Music Instructor

New Cottage Arts Mission Statement

New Cottage Arts was founded in 2019 to transform lives through music and art education. Our mission is to provide high-quality arts programs that support the social, emotional, and intellectual development of youth and families in Denver’s under-resourced communities.

Introduction:

At New Cottage Arts, we aim to provide high-quality, inclusive, and impactful music and art education to youth of all backgrounds. Our teaching staff plays a crucial role in delivering engaging and culturally responsive instruction that promotes the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of students. This manual outlines the standards of work, expectations, and routines that ensure a consistent, supportive, and creative learning environment.

Standards of Work

• Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Instruction:
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive classroom for students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Tailor lessons to reflect students' cultural identities, making learning relevant and empowering.
• Student Engagement & Participation:
• Ensure all students are actively participating in lessons, encouraging teamwork, creativity, and individual growth.
• Adjust teaching strategies to meet various learning needs and engage students of all abilities.
• Classroom Management:
• Maintain a positive classroom environment with clear expectations for behavior and participation.
• Use proactive techniques to address behavioral issues constructively, promoting respect and collaboration.
• Communication:
• Communicate regularly and in a timely manner with the Program Coordinator and Program Manager regarding lesson plans, supply needs, questions, and any issues with participants.
• Report any challenges or successes with students and ensure ongoing collaboration with other team members.
• Professionalism:
• Be punctual, prepared, and organized for each class.
• Participate in quarterly professional development and attend all program and staff meetings.
• Lesson Planning, Curriculum, an Write-Ups:
• Develop creative, engaging, and structured lesson plans in alignment with New Cottage Arts' curriculum templates and mission.
• All Group Class curriculum must be submitted via email to and added to the instructor’s Google Drive a minimum of one week prior to the class start date. Ongoing classes will follow an 8-week schedule.
• All teachers (private lesson, group class, on- and off-site, community classes) will be required to complete student assessments as necessary.
• Regardless of program, Lesson write-ups must be completed after each lesson/class, and within 24 hours of class finish time.
• Elements included: promote technical skill development, creative expression, and social-emotional growth.
• Student Safety:
• Prioritize the physical and emotional safety of all students, adhering to New Cottage Arts' safety policies.
• Report any safety concerns immediately and follow protocols to ensure a secure learning environment.
• Participation in Data Collection & Evaluation:
• Participate in data collection, surveys, and program evaluation efforts, ensuring program effectiveness and improvement.
• Teacher Absence & Substitute Policy
• If a teacher is unable to attend their scheduled class, it is their responsibility to find a substitute.
• Reach out to NCA teachers via Slack or email to arrange coverage.
• Once a substitute is confirmed:
• Provide lesson plans at least 24 hours in advance to the substitute.
• Notify the Program Team to ensure the change is reflected on the main NCA calendar.

Daily Checklist:

• Prepare Materials:
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early (or otherwise necessary) to set up classroom materials and instruments, and review lesson plans and curriculum.
• Ensure all supplies (instruments, art materials, etc.) are ready and organized for the day’s lesson.
• Classroom Setup:
• Arrange the classroom to create an accessible, safe, and engaging learning environment.
• Ensure any technology needed (e.g., projectors, audio) is functional.
• Communicate with Students:
• Greet students warmly as they arrive, reviewing the lesson plan and setting expectations for the day.
• Ensure all students are engaged and participating.
• Facilitate Lesson:
• Lead the lesson, promoting creativity, teamwork, and individual progress.
• Provide feedback to students and adjust activities to meet their needs.
• Report Issues:
• Communicate any concerns or issues (e.g., behavior or supplies) with the Program Coordinator or Program Manager immediately.
• Clean-Up:
• Ensure students participate in clean-up at the end of class, leaving the space tidy and organized.
• Complete Lesson Write-Up:
• Spend the last 5 minutes of every lesson reviewing what was learned, accomplished, reviewed, and if there is any homework during the lesson, and set the expectations for the next class.
• Complete the Lesson Write-Up with the student (if in private lesson), or after class, and save a copy into Google Drive.
• Attendance Tracking:
• Instructors must mark attendance for each student and each class in MyMusicStaff. This ensures we can accurately report our impact numbers.

Weekly Checklist:

• Lesson Planning:
• Reflect on the previous week’s lessons and adjust the lesson plan for the upcoming week to meet student needs.
• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator or Manager for additional resources or support.
• Communication with Program Coordinator:
• Communicate any supply needs or participant issues early in the week to ensure smooth delivery of lessons.
• Provide updates on student progress and overall classroom dynamics.
• Check-Ins:
• Participate in weekly check-ins with the Program Coordinator or Manager and fellow instructors to discuss successes, challenges, and upcoming program needs.
• Student Progress Tracking:
• Track student progress through participation and engagement, and make notes of any areas for growth or improvement.

Monthly Checklist:

• Professional Development:
• Attend all quarterly professional development workshops and training sessions to enhance teaching strategies and classroom management skills.
• Program Meetings:
• Participate in monthly staff and program meetings to ensure alignment with New Cottage Arts' mission and goals.
• Share insights, challenges, and recommendations with fellow staff.
• Data Collection & Surveys:
• Administer student surveys and participate in data collection as part of program evaluation efforts.
• Use survey feedback to adjust lesson plans and instructional approaches.
• Program Evaluation:
• Participate in program evaluation sessions with the Program Manager to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum and identify areas for improvement.
• Reflection & Curriculum Review:
• Reflect on the curriculum and make adjustments to better serve students’ academic, emotional, and creative development.
• Review any feedback provided by students or coordinators to enhance program quality.

Additional Responsibilities

• Quarterly Professional Development:
• Attend professional development workshops that focus on teaching strategies, cultural competency, and trauma-informed instruction.
• Collaboration:
• Work closely with the Program Coordinator, the Program Manager, and other instructors to ensure a cohesive and supportive learning experience for students.
• Curriculum Enhancement:
• Continuously seek out new approaches, techniques, and activities that align with New Cottage Arts' educational goals.

Instructors at New Cottage Arts deliver a consistent, impactful, and creative educational experience. Your role as an instructor is to inspire and support youth in their creative journeys, fostering not only artistic growth but also social-emotional development and community-building.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $33.60 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 0.5 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• After school
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $34