25/26 Full-Time Elementary/Middle School Music Teacher

REPORTS TO:  Head of Upper School & Head of Lower School

 MISSION STATEMENT

In an environment that is safe, challenging, nurturing, and disciplined, Valley School provides a balanced and strong program of study for a diverse group of children.  Our goal is to stimulate in each young person lifelong habits of moral behavior, seeking wisdom, and doing good works for others.

THE ROLE

Valley School of Ligonier is an independent day school serving students in grades K-8. We are strongly rooted in our founding mission and core values, which emphasize holistic wellness, wisdom, integrity, and community. We are well known for our robust and balanced academic curriculum and the inclusion of arts and athletics in every child’s daily schedule. Valley School’s music curriculum focuses on the development of vocal skills, music literacy, and music expression that culminates with confidence in performance skills and experience with a variety of musical styles. In addition to expertise in teaching a variety of instruments, including brass, strings, guitar, and handbells, the ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic individual who has demonstrated a passion for music education/literacy and understands the development of a child’s voice.  A specialization in woodwind instruments and the ability to play the piano are preferred to complement the existing team of brass and string faculty. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and teach general music and music skills to grades 1-4, including music literacy and vocal development
• Direct the Handbell Choir and teach a music appreciation course for grades 7 and 8
• Teach beginning 4th-grade flute and clarinets, 5th and 6th-grade flute and clarinet lessons, plan performance music and rehearsals for 5th-8th grade woodwind ensembles, and support the instrumental program
• Plan and prepare repertoire for school performances, concerts, and musicals in collaboration with music department colleagues
• Support middle school choral program and school musical
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop and implement an engaging music curriculum and enhance instructional practices and strategies
• Regularly assess students’ progress by observing and evaluating performance and development of skills and provide appropriate and timely feedback to students and families.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and commitment to professional growth as a music teacher.
• Identify and respond to the individual students learning differences and create enrichment opportunities; differentiate instruction to meet the needs of various learners.
• Participate collaboratively and professionally with other faculty and staff to promote the general well-being of the school community in a manner that supports and promotes the Mission and Core Values of Valley School.
• Attend faculty meetings and fulfill other faculty obligations.
• Participate in the life of the school, including scheduled extra duties, school-related conferences, training, committee work, and where possible, attending after-hours events that reflect a commitment to the success of the school and the development of the whole child.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated teaching experience in a classroom setting
• Exhibits effective written and oral communication skills
• Passion for working and engaging with energetic Elementary and Middle School students

QUALIFICATIONS

• Teaching Certification in Music Education preferred
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree

SALARY/BENEFITS

Valley School of Ligonier is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding employees through a competitive total compensation package.  Salary and benefits are based on industry standards. 

TO APPLY

Qualified applicants should email the following documents to Jennifer Fretts, Director of Human Resources at [email protected] • Cover letter • Resume • List of three professional references

Valley School of Ligonier, founded in 1946, is a coeducational day school located on a 400-acre rural campus southeast of Pittsburgh.  Valley School aims to provide a balanced and strong program of study for a diverse group of children.  The school has roughly 180 students in grades K-8 with about half of those in the Middle School division.  VSL is committed to the professional growth and development of its faculty and staff.  For more information about VSL, please visit:  www.valleyschoolofligonier.org

The Valley School of Ligonier seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body.  The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, national or ethnic origin, physical disability or age.