Music Teacher (K-8

Music Teacher

The Northwestern Academy of Visual and Performing Arts seeks an inspiring and versatile Music Teacher to engage students in grades K-8, fostering a dynamic, arts-integrated learning environment where music is seamlessly incorporated into core academic subjects. The Music Teacher will guide students through foundational music concepts and performance skills, promoting creativity, self-expression, and storytelling abilities. The curriculum will include vocal and instrumental music, rhythm, melody, cultural diversity, and digital music exploration, alongside performance skills such as improvisation, acting, character development, and stage presence to enhance dialogue, movement, and expression.

Through this integrated approach, students will strengthen their critical thinking, cultural awareness, and academic skills while connecting music and performance to language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and technology. The ideal candidate will encourage self-expression, foster critical thinking, and deepen cultural understanding through the arts. The teacher will collaborate with classroom educators on planning arts-embedded classroom lessons, portfolio development, organizing art displays, and promoting community-based learning.

Students will engage in multidisciplinary arts activities, using music, dance, visual arts, and digital media to enhance storytelling, sequencing, and academic proficiency in a joyful, inclusive environment that values collaboration and creativity.

Position Responsibilities:

• Instructional Delivery
• Music and Performance Fundamentals
• Arts-Integrated Curriculum Development
• Cultural and Historical Perspectives
• Student-Centered Learning
• Positive Classroom Management
• Performance and Creation Grades K-8
• Use of Digital Tools in Music
• Assessment and Reflection
• Classroom Environment
• Resource Management
• Collaboration and Professional Development

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Music Education, or related field.
• Master's degree in Music Education, or related field preferred.
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with a Music Education (JQ or JX) endorsement, or ability to obtain.
• Familiarity with the State of Michigan fine and performing arts and academic standards.
• Experience with interdisciplinary or arts-integrated teaching.
• Prior experience in student-centered teaching, arts integration, project-based learning, culturally responsive teaching, SEL, and trauma-informed practices.
• Minimum of two years of experience teaching music and performance with primary students preferably in an urban setting.
• Experience with digital platform tools and production.
• A practicing musician and performance artist with a passion for arts education and student-centered learning.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Proficiency in music and performance history, theory, composition, and a variety of instruments and genres.
• Demonstrate ability to engage the interest of school-age children.
• Demonstrate commitment to all students' well-being and success, including adaptability in lesson planning and teaching to support students with diverse needs and skill levels.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, eagerness to learn, and effectively collaborate with colleagues, arts partners, and community members.
• Excellent verbal/written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, flexibility, and a willingness to take risks.

Core Values and Professional Standards:

• Commitment to School Vision
• Student-Centered Teaching and Learning
• Arts-Integrated Education
• Collaborative Leadership
• Excellence in Teaching
• Commitment to Fairness and Opportunity

Salary: $51,500 -$87,883

Contract:

188 Days

SCHOOL SAFETY CLEARANCE:
The successful candidate will be subject to a fingerprint and background check as a condition of employment. All fees required for this check (estimated $73.00) will be the responsibility of the successful applicant. The Battle Creek Public School District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, handicap, sex, age, religion, national origin, weight, height, or marital status in its employment practices.