Music Teacher

Job Description

As a Music Teacher at KIPP Baltimore, you are a catalyst for student success. You will ignite a passion for music while helping students master essential musical skills, creative expression, and social‑emotional growth. As the architect of a dynamic and engaging music program, you will plan, implement, and reflect on instruction to prepare students for success both in school and in life.

Collaborating closely with your grade‑level team, interventionist, and Principal, you will play an active role in fostering a culture of excellence and high expectations, ensuring every student thrives and the mission of KIPP Harmony and KIPP Ujima Village Academy is realized.

Instruction and Musical Growth

• Hold high expectations for all students and work relentlessly to foster their musical and personal growth.
• Set class and individual goals, using ongoing assessments to track progress and adjust instruction as needed.
• Design and implement data‑driven assessments, including performance‑based and skills assessments, that inform instructional decisions and support continuous growth.
• Apply deep knowledge of music theory, vocal and/or instrumental technique, and performance practice to deliver engaging and effective instruction.
• Demonstrate mastery of grade‑level music standards, benchmarks, and curriculum, ensuring alignment in all instructional plans.
• Develop long‑term plans, units, and lessons using backward design, with a focus on student mastery of musical concepts and skills.
• Plan lessons that foster creativity, critical listening, ensemble collaboration, and meet the diverse learning needs of students.
• Differentiate instruction to effectively address the unique musical abilities and needs of each student.
• Prepare students for performances, recitals, and school‑wide events that showcase student growth and achievement.

Classroom Management and Culture

• Implement and reinforce school‑wide culture and management policies both in the classroom and across the school.
• Establish a supportive and disciplined classroom environment that promotes student responsibility and success.
• Foster a positive learning atmosphere that encourages student self‑efficacy, creative risk‑taking, and independence.
• Maintain instruments, equipment, and classroom materials, ensuring a safe and organized learning space.

Relationships and Community Engagement

• Build strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues to support student success.
• Incorporate students' backgrounds and musical traditions into instruction, valuing their unique contributions.
• Communicate proactively and effectively with parents, students, staff, and guests through various channels.
• Uphold the school's vision, mission, and values by actively engaging with families and communities through open communication, concerts, and events.

Professionalism and Development

• Engage in professional development by collaborating with colleagues, reflecting on instructional practices, and continuously seeking ways to improve.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, attending extended professional development and modeling professionalism in behavior and attire.
• Adhere to all school policies, complete clerical tasks as needed, and take leadership roles in school‑wide initiatives and committees.

• Knowledge That Empowers: You bring a deep mastery of music and have a talent for making content come alive for students. Like a skilled guide, you help students connect what they learn in the classroom to the world of music around them, sparking curiosity and a lifelong love of music that transcends the school day.
• Data-Driven Excellence: You are driven by student success. Using data like a compass, you adjust your instruction in real time to ensure every student is progressing. You engage in a continuous cycle of planning, delivering, assessing, and reflecting, always focused on helping students reach their next milestone in both musical skill and social‑emotional learning.
• Joyful and Inclusive Classroom: You are the heart of your classroom, creating a space where every student feels seen, heard, and respected. You encourage students to…