Westside Neighborhood School, a PS-8 private independent school serving over 520 students in West Los Angeles, is seeking a full-time 5th-8th Middle School Music Teacher. This is a full-time position with full benefits for in-person instruction on campus in Fall 2023.  All WNS employees are expected to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

Our mission:

WNS is committed to creating a deeply caring community of lifelong learners that nurtures students from diverse backgrounds to reach their full potential, develop cultural competency, and inspire the world with their curiosity, innovation, compassion, and stewardship.

WNS embraces a positive, child-centered approach to education that strives to fully develop the potential of each student intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. Our high academic and ethical standards encourage students to take responsibility for their learning and their behavior. Propelled by curiosity, WNS students are learners, doers, and makers. We provide students with a platform to become entrepreneurs by nurturing their intrinsic ability to innovate. Our program is designed to engage students in a project-based, active-learning curriculum that challenges all students to grow. We provide an environment steeped in a growth mindset where each child is able to experience success, embrace mistakes as a part of the journey, is confident in taking intellectual risks, and where individuals feel valued in their differences and value the differences in others.

This position works closely and reports to the Director of Performing Arts. The upper school music teacher will be responsible for teaching 5th-8th grade choir/general music classes, directing concerts, leading the middle school festival choir, and serving as the Musical Director for the Middle School Spring Musical.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will hold a music education degree (BA or BM) and have experience with major music education methodologies, such as Orff and/or Kodaly. They will demonstrate piano skills and be able to perform simple accompaniments and at least three voice parts simultaneously (SAB) and have the ability to confidently teach sight reading.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree or higher
Minimum 2-3 years within a choir or ensemble setting
Minimum 1-2 years teaching experience within a middle school setting

Preferred:

Proficiency in piano
Ability to teach instrumental music
Experience using Kodaly
M.A or higher preferred

Key Responsibilities:

Prepare and conduct songs for grades 5-8 for the Performing Arts Showcase in December
Co-teach an elective with select group of middle school students who help to shape the theme and storyline of the production, featuring an opening number and a whole school closing number for the Performing Arts Showcase
Collaborate with the fifth grade Theatre Arts teacher on the fifth grade Cultural Fair performance by selecting appropriate music to fit the show the students write about their identity
Conduct and direct a 6th-8th grade choral/music concert
Conduct and direct a select group of middle school students who choose to perform and compete in Festival Choir.
Serve as the Music Director for the Middle School Spring Musical
Supervise various duties to keep students safe on campus (morning carpool, recess, and/or pick-up)
Serve as a co-advisor for a small group of middle school students (attend outdoor education retreats as appropriate to bond with students, and supervise a couple dances)
Communicate with students, families, and administrators about the curriculum through grade-level syllabi, open house presentations, back-to-school night, and writing thoughtful comments in report cards.
Furthermore, the ideal candidate would possess effective verbal and written communication skills; a genuine willingness to collaborate; a good sense of humor; and a love of music.

Compensation: This is a full time, 10 month contract with a salary range of $65,000-$85,000 based on teaching/choral experience and advanced degrees.

WHO WE ARE

WNS places a high priority on maintaining an excellent, collegial working atmosphere and an up-to-date facility. WNS is located adjacent to Playa Vista and Loyola Marymount University about one mile from the Pacific Ocean. Westside Neighborhood School is an equal opportunity employer, and we look for faculty that are committed to promoting our anti-bias curriculum and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Please email your resume and cover letter to Dylan Anglin, Director of HR: [email protected] Please include your name and position in the subject line of the email.

Westside Neighborhood School is dedicated to excellence and the creation of a diverse faculty and staff that best represents our student body and the city of Los Angeles. Information about our school can be found at www.wns-la.org.