What are the responsibilities and job description for the Anticipated Elementary Music Teacher (General Music K-3 & Chorus Grades 4-6) position at Sutton Public Schools?
POSITION TITLE: Elementary Music Teacher
REPORTS TO: Building Principal and/or their designee
SUMMARY: Sutton Elementary School is in search of a 1.0 FTE Elementary Music Teacher to begin in the 2025-26 school year. Under the general supervision of the School Principal, this position seeks to develop students' interest, abilities, talents, and skills for artistic expression and creativity in the performing arts, as well as aesthetic understanding and appreciation by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities/outcomes; developing lesson plans; modeling the necessary skills to perform assigned tasks; providing a safe and welcoming learning environment; and providing feedback to students, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc.
The course load includes General Music K-3 and Chorus Grades 4-6.
POSITION TYPE: Full-time
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Other duties may be assigned by the Superintendent and/or the Superintendent’s designee.
●Develops and administers music education curriculum consistent with Massachusetts and Federal Curriculum Frameworks.
●Develops balanced music programs and lessons.
●Responsible for creating and maintaining a positive classroom environment.
●Conducts ongoing assessment of student musical learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.
●Utilizes repertoire of all types of music literature, including a variety of genres, cultural and historical perspectives.
●Coordinates rehearsals and directs students in scheduled musical performances.
●Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
●Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
●Creates and maintains a safe and positive classroom environment consistent with the school's standards and school district policies.
●Teaches district-approved curriculum.
●Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.
●Plans a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.
●Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interest of the students.
●Establishes and maintains pupil-teacher relationships conducive to effective teaching and learning.
●Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to achieve an effective learning atmosphere. Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
●Participates in planning of curriculum goals and relevant student performance objectives. Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals.
●Establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, and the like and communicates these objectives to students. Helps students to develop individual learning goals and objectives.
●Develops appropriate instructional materials, activities, & lesson plans, with modifications and accommodations appropriate for individual students taking into consideration cognitive levels and age-appropriateness.
●Works with parents/caregivers of individual children to help guide the growth and development of the children.
●Demonstrates an understanding of Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Common Core State Standards.
●Participates in ongoing professional development activities related to student population & certification areas.
●Communicates regularly with parents/caregivers by means of newsletters, notes, phone calls, conferences, etc.
●Is available to students and parents/caregivers for education-related purposes outside the instructional day.
●Properly utilizes and conserves physical facilities, equipment and supplies.
●Assist in the task of operating the school as a community of cooperative and constructive members.
●Integrate technology within instruction to increase student comprehension and interest.
●Maintains an understanding of the philosophies and principles utilized in District-wide programs.
●Follows state and federal special education regulations, as outlined in the IDEA and the requirements set forth in 603 CMR 28.00 which are in addition to, or in some instances clarify or further elaborate, the special education rights and responsibilities set forth in state statute (M.G.L. c. 71B), federal statute (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq. as amended), and federal regulations (34 CFR §300 et seq. as amended).
●Follows all standards and indicators to the best of his or her ability, as described in the Sutton Public Schools Teacher Evaluation Agreement
●Adheres to the voted upon collective bargaining agreement and any applicable MOUs/MOAs between the Sutton Teachers Association and School Committee
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervises the classroom and students
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
●Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in the educational field
●Ability to plan and implement lessons based on district and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned
●Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form
●Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff, parents and the general public
●Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations
●Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
●Ability to use reasoning ability to evaluate information and determine/recommend an appropriate course of action
●Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
●Ability to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and continuing education content to make practice decisions
●Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff and the community
●Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and manage several projects simultaneously
●Uses instructional technology appropriately and works with students to facilitate their use of instructional technology
●Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements, state and federal laws, and Board of Education policies
●Understand confidentiality requirements regarding student records
●Ability to exercise good professional judgment in assessing emergency situations and act accordingly
●Ability/willingness to plan, coordinate, conduct and participate in ongoing professional and staff development
●Ability to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of baccalaureate degree, master’s degree preferred
●Advanced certification in Orff, Kodaly, or Dalcroze preferred.
LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:
Must possess valid Massachusetts teacher licensure appropriate for subject area to be taught
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The employee must be able to remain stationary for extended periods and occasionally move throughout the school building as needed. Regular use of hands for typing, handling objects, and operating tools is required, along with sufficient grip strength for various tasks. The role involves frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. The employee must be able to enter data, read from screens, and review handwritten or printed materials, with or without visual aids. Clear and effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues—both in person and over the phone—is essential. Strong visual and auditory awareness is necessary to ensure student safety and provide meaningful feedback.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The employee will be working in a normal school environment with an acceptable level of noise. The employee interacts with students, parents, and other staff members. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of students. While the majority of the work day is spent inside, the employee must spend time outdoors for fire drills and/or special activities.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.