Assistant Choir Director -Grapevine High School

Job Title:         Teacher, Assistant Choir Director Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to:      Principal                                   Pay Grade:  Teacher Payscale plus stipend

Dept./School:  Grapevine High School                                       

Primary Purpose:

Provide students with outstanding learning activities and experiences in music so they develop pedagogical and technical mastery, musical understanding, and a love of music. The assistant director will work with the director to encourage lifelong learning and participation in music beyond the high school setting.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

•   Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university
•   Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements for teaching music with specific training in choir
•   Demonstrated competency or potential as a high school assistant choir director

Special Knowledge/Skills

•   Ability to work collaboratively with the high school director
•   Ability to work collaboratively with a team of fine arts teachers at the campus and district level
•   Must have a growth mindset and willingness to meet the needs of the students and program
•   Must be able to recruit students to the program and instill a love of music
•   Must have high expectations of their own work and the work of their students
•   Ability to work positively and collaboratively with parent support organizations
•   Ability to instruct students and manage behavior in both small and large ensembles
•   Knowledge of, or the potential to learn, specific vocal and choral pedagogy to include, but not limited to:         tone production, changing voices, diction, rehearsal techniques, conducting, ear training, counting systems, and music   theory
•   Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
•   General knowledge of curriculum, instruction, scope, and sequence in a choral setting
•   Knowledge of, or the potential to learn, UIL and TMEA rules, entry requirements, and important dates and deadlines
•   Ensure the proper use, maintenance, and tracking of the school’s equipment and music inventory
•   Knowledge of outside school activities to enhance students’ musical experiences

Experience

•   At least one semester of student teaching or an approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Musical Performance

• Present high-quality large ensemble performances for the school and community
• Present high-quality large ensemble performances in accordance with the standards of UIL and/or selected festivals and contests
• Teach sight-reading skills in accordance with the standards of UIL and/or selected festivals and contests
• Present high-quality solo and small ensemble performances for the school, community and selected festivals and contests

Instructional Strategies

•   Effectively use instructional and rehearsal strategies
•   Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the district’s curriculum program and show written    evidence of preparation as required
•   Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles
•   Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and         administrative regulations
•   Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities
•   Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect     understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned
•   Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students     according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP)
•   Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district and   state requirements
•   Plan and supervise assignments of volunteer(s)

Student Growth and Development

•   Monitor and encourage student growth and development
•   Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process
•   Help students analyze and improve study and practice methods and habits
•   Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal evaluation
•   Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned
•   Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal
•   Be a positive role model for students and support mission of the school district

Classroom Management and Organization

•   Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional   development of students
•   Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook
•   As assigned, manage choir finances in a fiscally responsible manner in accordance with district policy
•   As assigned, manage the operations of a comprehensive choir program
•   Participate as needed in the leadership of a strong booster club and/or volunteer program
•   Participate in the interviewing, screening, hiring, and management of private lesson staff
•   Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
•   Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials
•   Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly
•   Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers
•   Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members

Professional Growth and Development

•   Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills
•   Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers
•   Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required
•   Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required

Working Conditions

•   Maintain emotional control under stress
•   Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing
•   Move large instruments, choir risers, sound shells, and sound equipment as able
•   Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment as able