectively address those needs.
• Support the mission, vision, and core values of Aspire Public Schools.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, the Aspire Public Schools mission, vision, and value statements including antiracism, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Competencies:
  • Knowledge of child cognitive development and various learning styles.
  • Knowledge of subject matter, including California State Standards and subject‑specific frameworks.
  • Knowledge of assessments.
  • Ability and willingness to implement Aspire Instructional Guidelines and Best Practices.
  • Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative student data.
  • Ability and willingness to reflect and improve instructional practices.
  • Ability to collaborate with colleagues, parents, and community.
• Minimum educational level & Certifications/Licensure:
  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • K‑8 Single Subject: Music Credential preferred; 9‑12 Single Subject: Music required.
  • English Language Learner Authorization required for 9‑12.
  • NC LB Highly Qualified required for K‑12.
• Experience required:
  • 1+ year working with students as a teacher, teacher intern, or teaching assistant preferred.
• Physical requirements:
  • Moving oneself in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
  • Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
  • Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
  • Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
  • Communicating with others to exchange information.
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Work authorization requirements:
  • Clear the Department of Justice background screening.
  • Authorized to work in the United States.
  • Provide health (TB) clearance (renewed every four years).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics are representative of those in a normal office, classroom/school setting which one might encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPENSATION

Compensation: Aspire Public Schools is dedicated to our teammate's well‑being! In addition to a competitive base salary that is benchmarked against local districts and charter schools, we offer employees exceptional benefits, including paid time off, 100% core health benefits coverage on select plans, life insurance/long‑term disability, participation in a CA state retirement plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and adoption assistance program. Our salary schedule based on years of experience for this position type is reflected here: Aspire Public Schools Teacher Salary Scale.

Aspire Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Aspire promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.