Orchestra Music Teacher

Westwood Middle School (6-8); Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 94,000; Part time

Job summary

Westwood Middle School (6-8) in Grand Rapids, MI seeks an Orchestra/General Music Teacher to prepare scholars in general music across multiple buildings. The role requires a K-12 music teaching certificate and a degree in music education.

Responsibilities include developing a high-quality music program, delivering foundational singing, reading, and rhythm instruction, and coordinating performances. Competitive salary is set by a structured schedule; starting salary depends on degree level and

Qualifications

• Required: JX/JQ K-12 music teacher certification.
• Required: Degree in Music Education.
• Preferred: successful teaching experience in diverse settings.
• Preferred: training in Orff, Kodaly, and/or Gordon methodologies.
• Preferred: experience teaching K-5 general music.

Responsibilities

• Develop a high-quality general music program using research-based instructional strategies.
• Provide sound music instruction covering singing, reading, and theory through movement and instruments.
• Deliver rhythmic instruction enabling students to count and clap patterns.
• Plan lessons aligned with the GRPS curriculum and department goals.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learner needs.
• Plan and execute at least two performances per building per year.
• Communicate with feeder schools to ensure program articulation and smooth transitions.
• Assess scholar progress and input data into the grading system.
• Attend meetings and workshops to stay current with best practices in education.
• Create a safe, engaging classroom focused on scholar growth and learning.

Skills

Diversity teaching experience

Orff/Kodaly/Gordon methods training

K-5 general music experience

Education

JX/JQ K-12 music teacher certification

Degree in Music Education

Job description

Grand Rapids Public Schools Westwood Middle School (6-8) - Grand Rapids, Michigan Open in Google Maps

Orchestra Music Teacher

Grand Rapids Public Schools Westwood Middle School (6-8) - Grand Rapids, Michigan Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Grand Rapids Public School District , and Kent ISD

Job Details

Job ID: 5964002

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 19, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

TEACHER – GENERAL MUSIC

DEPARTMENT: Fine Arts/PE

BARGAINING UNIT: Union Groups

WAGE: Compensation is determined by a structured salary schedule. The starting salary is based on the candidate’s degree level and verified years of licensed or certificated experience.

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Building Based: School Principal/ Director of Fine Arts Itinerant: Director of Fine Arts

GRPS MISSION
Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

JOB SUMMARY

The General Music Teacher is responsible for preparing scholars in general music in multiple buildings.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• JX/JQ K-12 music teacher certification.
• Degree in Music Education.

Preferred:

• Successful teaching experience working in a diverse setting
• Successful experience and training in Orff, Kodaly, and/or Gordon methodologies preferred
• Successful experience teaching K-5 general music preferred

Essential Job Functions

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Responsible for developing a high-quality general music program using research based instructional strategies as the foundations for creating successful music
• Provide sound music instruction enabling all scholars to know and demonstrate the foundations of general music - singing techniques, music reading/literacy, and application of theoretical knowledge through movement, instruments, musical game, etc.
• Provide rhythmic instructions so all scholars can count and clap age-appropriate rhythmic patterns independently
• Develop lesson plans based on the music curriculum, the GRPS academic plan, support departmental goals, and scholars’ needs
• Implement a plan addressing all learning styles, which allows each scholar to succeed through differentiated instruction
• Plan and execute a minimum of two performances per building per year
• Communicate with feeder schools – middle school to establish program articulation and successful transition for scholars
• Evaluate scholar progress based on formal and informal assessment to inform instruction
• Grade scholars and input the data into the computer-based grading program
• Attend meetings and workshops to stay current with educational practice
• Provide a safe, effective classroom environment that is focused on learning and scholar growth
• Establish and maintain timely effective written/oral communication with scholars, parents, building and district level staff
• Create and maintain positive relations with scholars, parents, staff, and community
• Exercise good judgment implementing school district policies, procedures, guidelines, and law
• Serve as a role model for all scholars and within the school community
• Keeps organized classroom spaces, music library, scholar attendance
• Work effectively with diverse scholars and staff of various backgrounds
• Other duties as assigned
• Consistently demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Parent and Community Engagement

• Make and maintain regular, positive contact with parents via phone calls, email and/or home visits including communicating scholar progress.
• Establish and maintain effective written and oral communication and rapport with scholars, parents, and colleagues.
• Participate in parent meetings, including IEP’s and Parent/Teacher Conferences.
• Contribute to the development of a positive attitude between the school and the wider community through cooperative relations, publications, competitions, etc.
• Contribute to community service and global citizenship goals

ADA Requirements

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Stands and/or walks during most of the working day. Turns, stoops, climbs, bends, pushes, pulls, reaches for and carries materials and equipment in the performance of tasks. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. Must be able to work outside for extended periods (up to the entire eight-hour shift) in all weather conditions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of scholars.

Mental Functions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination/Accommodation Assistance

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at [phone] or [e-mail].

Disclaimer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

Position Type: Part-Time

Salary: $47,854 to $94,408 Per Year

Classroom Teacher > Music Education

Classroom Teacher > Music: Instrumental

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• , GRPS Careers
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]