Music Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

NOLA Public Schools Vision

The vision of the NOLA Public Schools is that every student receives a high-quality education that fosters their individual capabilities, while ensuring that they thrive, achieve physical and mental wellness, and are prepared for civic, social, and economic success. 

Position Summary

The Music Teacher is responsible for instructing elementary students in general music and introductory instrumental music (band), fostering a love for music, and developing students’ musical skills. This role includes teaching foundational music concepts and beginner band instruction, while creating and implementing engaging, standards-aligned lesson plans. The teacher organizes performances, supports student growth in both individual and ensemble settings, and contributes to a positive and inclusive learning environment. 

• Create an environment that is conducive to learning and enhances students’ educational experience
• Plan and deliver vibrant, engaging, and creative lessons aligned with Louisiana Standards and the National Standards for Music Education
• Teach foundational music skills including rhythm, melody, harmony, music literacy, and appreciation through vocal and general music instruction
• Provide introductory instruction in elementary band, including basic techniques for woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments
• Teach instrument care, posture, tone production, and music reading for beginner musicians
• Plan and execute a balanced music program that includes general music, vocal performance, and instrumental (band) instruction
• Provide individual, small group, and whole group instruction to meet diverse student needs and skill levels
• Encourage students to develop individual musical skills and confidence through performance and practice
• Utilize a repertoire of diverse music literature, including traditional and contemporary works appropriate for elementary students
• Establish and grow an elementary band program, including student recruitment, participation, and retention
• Plan, rehearse, and direct student performances, including concerts, assemblies, and school events
• Maintain responsibility for school-owned music, band instruments, and equipment to prevent loss or abuse
• Make minor adjustments and coordinate repairs for instruments as needed
• Evaluate each student’s musical growth, performance, and understanding through formal and informal assessments
• Adjust lesson plans to meet the needs of students and ensure progress toward curriculum goals
• Guide the learning process toward achievement of district and state standards
• Consult regularly with administrators, colleagues, students, and parents regarding student progress
• Participate in professional development, team meetings, and school-based initiatives
• Assist in implementing school and district policies and contribute to overall school culture
• Performs other duties as required.  

• Supervision of Students

  • Supervises students in various settings including on-campus and off-campus activities, before and after school during drop-off and pick-up, within the classroom, during class transitions, recess/intermission, lunch periods, assemblies, and any other assigned times or locations to ensure their safety and well-being.

  Non-Instructional Components

  • Attends non-instructional activities such as faculty and staff meetings, professional training sessions, IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, back-to-school and open house events, graduation ceremonies, PGP and PIP evaluations, observations, IAP and student discipline meetings/hearings, as well as school board and committee meetings and other meetings as needed/requested.

  Extracurricular Activities

  • Attends meetings and functions of employee sponsored activities, groups, or clubs.
  • Attends work concessions/gates as requested by Principal or designee if applicable.

• At least an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university, and meet the requirements and expectations set in Act 99;  
• Concentration in music education or a related field strongly preferred;  
• Valid Louisiana teaching certification strongly preferred

• A passion for music, strong communication skills, and the ability to inspire and engage young learners; 
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and multi-tasking skills; 
• Proficient in office software; 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; 
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and outside agencies; 
• The ability to keep concise records and handle sensitive information with discretion; 
• The ability to work with a diversity of individuals and groups; 
• The ability to adapt to changing work priorities and maintain flexible working hours. 

Salaries begin at:

$47,000 for uncertified teachers

$57,500 for certified teachers + $1,600 board stipend

Salary steps are based on level of education, certification, and years of experience.

-2025-nola-ps-compensation-manual/download

Salary Offers

Our salary offers reflect a commitment to equity and transparency. Each offer is determined by education, years of experience, and alignment with compensation across similar roles within the district.

Work Environment

Listed below are key points regarding environmental demands and the work environment of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.   

- Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) part of the workday; 

- Required to exert physical effort in handling objects more than 30 pounds rarely; 

- Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals) rarely; 

- Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements rarely; 

- Normal setting for this job is an office/school setting.     

Performance Evaluation

The employee will be evaluated based on the above position using either two methods: via COMPASS or a NOLA-PS evaluating instrument. If the employee holds an Educational Leadership certification, he/she will be evaluated via COMPASS to ensure renewal of certification.

EEOC Statement

NOLA Public Schools is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, national origin, age, marital status, and non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.