Interim Lower School Music Teacher (2026-2027 Academic Year)

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Interim Lower School Music Teacher (2026-2027 Academic Year)

Department: Lower School - Music

Location: Greenleaf, Milton Academy Campus, Milton, MA

Hours: Full-time with the flexibility to work nights and weekends

FLSA: Exempt

Classification: Faculty (Academic Year)

Milton Academy is an independent college preparatory K–12 school, boarding and day in grades 9–12, located just south of Boston.

Milton Academy cultivates in its students a passion for learning and a respect for others. Embracing diversity and the pursuit of excellence, we create a community in which individuals develop competence, confidence and character. Our active learning environment, in and out of the classroom, develops creative and critical thinkers, unafraid to express their ideas, prepared to seek meaningful lifetime success and to live by our motto, “Dare to be true.”

Summary of Position:

The Lower School seeks a full-time music teacher to cover the 2026-2027 school year.

Please note that this is a one-year position for 2026-27; the position may be eligible for renewal depending on school needs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Teach general music to Grades K-5.

• Plan and implement a balanced program to include music appreciation, harmony, theory, choral music, instrumental music, and the historical and cultural aspects of music.

• Conduct Grade 5 Glee Club.

• Plan and oversee all music performances and events that include music presentations, including Lower School concerts, assemblies, and end-of-year ceremonies.

• Provide musical direction for the annual Grade 5 play production.

• Support the planning of Lower School assemblies.

• Have optional opportunities to teach after-school music classes.

Qualified candidates will have:

• At least three years of experience teaching elementary classroom music

• Demonstrated ability and skill with age-appropriate music

• Experience sequencing for healthy vocal development

• Strong piano or guitar skills

• Training in Orff and/or Kodaly methodology is preferred

• Degree in music education is preferred

Teaching and Curriculum

• Design and implement dynamic, age-appropriate, and comprehensive music lesson plans that align with the school’s curricular goals for each grade level (K- 5).

• Integrate inquiry-based learning approaches that foster student engagement, curiosity, and critical thinking.

• Participate in the life of the school outside the classroom, including faculty meetings, assemblies, assigned lunch, recess, drop-off and pick-up duties, and advising student activities.

• Create a student-centered learning atmosphere that fosters a positive classroom environment that encourages student participation and discussion.

• Adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.

• Stay informed about the latest developments in elementary music education, trends, and innovations, and incorporate these into the program.

• Learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion in education; incorporate related principles into curriculum design, teaching, and student engagement.

• Collaborate with K-5 colleagues and specialist teachers to create interdisciplinary learning experiences.

• Assess and evaluate student performance through assignments, projects, and observations.

• Actively support students, providing mentorship and academic guidance.

• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues regarding academic progress.

• Generate timely and comprehensive comments for each student, providing a well-rounded perspective on their academic performance.

• Collaborate with colleagues to develop inter-departmental and cross-divisional projects and initiatives, such as the K-12 winter assembly.

Community

• Be a visible, accessible presence around campus.

• Contribute to creating a positive community culture that ensures students are heard, seen, valued, and cared for.

• Share in the enforcement of our expectations for students.

• Actively participate in greater community enrichment activities, such as advising a student activity, acting as a faculty sponsor to a student club, coaching an athletic team, leading an intramural sport or acting as an affinity group advisor.

Other Professional Expectations and Responsibilities

• Work cooperatively with students, parents, peers, administration, and community members.

• Act in a manner that is respectful, generous toward others, supportive of colleagues, and based in a belief in the competence and good intentions of all members of the community.

• Communicate openly and promptly, supporting colleagues, students, and the integrity of the institution in conversations with students and parents.

• Create and maintain classroom and campus environments that are open and flexible, reflecting the school’s values related to diversity, equity, and belonging.

• Strive to grow and improve professionally, demonstrating a commitment to continuing professional development in alignment with the upper school’s growth statements.

• Exhibit skills in collaborative problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.

• Meet deadlines.

• Attend all school-wide, divisional, and faculty meetings and events and serve on committees as required.

• Prepare for and participate in opening of school programming, family visit days, graduation, and all other key student/family moments that are part of the school calendar.

• Complete school-required training.

• Abide by the school’s policies and procedures as outlined in the provided handbooks.

• Communicate with the appropriate supervisor when unable to meet any professional obligation.

Supervision to be received: Supervised by the Lower and Middle School Principal.

Supervision to be exercised: None.

Education/Certification/Licensure

Required: A bachelor’s degree in elementary education, music education, or a related field

Preferred: A master’s degree in elementary education, music education, or a related field

Experience

Required: A minimum of three years of proven experience in teaching and creating curriculum in elementary music education

Preferred: Experience working in an independent boarding / day school

Competencies

Required:

• Proficiency in music curriculum creation and instruction.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated computer expertise, including proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud.

• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituencies.

• Understanding of confidentiality and related issues.

• Receptive to supervision and professional development.

• Desire to be a part of a dynamic educational community.

Physical Abilities

Required:

• Must be able to work at a computer for up to 8 hours each day in conjunction with OSHA requirements.

• Must be able to teach in a classroom setting and use relevant instructional technology.

• Must be able to move around the Milton Academy campus without restriction.

• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.

All interested internal candidates must complete an application for promotion or transfer and inform your supervisor as soon as possible.

The essential functions and basic skills have been included in this job description; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

Milton Academy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of any category protected by federal, state, or local law, including but not limited to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, citizenship or national or ethnic origin.