Ambleside School Music Teacher (PT)

Job Description

Job Description

The Organization:

As a Christ-centered K–12 school, Ambleside Colorado fosters educational renewal based on Charlotte Mason’s philosophy and practice. We have served the Denver-metro community since 2010 by providing a living education to students and families. We have a new campus opening in Englewood, CO, in addition to their established campus in Lone Tree, CO.

The philosophy of education developed by British educator Charlotte Mason shapes our curriculum and method. Her focus on engaging children with the best of creation and attention to habit-formation are models that remain relevant and poignant in guiding today’s children toward lives of purpose, character, and excellence.

The Position:

The Music Teacher at Ambleside Colorado leads the music program for students across both the Lone Tree and Englewood campuses. The role combines classroom music instruction grounded in the Tonic Sol-Fa (Kodaly) method and the Ambleside/Charlotte Mason philosophy with the preparation and conducting of three school-wide musical performances each year. The position is offered as a part-time (20-25hrs/week) appointment split across two campuses.

Classroom Atmosphere

•  Prepares an optimal classroom atmosphere for the student free of encroachments of personality, rewards, incentives, and punishments

•  Keeps a classroom environment conducive to the educational needs of students, organized, neat, and free of clutter

•  Takes responsibility for the care and maintenance of classroom materials and instruments, and brings the children into this responsibility

•  Establishes positive relationships with each student and parent

•  Assists in helping each student develop academically, musically, spiritually, relationally, and physically

Academic Excellence

•  Follows the curriculum guide and uses the resources provided or approved by the school. For music, this includes utilizing the Tonic Sol-Fa (Kodaly) method and Ambleside-approved musical selections

•  Prepares for classes with familiarity with texts and materials, prepared lesson plans, and open-ended questions

•  Adheres to the philosophy and practice of Charlotte Mason as ascribed by Ambleside Schools International

•  Assists students in areas of musical or academic weakness through additional support or work, including coaching parents on how to support

•  Models a love for learning and a love for music for the students

•  Seeks continually to broaden personal understanding of Charlotte Mason’s philosophy and improve practice of her methods

•  Continues to pursue excellence in profession by retaining a learning posture

Music Performances

The Music Teacher will prepare for and conduct three school-wide musical performances each school year:

•  Veterans Day Program

•  Christmas Candlelight Service

•  End of Year Chapel

The Music Teacher coordinates with the Head of School, Campus Principals, and administration to ensure student and staff preparation and excellence of each program.

Professionalism

•  Pursues excellence with humility

•  Accepts responsibility for the safety and physical well-being of the children under his or her supervision, following all school guidelines

•  Protects the privacy and confidentiality of each student

•  Exhibits discretion and appropriate boundaries in conversations with other colleagues, staff members, board members, parents, students, and the community

•  Communicates effectively and respectfully with parents concerning their child

•  Notifies the principal promptly of behavior or academic difficulties with students, problems with parents, or other pressing administrative concerns

•  Maintains complete reports and records for each student

•  Supports and enhances building a culture of open and candid communication among school peers and leadership

•  Remains committed to building a respect-based community

Peacemaking

•  Offers guidance to students for making peace with others

•  Promptly and respectfully addresses conflicts with others following biblical principles (includes parents, students, staff members, Board members, and the community)

•  Promotes a spirit of unity within the school — believing the best of others and speaking the truth in love

•  Addresses issues with the ‘owner’ of the infraction directly before and in place of going to others

•  Avoids the fueling and furthering of rumors

•  Supports leadership decisions (among staff, colleagues, parents, and students), after appropriately expressing disagreements in private

•  Demonstrates a spirit of cooperation, teamwork, and partnership with leadership, colleagues, and staff

Other Expectations

•  To be prompt, present, and attentive in performing services during the normal working hours of the school day

•  To perform duties pertinent to arrival/dismissal with other teachers and staff

•  To make available Friday afternoons, until 3:45 pm, for staff and professional meetings. If meetings end earlier, remaining time until 3:45 is for teacher planning at school (part-time employees, see assigned hours)

•  To attend the in-service trainings and workdays noted on the calendar (part-time employees, check with principal in advance for individual expectations)

•  To hold parent/teacher conferences as published on the school calendar and when individually requested by parents

•  To participate in all Parent Teacher Conferences and Meetings

•  To attend all Community Events, at least three Ambleside Evening meetings, and Open Houses as requested

•  To attend weekly devotions and meetings with staff when scheduled

•  To participate in school-wide events published in the school calendar

•  To participate in available training, including local customized programs, Internships, and the Summer Institute

•  To perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) minimum. A degree or significant coursework in music, music education, or a related field is strongly preferred.

•  Familiarity with the Tonic Sol-Fa (Kodaly) method and the Ambleside / Charlotte Mason philosophy is preferred; willingness to learn and grow in both is required.

•  Background in vocal training and experience directing a choir strongly preferred.

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