General Music and Choir Teacher 2026-27 - Richmond

Click here for full job description: General Classroom Music Elementary

PURPOSE
Instructs classes in elementary classroom music so that students develop skills in singing, listening, and music fundamentals, and participate with enthusiasm and enjoyment.

Richmond Elementary School General Music
Salem-Keizer Public Schools (Salem, OR) seeks an outstanding colleague to join the music faculty as the general music and choir teacher at Richmond Elementary School. This position is a .75 FTE position.

Responsibilities: Provide artistic and instructional leadership for the compulsory K-5 music program and elective elementary choir including programming and pedagogy relevant to their development. Align instruction to all local and state curricular guidelines and monitor and record progress and achievement for all students.

Preferred qualifications:  An understanding of, and commitment to, the development of young people from all backgrounds. Excellent musicianship skills, aural skills, and vocal model. Competency in one or more common accompanimental instruments, e.g. keyboards, guitar, ukulele. Knowledge of, and deep practice in, a common general music practice (Orff Schulwerk, Kodaly, Gordon, etc.), Knowledge of supplementary methods and techniques relevant to systematic development of student musicians. Knowledge of repertoire and practices relevant to managing a large and successful children's choir. Demonstrated ability in working with students from a variety of cultural backgrounds and languages or a willingness to learn. An understanding and belief in the importance of strong family connections. Evidence of excellent communication, organizational and managerial skills commensurate with running an active and diverse program. 

About Richmond Elementary School: Richmond is a kindergarten through fifth-grade school and is located close to downtown in the South Salem attendance area with students feeding into Leslie MS. 

About Salem-Keizer Public Schools: SKPS is Oregon's second largest district, home to sixty-five schools and approximately 38,000 students. Fifty percent of the students qualify for free or reduced meals and twenty-one percent are considered to be English language learners with Spanish being the most prevalent non-English language spoken at home. The Salem-Keizer music program is staffed by over one hundred skilled pedagogues and offers comprehensive music education including K-5 compulsory general music for every student and elective instruction in orchestra, choir, and band beginning in late elementary. Additional programs in contemporary music and recording arts are available at select schools. Collectively, the SKPS music programs have earned more state championship titles than all other districts combined, and the community places a high value on quality music experiences for their children. It has been recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) as a top community for music education many times, most recently in 2025. 

About Salem, Oregon: Salem is the capital of Oregon, in the heart of the Willamette Valley, in the northwest quadrant of the state. It, along with nearby Keizer, is home to over 200,000 residents and offers a vibrant downtown, amenities, and natural spaces surrounding the Willamette River and throughout the region. It is within one-hour's drive to Oregon's largest city, Portland, and is under two hours to the famed Oregon coast.

Additional materials: In addition to the required materials, please submit a link to a private channel (YouTube, Vimeo, other) containing 1)video examples of your work as a choral conductor, preferably with young choir; 2) video samples of your teaching; and 3) an audio or video sample of you in your primary performance medium (vocal or instrumental).
Review of materials will begin immediately. Position will remain open until filled. 

Additional questions may be directed to:
Stephen Lytle, DMA                             Samantha Miley    
Coordinator, Music and Drama            Principal
Salem-Keizer Public Schools               Richmond Elementary School
lytle_stephen@salkeiz.k12.or.us          miley_samantha@salkeiz.k12.or.us

Type: Licensed 
FTE: .75 total
Status: Permanent starting September 1, 2026
Salary is prorated based on FTE: $52,011 – $102,373 - Differential may vary (Salary is based on the 2025-26 schedule and is subject to change)
Application Procedure: Apply online
 
All Applicants, please note:  If selected, you will be asked to participate in an interview process. Interviews are conducted virtually, in person, or via a one-way video.  Please note interviews are a required part of the hiring process, non-compliance with the interview eliminates your eligibility for the position.
 
Salem-Keizer Public Schools does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veterans' status, or other categories protected by ORS Chapter 659A.