Modern Band Teacher/Instrumental Music - Highland Park High School/Eisenhower Middle School

Modern Band Teacher/Instrumental Music -  Highland Park High School/Eisenhower Middle School

Position Purpose: 

Modern Band is a school-based music program that utilizes popular music as its central canon. Modern band teaches students to perform, compose, and improvise the music they know and love.  Modern Band focuses on genres like rock, pop, Latin, rap, R&B, country, banda, corridas, and more with an immersive approach that empowers students to start playing on day one. Modern Band utilizes (but is not limited to) the musical instruments that are common to these genres: guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, and technology. 

Performance Responsibilities: 

• Teach a diverse range of popular music styles, including rock, pop, Latin, rap, R&B, country, banda, corridas, and more.
• Prioritize creating a student-centered learning environment that caters to their musical interests and encourages active participation at each student and group ability level.
• Focus on instruments like guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboards, vocals, and potentially other modern instruments depending on the program. 
• Develop students' ability to perform music with a focus on improvisation, rhythmic accuracy, and contemporary performance techniques. 
• May incorporate music production software and technology to enhance learning and performance. 
• Plans a balanced music program and organizes daily class time so that preparation, rehearsal, and instruction can be accomplished within the allotted time
• Oversees after school programs
• Organizes student musical performances for school and community events, including full classes and small ensembles. 
• Models, instructs, and evaluates student understanding of sound equipment setup, securing performances, and advertising to ensure quality performances in the community.
• Models and facilitates higher-order thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and flexibility

• Oversees school-owned property, makes minor adjustments, and requests repairs to instruments as required while overseeing assigned building budgets.
• Evaluates each pupil’s musical growth and performance
• Effectively implements the district-adopted curriculum
• Uses a variety of research-based instructional practices and current resources that support instructional goals and student needs
• Routinely integrates a variety of informal and formal assessments into instruction
• Uses a variety of data in making instructional decisions
• Communicates realistic and consistent expectations for student behavior
• Supports the District’s educational mission for all students and implements all Board regulations and policies in a fair and equitable manner

Terms of Employment: 

9 months; salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education.

Evaluation:  Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board policy on evaluation of Support Service Personnel.

Significant associations:  The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor.

Qualifications:                 

The classroom teacher will meet all qualifications and behavior standards as set by the Kansas Department of Education.  In accordance with certification requirements and the performance expectations of Topeka Public Schools, all classroom teachers shall meet the following employment criteria:

• The minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• A valid Kansas Teacher’s Certificate (applicable level-area endorsements preferred).
• A completed credential file that meets the Topeka Public School standards.
• Professional verification of successful classroom teacher performance and/or student teaching experience.
• Evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by the State Board of Education.
• Regular and predictable attendance is essential.
• ESOL endorsement preferred

 Physical/Emotional Requirements:  (The incumbent may be required to use the following skills and abilities during any part of the working day.)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee is required to interact with staff and to meet demands from several people.  The employee is responsible for the work output of others.  On occasion, the employee may be required to work extended hours.

Salary : $49,500