Music Teacher (Strings Program, Grades 5-7)

Manhattan Charter School for the Curious Minds; New York (NY); On-site; USD 62,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Manhattan Charter School in New York City seeks a passionate Music Teacher to build and lead a new strings program for grades 5–7. You will select instruments, design curriculum, and inspire diverse learners while collaborating with staff and families.

The ideal candidate holds a NYS Music Certification, at least 2 years in middle school teaching, and pledges to advance a high-quality, inclusive music program in a growing charter network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education or related field.
• New York State Teaching Certification or eligibility.
• Proficiency in violin, viola, cello, and/or double bass.
• At least 2 years of middle school music teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a comprehensive strings program for grades 5–7, including instrument selection and curriculum planning.
• Provide high-quality music instruction in string techniques.
• Foster an inclusive, engaging classroom and collaborate with families and school leaders.
• Organize student performances and celebrate progress.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and share resources with colleagues.
• Communicate progress to families and participate in learning communities.
• Write lesson plans and enter grades weekly.
• Participate in evening events, conferences, and concerts.

Skills

String instruments

Middle school teaching

Curriculum development

Family communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Music Education

New York State Teaching Certification

Job description

Manhattan Charter School is a high-performing charter school located on the Lower East Side in New York City. The School is committed to providing its students with the tools and support necessary for success. Since its founding in 2005 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Manhattan Charter School (MCS) has consistently achieved high levels of success.

Vision

to offer a high-quality, public school education that will help close the opportunity, imagination, and achievement gaps for our high-need students by empowering, inspiring, and equipping them to fulfill their potential.

Mission

to teach our students how to learn and love doing it, how to cultivate their curious minds for the rest of their lives, and how to develop a solid foundation on which to base wise choices and build meaningful lives.

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Music Teacher to develop and lead our new strings program. This is a unique opportunity to build a music program from the ground up, selecting instruments, designing curriculum, and nurturing young musicians. The ideal candidate will have expertise in string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass), experience teaching middle school students, and the ability to inspire a diverse group of learners.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Development: Create and implement a comprehensive strings program for students in grades 5-7, including instrument selection, curriculum planning, and performance opportunities.
• Instruction: Provide high-quality music instruction, teaching fundamental and advanced techniques for string instruments.
• Student Engagement: Foster an inclusive, engaging, and culturally responsive classroom environment where all students feel valued and challenged.
• Collaboration: Partner with school leadership, families, and the broader school community to build excitement and support for the strings program.
• Performances: Organize student performances, including recitals, concerts, and community events, to showcase student progress and celebrate their achievements.
• Professional Growth: Stay current with best practices in music education and participate in ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Communicate with families and provide regular updates on student progress.
• Participate in professional learning communities.
• Write lesson plans and enter grades weekly.
• Participate in evening events, student conferences, concerts, and other family events.
• Collaborate with colleagues to align curriculum and share resources.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• New York State Teaching Certification in Music (or eligibility to obtain certification).
• Proficiency in teaching violin, viola, cello, and/or double bass.
• At least 2 years of experience teaching music at the middle school level, preferably in a diverse urban school setting.
• Strong organizational and program‑building skills.
• Commitment to the mission and values of our charter school.

Compensation

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including opportunities for professional growth within our expanding network.

60,000 - 80,0000 per year

Equal Opportunity Employer

Manhattan Charter School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees and students. We encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

COVID-19 Precaution(s)

• Remote interview process
• Personal protective equipment provided or required
• Temperature screenings
• Social distancing guidelines in place
• Virtual meetings
• Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule

• 8 hour shift

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.