General Music Teacher (Grades K-5)

Title:   General Music Teacher
 
Job Summary:

Under the general supervision of the School Principal, to develop students' understanding, appreciation of the art of music, including listening a wide range of musical genre, periods, and styles. 
 
To identify, promote and develop each student's talents in vocal and instrumental musical expression. 

Reports To:    School Principal
 
Qualifications:                       
Bachelor's or Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in an education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
Illinois Certification as a General Music Teacher or as required for the position. Prior experience teaching in a general music classroom in the past five years.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:   
           

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Ability to read music, understand dynamic markings, and convey a broad appreciation for a variety of genres of music.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Possess effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to understand and adhere to, interpret, and apply District policies and procedures.
• Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of employee, student, school board, collective bargaining, and other sensitive District information.
• Ability to work cooperatively to build and maintain relationships with colleagues.
• Ability to work with students and adults in a positive manner.
• Physically and emotionally able to perform job responsibilities.
• Ability to attend work regularly and punctually and complete duties in a timely manner.
• Of good moral character and possessing temperate, ethical, and industrious habits.
• Skilled in the use of office computer equipment, related software applications, and other standard hardware.
• Knowledge of basic management and supervisory skills.
• Possess organizing and coordinating skills.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to attend to detail.
• Ability to perform multiple concurrent tasks.
• Ability to set goals and establish methods for achieving these goals.
• Ability to interview, train, and orient staff.
• Ability to motivate students.
• Ability to review and evaluate operating procedures and recommend improvements.
• Skilled in problem solving and resolving issues.

 
Essential Performance Duties and Responsibilities:
 

• Develops and administers music education curriculum consistent with school district goals and objectives.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Develops balanced music program and lessons to organize class time so that students have adequate time for preparation, rehearsal, and instruction.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student musical learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.  Uses a variety of assessment techniques adjusted to afford students the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of information at varying levels of complexity.
• Utilizes repertoire of all types of music literature, as appropriate.
• Integrates available technologies in meaningful ways at regular intervals to assist in the delivery of instruction and add to the diversity of ways that students may demonstrate knowledge gained.
• Plans, coordinates rehearsals for, and directs students in musical programs and performances outside the classroom.
• Collaborates with colleagues outside of department for the purposes of subject integration.
• Uses technology skills to implement computer instructional materials and current music software.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.  Updates grades and assignments in the student information system on a regular cycle to ensure accuracy.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.  Returns electronic and phone communications in a timely manner and keeps a presence on the District website with information including curricular happenings and course requirements.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to ensure a productive learning atmosphere during practice, rehearsal and performances.
• Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate music supplies and instrumental equipment, maintains inventory records, and ensures equipment is in good working order.
• Accepts recommendations for change and implements new programs and policies in a positive and professional manner.
• Acknowledges student learning accomplishments, on-task behaviors and appropriate conduct.
• Ensures that all students have opportunities to ask questions, contribute and participate in class activities.
• Establishes physical conditions that promote a positive learning environment.
• Provides structures that encourage effective, self-disciplined students in all settings.
• Demonstrates fairness, empathy and consistency.
• Plan and conduct one musical performance per grade level once per school year.
• Select material for music performances of high interest to primary and intermediate grade children that display acquired music skills.
• Inventory general music materials and report the condition to determine what is needed, should be discarded, or needs replacement.
• Learns the audio and visual equipment in the auditorium to use it to its potential for performances.
• Arranges recordings, with a designated staff member, of music performances that can be made available to family members.
• Maintains a positive, pleasant attitude and professional demeanor.
• Engages in reflective thinking about effective teaching.
• Exhibits interest and enthusiasm for teaching and learning.
• Demonstrates appropriate voice, diction and language usage.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

 
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
 
The physical demands and work environment 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.  
 
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.  The employee regularly is required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
 
The employee has no or very limited exposure to physical risk.
        
  
Term of Employment:         
 
181 days.  Salary established based upon years of experience and level of education as defined in the salary schedule of ARTICLE XVII Section 17.1 of the AGREEMENT between the Board of Education School District #72 and the Fairview Teachers' Association Local 1274, IFT/AFT, AFL-CIO. 
 
FLSA Status:                        
 
Exempt
 
Evaluation:                           
 
Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of ARTICLE III, Teacher Evaluation, Sections 3.1-3.15 of the AGREEMENT between the Board of Education School District #72 and the Fairview Teachers' Association Local 1274, IFT/AFT, AFL-CIO. 
 
The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by (an) individual(s) assigned to this position.  They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities related to the position.  This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity and School Board Policy and procedures.  Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.
 
 
Revision Date:  01.04.16