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 director will encourage lifelong learning and participation in music beyond the middle and high school settings.

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 middle school choir director

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of fine arts teachers at the campus and district level
• 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 of school activities to enhance students’ musical experiences

Experience

• At least one semester of student teaching or 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 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
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities
• 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 requirements
• Plan and supervise assignments of teacher aide(s), student teacher(s), and 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, support mission of 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
• Manage choir finances in a fiscally responsible manner in accordance with district policy
• Organize and lead a strong booster club and/or volunteer program
• Interview, screen, hire and manage 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
• 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
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills
• Remain 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

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise assigned teacher aides and student teachers.

Working Conditions

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

Applicants for all positions are considered without regard to race, color, sex (including

pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military

status, or any other legally protected status. Additionally, the district does not discriminate

against an applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation

of a complaint related to a discriminating employment practice.