Lower School Music Teacher

The school 

Founded in San Francisco in 2010, Alta Vista School implements an inquiry-based STEAM program serving approximately 300 students across two campuses. 

Alta Vista School encourages students to go beyond a strong academic foundation to pursue their passions with the help of our community. Faculty, administrators, and families believe experiences and hands-on activities are the best practice for meaningful learning. AVS educators benefit from small class sizes and are intentional in their instruction. Teachers serve as guides for students as they explore, observe, predict, measure, and analyze for themselves in an inquiry-based journey of discovery and knowledge-making. Likewise, AVS teachers are serious about play. We love learning alongside our students, believing that children learn better in joyous, authentic settings. Most important to the AVS approach is a foundation rooted in the scientific method and a belief that science and technology, guided by the arts, can be leveraged to benefit all. At AVS, students learn to embrace technology and to apply principles of design-thinking as powerful tools for innovation. Technology is thoughtfully integrated into each classroom. 

For more information about Alta Vista School, please visit our website: www.altavistaschool.org.

The role

Opportunity starting in August of 2023. Alta Vista School is seeking a dynamic music teacher. The team is looking for an experienced, energetic individual with a passion for creating safe and positive environments for students from, integrating and modeling social and emotional learning (SEL). The teacher should be able to promote a calm and responsive environment. Strong communication skills and professional ethics are essential.

Traits and Requirements:

• In-depth knowledge of elementary music curricula and best teaching practices.
• Develops and implements an, innovative, Orff based music program for JK-5th grade classes. Refines curriculum based on student needs, interests, and ongoing current events.
• Teaches Orff instruments, singing, recorder, music theory and literacy, movement, music history, improvisation, songwriting and composition.
• Maintains an engaging and respectful classroom environment, encouraging student-driven learning to promote creativity and self expression.
• Inspires students through exposure to diverse musical content from across the globe, and leads discussions in its historical and cultural significance.
• Partners with classroom educators to find moments for musical content to align with academic curricula.
• Partners with the Drama teacher to rehearse and facilitate school wide Winter and Spring performances, showcasing students' musical and dramatic work.
• Leads whole school singing and movement activities, relating to thematic content, in bi-weekly community meetings.
• Collaborate with the drama teacher to oversee the design and execution of after school Drama Club performances 2 times per year.
• Facilitation of 1 - 2 after school classes per week.
• Work cooperatively and collegially with the school’s administration, the faculty and staff, and the parents to create and maintain an exemplary school environment.
• Prepare for and actively participate in all school activities, faculty meetings, and conferences, including those with parents, during and after school hours as may be necessary.
• Cultivate collaboration, transparency, inclusion, curiosity, fun, innovation, and excellence in a dynamic learning community.
• Willingness to examine your own teaching with a critical eye in order to continuously improve one’s practice and take advantage of all opportunities to grow as a teacher.
• As this is an in-person position, candidates must be up-to-date on vaccinations for Covid-19.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Experience teaching at elementary level education

Salary

$72,000 - $100,000, based on experience

How to apply

If interested, please send a resume and cover letter, detailing your educational philosophy and why you believe you would be a good fit at Alta Vista, to lshiring.committee@altavistaschool.org.

We are committed to being a safe and welcoming place for all families, students, and faculty. Our school does not discriminate against employees on the basis of race, color, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, or disability.