Wascher Elementary School Site Director/K-3 Teaching Artist (Violin, Viola, or Cello)

The People's Music School; Lafayette (OR); On-site; USD 35,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

The People's Music School is seeking a part-time Site Director to lead K-3 teaching for violin, viola, or cello. This role requires flexibility and a commitment to nurturing students' growth through music in a collaborative school environment.

Your responsibilities include teaching in after-school orchestras and managing curriculum planning. Ideal candidates will demonstrate mastery of their primary instrument and passion for engaging young students. The position offers competitive pay based on experience.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated mastery of your primary instrument.
• Prior experience teaching school-age, elementary children.
• Ability to work well in a racially and culturally diverse community.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with school staff and manage relationships.
• Plan and share curriculum with fellow TAs.
• Track attendance and manage data.

Skills

Mastery of primary instrument

Ability to teach foundational violin skills

Passion for impacting students' lives

Effective classroom management

Attention to detail

Creativity and problem-solving skills

Education

Masters degree in music education

Suzuki Method Certification

Job description

Wascher Elementary School Site Director/K-3 Teaching Artist (Violin, Viola, or Cello)

Part Time Employee: Up to 28 total hours per week, following the school district calendar, program and site meetings, and occasional evenings or weekends for performances, 10 months per year

Reports to: Joy Program Director, YES Executive Director

Desired Start Date: As soon as possible

Wage: Starting at $35 an hour

Multiple Positions Available

No TSPC Licensure required

Closing Date: When filled

Organization Overview

Joy is a collaborative project of the Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES), a 501(3)c organization dedicated to transforming the lives of Yamhill County youth by providing access to music and literacy enrichment. Joy is an El Sistema member organization. Joy is committed to supporting the growth of curricular strings programs in Yamhill County and is currently operating in the Newberg and McMinnville School Districts. Joy consists of in school programming for kindergarten and first grade students during their general music classes, After School Orchestra for grades 2-5, and audition based Joy Youth Orchestra offerings. Joy is currently in nine public schools between Newberg and McMinnville School Districts and is adding offerings by grade level at each school.

Position Overview

Functions and responsibilities may include the following and are subject to review and revision. The JOY Site Director is the onsite lead position for the Joy K-1 and Joy After Orchestra. The position consists of both teaching and administrative components. Teaching roles include the lead Teaching Artist for the After School Orchestra program, co-teaching with the district general music specialist for the in-school Kinder and First grade program, and administrative duties associated with the Site Director position. This position requires flexibility as responsibilities may change from week to week, season to season.

Administration

• Communications and relationship management with building principal, staff, and school community
• Curriculum and lesson planning for in school and after school programs to be shared with fellow TAs
• Parent communication including registration and registration fees, rental agreements, fliers for concerts and program announcements
• Attendance tracking and data management
• Update building music and instrument inventory and instrument repairs (inputting and uploading information to databases)
• Onboarding of new teaching artists, hiring and onboarding of teaching assistants Communication with Program Director, Executive Director, Board of Directors
• Attending training meetings and collaboration opportunities
• Schedule, coordinate, and attend concerts (including set up, supervision of students, etc.)
• Work with Joy parent group, attend parent meetings
• Coordinate building supply orders with the Joy Program Director
• Welcoming guest artists and volunteers into the program
• Fundraising – set goals for the school community, coordinate, process and handle money
• Communication with parents, Teaching Artists, Assistant Teaching Artists, and Joy Program Director

Teaching

• Curriculum implementation and revisions to meet student levels and share age-appropriate lessons
• K-1 classes and After School classes for 2-5 grade students
• Age-appropriate classroom management systems and implementation
  Instrument repair, concert planning and conducting, parent communications, attendance tracking

Schedule

Joy follows the school district calendar from late August-June with performances throughout the year. The Site Director position hours will grow with the program eventually becoming a, on average, 30 hours a week position in future years.

Classes

JOY K-1: We work with the local school districts to determine the Joy in-school K-1 instructional schedule. Each week, TAs meet with K-1 students during one of the general music times for 30-40 minutes (depending on the district). The district’s general music teacher is also present to help with classroom management and student engagement. Hours are determined after enrollment and school schedules are set/confirmed in the fall.

JOY After School Orchestra: Students have chosen to learn the violin, viola, or cello. There will be up to three levels of orchestra that meet over four days each week.

This is Year 2 of this program Up to 28 hours a week with Joy K-1, Joy After School Beginning and Sinfonia (four total days a week), and admin time. The program grows to 3 orchestras in year 3 that meet four days each week.

The weekly number of hours grows annually, as more grades are added to the program.

As part of onboarding and prep, Joy Staff take part in training days before the start of the academic year in August. Additional hours may be available or added based on program needs. Examples include staff and student recruiting, summer camp, concerts, public performances, fundraisers, and special events. Additional hours may be added based on opportunities for professional development through El Sistema USA, OR-ASTA, and other state and national music education organizations may be provided. Future school years may include additional grade levels and hours.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

• Demonstrated mastery of your primary instrument.
• Ability to teach foundational violin skills in both group and individual settings.
• Passion for impacting students’ lives through music, especially primary age students and underserved youth.
• Ability to work well in a racially and culturally diverse community.
• Commitment to creating a nurturing atmosphere with evident mutual respect for students, parents/guardians, volunteers, and co-workers.
• Effective and equity-driven classroom management.
• Prior experience teaching school-age, elementary children.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Creativity and excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Ability to work well on a team and collaboratively-minded.
• Punctuality, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.
• Must pass a Newberg and McMinnville School District background check

Preferred

• Bilingual (Spanish and English)
• Basic knowledge of lower string (cello) posture and technique.
• Masters degree in music education or other music related field
• Two years teaching experience (applied studio, group/classroom instruction, or both)
• Suzuki (or comparable) Method Certification and/or training.
• Conducting experience, especially with beginning ensembles.

Work Setting

This job is primarily performed in a classroom environment where most of the time will require ambulating around the room. There is some stationary (desk) work when needed or for at-home planning; regular computer work and work with other office equipment; regular communication with teachers, staff and students, and occasional lifting and/or moving up to 40-45 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Yamhill Enrichment Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value, honor and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our employment and education programs. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are enthusiastically encouraged to apply.