Vocal Music Teacher; MS & HS and Director​/Music Director of HS Musical

Vocal Music Teacher (middle & high school) and Director/Music Director of HS Musical

Northwest Academy is seeking a Vocal Music teacher for middle & high school who will also be the Director /Music Director of the high school musical for the 2026-27 school year and beyond.

Northwest Academy is an independent middle and high school located in downtown Portland. We offer our community of learners a progressive, arts-integrated, and place-based curriculum that is student-centered, rich with rigor, creativity and self-expression, and civically and culturally relevant. We value an inclusive, caring culture that supports and challenges all students appropriately; that is guided by their unique developmental needs and challenges;

that develops their curiosity, responsibility, and resilience; and celebrates their burgeoning independence and individuality.

Northwest Academy encourages and supports our educators in having a meaningful work and life balance. Teachers enjoy a low student-to-teacher ratio, have approximately 4 out of 9 classes for prep time scheduled per week, and take part in an inclusive and collaborative community of colleagues, staff, and administrators.

Employees receive several different medical plans to choose from, a dental and vision plan, identity theft protection, a non-matching 403b retirement option is available immediately upon hire along with a 3% matching 403b account after working 1200 hours. Northwest Academy also offers opportunities for Creative Production Grants to support individual artistic endeavors.

The Vocal Music Teacher and Director/Music Director of the high school musical teaches:

• two daytime middle school courses (Vocal Music Foundations and Vocal Music Explorations)
• two daytime high school courses (Vocal Music and Advanced Vocal Music)

Each course has three, 65 min. class meetings per week.

Additional responsibilities include serving as the Director and Music Director of the high school musical in the Arts After Hours program.

Qualified candidates will have extensive experience in vocal music direction and teaching music theory at the middle and high School levels, as well as experience in teaching using safe, progressive practices to students with developing, changing voices. Candidates should have a desire to become part of a close-knit community in downtown Portland with interest in contributing to the school outside of scheduled class times.

The Vocal Music Teacher and Director/Music Director will model exemplary musicianship and instructional practices, create a nurturing learning environment, and maintain clear and organized communications with other faculty, students, families, and administration.

Full-time equiv.: 1.0

Position Title:
Vocal Music Teacher & Director/Music Director

Department:
Performing Arts

Reports To:
Deans of Studies

• Teach students to sing with well-formed vowels and a clear, free, focused, in-tune sound while demonstrating understanding of differences of instruction among various types of learners
• Conduct rehearsals and performances using music of high quality that varies in style and genre
• Develop a scope and sequence that is appropriate to developmental milestones and capabilities of students, including music theory and vocal health and safety
• Create a safe and respectful classroom community by encouraging positive classroom behavior for an optimal learning environment
• Supervise students in out-of-classroom activities such as any field trips or site visits related to the job, such as performances as part of community service and outreach
• Collaborate with other faculty to create smooth running music and theatrical productions. This includes the Director, Technical Director, Choreographer, and Light and Sound Designer of the High School musical
• Organize best use of time with provided accompanist, if applicable, and ensure communication and dissemination of music and schedules they may need
• Teach all classes as assigned—providing effective and inclusive classroom instruction and management through evidenced-backed practices…