High School Vocal Music Assistant - Ankeny High (School Year 2025-2026)

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment.

JDE: 604.B

High School Vocal Music Assistant

Purpose Statement

The role of High School Vocal Music Assistant will assist the High School Vocal Music director with leading and managing all aspects of the school's vocal music program. This role involves teaching vocal techniques, directing choirs and vocal ensembles, organizing performances, assessing student progress, collaborating with colleagues, and fostering a love for music among students. The passion for music, strong leadership skills, and ability to inspire and mentor students will be key to the success of the program.

Job Title: High School Vocal Music Assistant

Salary: Teacher Salary Schedule D Stipend (Position is linked to teaching contract)

Reports To: Activities Director and Building Principal

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Minimum Qualifications:

• Iowa State Teacher License
• Bachelor’s degree in position related area
• Previous teaching experience, preferred
• Meet 5-12 Music certification requirements of the Department of Education, State of Iowa
• Experience teaching high school vocal music, preferred.
• Experience leading small group ensembles and extra-curricular groups, preferred.
• Experience working as a part of a collaborative team (PLC), preferred.
• Successful incorporation of standards-referenced practices in classroom instruction, preferred.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable

Duties to include:

• Show choir
• Commencement
• Contests
• Curricular choir
• All-State
• Individualized/Small Group Instruction

Essential Functions

Instruction

• Instruct students in vocal techniques, including breathing, posture, tone production, and diction.
• Teach music theory, sight-reading, and ear training as they pertain to vocal performance.
• Design and implement engaging lesson plans that cater to students' varying skill levels and learning styles.
• Foster a love for music by creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
• Teach Music Fundamentals (introductory music theory), if needed.

Ensemble Direction

• Conduct rehearsals for various vocal ensembles.
• Prepare students for performances, competitions, and other musical events.
• ensuring students develop both individual and group skills.

Curriculum Development

• Implement a comprehensive and standards-based instrumental music curriculum.
• Integrate music theory, history, and appreciation into instrumental lessons to provide a well-rounded music education.

Assessment and Feedback

• Evaluate student progress through assessments, performances, and other means.
• Provide constructive feedback to students to help them improve their musical abilities.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with other music teachers and staff to enhance the overall music program.
• Coordinate with colleagues in planning and executing school-wide musical events.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues regarding student progress, performances, and other relevant information.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences to discuss student development and address any concerns.

Professional Development

• Stay current with trends and best practices in music education.

Attend workshops, conferences, and professional development opportunities to continuously improve teaching skills.

Administrative duties, to include, but not limited to:

• Create calendar, reserve facilities, reserve transportation
• Communication
• Collaborate with building principal and activities director throughout the year
• Overseeing staff
• Manage inventories
• Manage budgets
• Oversee and coordinate all aspects of festival and contest hosting
• Attends booster meetings
• Other administrative duties as needed

Other Functions

• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events, as assigned.
• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.
• Demonstrate integrity and maintain confidentiality.
• Is respectful and appropriately interacts with staff, students, and visitors.
• Uphold and adhere to safety rules and policies of the Ankeny Community School District safety program.
• Support the goals and objectives of the school district and follow all district policies.
• Demonstrate the ability to attend work on a regular and routine basis to avoid disruption to district operations.
• Perform all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others.
• Respond to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Working Environment

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, reaching, driving, standing and walking. Working conditions may include extreme temperatures and humidity. Hazards may include exposure to communicable diseases. This position requires one to maintain emotional control under stress.

Terms of Employment

Work year established by the District.

Clearances

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

Evaluation

Job performance will be evaluated annually, as per district policies and procedures

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Approved by: Justin Mohr Date: March 25th, 2025

The Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.