Music Teacher

Job Title:

ELECTIVE / SPECIALS TEACHER

Classification:
Full-Time, Salary Exempt

Reports To:

Principal

To plan, implement, and sustain high-quality elective instruction that engages students in creative expression, inquiry, and skill development. The Elective / Specials Teacher promotes academic rigor, character development, and joy through a vertically aligned curriculum that complements core content areas. This role supports AXL Academy's mission through active student engagement, public performances, interdisciplinary collaboration, and participation in school-wide events such as Expedition Nights and Student-Led Conferences.

• Design and deliver engaging elective instruction aligned with Colorado Academic Standards and AXL's instructional model.
• Develop and implement vertically aligned units that support student growth from grade to grade.
• Incorporate student voice, real‑world connections, and project-based learning in lessons.
• Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners, including students with IEPs and multilingual learners.
• Use relevant technology and instructional tools to enhance learning and creative expression.

• Establish clear learning targets and success criteria for each lesson and unit.
• Use formative and summative assessments to monitor progress and inform instruction.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback to students.
• Maintain accurate records of student performance and communicate progress to families as needed.

• Create a safe, inclusive, and collaborative classroom environment that supports student risk‑taking and expression.
• Maintain consistent classroom routines and expectations aligned with AXL's restorative culture and behavior systems.
• Supervise and support student conduct during class transitions, lunch/recess, and school events.
• Build strong relationships with students and families that support academic and artistic growth.

• Plan and facilitate student performances, showcases, or exhibitions of learning at least once per year.
• Contribute to school-wide events including Expedition Nights, Student-Led Conferences, and community celebrations.
• Collaborate with core content teachers to integrate elective skills into interdisciplinary projects or expeditions when appropriate.

• Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and collaborate with colleagues to ensure vertical alignment and skill progression.
• Contribute to shared curriculum resources and continuous improvement of elective programming.
• Engage in coaching cycles, staff meetings, and professional development aligned with school goals.
• Uphold FERPA and maintain ethical and confidential documentation of student data.

• Engage: Design meaningful experiences that ignite student creativity, collaboration, and reflection. Participate fully in school events and community-building initiatives.
• Empower: Foster student ownership, choice, and identity through diverse learning opportunities. Create a classroom culture that values student voice and growth.
• Achieve: Support measurable growth in student performance, engagement, and artistic or physical development. Contribute to a vertically coherent and rigorous electives program that complements core instruction.

• Bachelor's degree in education, fine arts, physical education, or related field
• Valid Colorado teaching license or eligibility in an appropriate subject area
• Experience planning and delivering instruction in an elective or specials content
• Strong classroom management skills and commitment to equity
• CLDE certification (required for all teachers hired in 2021–22 or later)

• Experience in project-based, inquiry-based, or Expeditionary Learning settings
• Background in performance, design, visual arts, PE, music, or other enrichment disciplines
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary planning and vertical curriculum design
• Bilingual or multilingual proficiency

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, instructional tools, and other classroom equipment; reach with hands and arms; and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. This position may include supervision of outdoor activities and performances.