Middle School Instrumental Music Teacher (Band)

 Urbana School District #116

JOB TITLE:  Middle School Instrumental Music Teacher (Band)

LOCATION:  6th Grade Center and Other Secondary Buildings 

SUPERVISOR:  Building principal and/or assistant principal(s)

JOB SUMMARY: The mission of Urbana Middle School, a community of learning, is to engage and inspire students while promoting their intellectual, social, and emotional growth.  Under the general direction of the principal and/or assistant principal(s), the teacher is responsible for fully supporting the school's mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, the teacher must be able to perform each essential function at a level of proficiency.  A proficient teacher:

• Is knowledgeable and competent in Instrumental Music
• Is a proponent of and advocate for instrumental Music
• Utilizes instructional strategies and practices that are best practice in the field of Instrumental Music
• Design instruction considering students needs, ability levels, interests, classroom performance, and assessment results
• Incorporates content from previous instruction into daily planning
• Designs daily instruction that is clear, well-organized, and accurate
• Plans appropriate instructional activities that require higher-order thinking skills and allow for extension and enrichment opportunities for students
• Develop lesson plans based on the district curriculum and objectives
• Integrates knowledge gained from staff development and professional educational literature when designing instruction
• Actively pursues increased knowledge of content and best teaching practices
• Select materials with consideration of various learning styles
• Seeks resources to enhance instruction
• Plans for the use of technology when applicable
• Presents accurate and complete content area information as needed to enhance student’s completion of work
• Implements lessons that address district curriculum goals, objectives, and state standards
• Actively builds on students’ prior knowledge
• Provides background and/or explanatory information to increase students’ depth of understanding
• Opens lessons with the use of effective strategies to build interest
• Explain instructions and content clearly, checking for students’ understanding as necessary
• Employs a variety of teaching techniques appropriate to the subject and to the learner’s maturity
• Adjust instruction as needed during the lesson based on student response and feedback
• Provides opportunities for all students to demonstrate learning
• Demonstrates appropriate pacing that includes smooth, efficient transitions
• Makes effective use of the entire learning period
• Concludes lessons clearly
• Completes and reports results of assessments mandated by the building and district
• Aligns assessment with curriculum and instruction
• Analyzes assessment data for reliability and validity
• Uses assessments that align with district curriculum, and state standards
• Uses assessment data to determine the range of student understanding
• Uses assessments and results to guide instruction
• Provides ongoing updates to students and parents regarding student progress
• Provides clear academic expectations and criteria for success that can allow students to self-monitor progress
• Provide students with timely feedback on assignments and assessments
• Interacts with students in a mutually respectful and friendly manner
• Establishes a trusting environment that fosters risk-taking and enhances positive student self-concept
• Capitalizes on student interest and experiences as they relate to learning activities
• Provides opportunities for students to assume responsibilities and develop independence
• Recognizes and encourages diverse opinions while preparing students for membership in a multicultural society
• Establishes and maintains high learning expectations
• Foster enthusiasm for learning in all students
• Maintains a functional, attractive environment with materials conducive to student learning
• Establishes procedural routines that are clear to students
• Provides clear, adequate written instructions and materials for substitute teachers
• Manages more than one situation at a time when necessary
• Teaches clear behavioral expectations to students and checks for understanding
• Addresses student problems in an organized, fair, and consistent manner
• Seeks to improve specific and chronic behavioral problems
• Monitors student behaviors continuously while maintaining a consistent and appropriate emotional demeanor
• Collaborates with parents, support staff, and others to develop and carry out a plan to improve student behavior
• Reinforce appropriate student behaviors
• Handles disruptive classroom situations
• Works cooperatively with all staff
• Works cooperatively with district music staff to build and maintain the scope and sequence of the music curriculum
• Works cooperatively with the administration
• Works cooperatively with parents and the community
• Responds professionally to conflict
• Treats people individually irrespective of race, gender, or socio-economic background
• Uses discretion in handling confidential information and difficult situations
• Demonstrates punctuality in arrival and departure times from the building, classes, and meetings; demonstrates consistent attendance
• Informs administrators and appropriate personnel of school-related concerns and difficulties as they arise
• Meets all professional responsibilities in a timely manner, including providing accurate information
• Complies with building policies, school board policies, and requirements in the Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Communicates often with faculty and staff through email or in person about the progress made by students and the need for receipt of work
• Demonstrates awareness of developments in the field of education
• Keep abreast of building and district level committee level work
• Demonstrate commitment to professional growth by participating in building and district staff development
• Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district, policy, and administrative regulation
• Assist administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and for the classroom, develop reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintain order in the classroom in a fair and just manner
• Makes provisions for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside of the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teacher assistants and volunteers
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence
• Serves on staff committees as required
• Maintains professional relationships with students and faculty; follows ethics of the teaching profession, and always promotes the welfare of students

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Teachers may assume additional roles and responsibilities within the school and/or district on a voluntary or compensatory basis as described in the Collective Bargaining Agreement and/or agreement with the principal and/or assistant principal(s)
• This position also meets and instructs the before and after school Concert Band in the locations and at the times designated.
• Experience with Mariachi is preferred as our music department is in the process of expanding this program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university, with certification and/or endorsement in the core teaching area, specifically at the middle school level
• Highly qualified status in the specific content area
• Previous experience teaching students at the middle school level and experience teaching in the specific content area, except in the case of a new college graduate

LICENSES/CREDENTIALS:  Valid Illinois Teaching Certificate with the appropriate endorsements specific to the teaching area

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  

• Salary and Benefit information can be found on the Human Resources webpage.  There are many opportunities for employees to earn additional compensation (stipends, differentials, extra duty pay, etc.) during the regular school year and in the summer.
• This is a position within the collective bargaining unit and is not an administrative position.
• This is an exempt position.
• Student Contact Days and other days stipulated on the work calendar in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.  

EVALUATION: The performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of professional personnel and the State Board of Education under PERA.  

START DATE: School Year 2025-2026

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

REVISED:  March 2025