Aki Kurose Middle - Music Teacher Specialist - 1.0 FTE

About the Role

A classroom teacher fosters and enhances an effective learning environment; facilitates the development or revision of curriculum and instructional materials; establishes learning objectives and standards based upon general District guidelines; provides instruction; counsels, disciplines, and supervises to meet the individual needs of assigned students, and evaluates student performance and progress.

Responsibilities

• Fosters an educational environment conducive to the learning and maturation process of assigned students; plans an instructional program designed to meet individual student needs and whole groups which may include at-risk or special needs youth; prepares lesson plans.
• Uses necessary and appropriate instructional methods and materials suited to the well-being of the students and to the nature of the learning activities, program, and/or curriculum involved; implements established program or curriculum objectives; attends in-service training and continues to improve professional growth through study and experimentation to remain current in methods and techniques for instruction.
• Establishes and implements, in a positive and supportive manner, classroom policies and procedures governing student behavior and conduct; provides guidance, counseling, and discipline to encourage students to meet standards of achievement and conduct; makes referrals for assistance where appropriate.
• Confers with students, parents or guardians, and other staff, maintaining an open positive relationship as appropriate to provide guidance and evaluation, and to encourage student achievement.
• Establishes classroom goals and objectives, in conformation with courses of study specified by State and School District statutes, regulations, and guidelines; evaluates and records student progress; prepares reports for parents or guardians.
• Collects and interprets a variety of data; provides reports for administrative purposes.
• Directs the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel.
• Attends or participates in all required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the District and/or building principal, to accomplish the objectives of the position and for professional achievement.
• Serves on staff committees as required.
• Participates in a variety of activities to enhance personal and professional skills.
• Performs related tasks consistent with the scope and responsibility of the position.

Working Conditions

• Required to deal with a wide range of student achievement and behavior; required to remain flexible to meet students' immediate needs; required to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize; may experience frequent interruptions; may occasionally deal with distraught or difficult students.
• Potentially exposed to ordinary infectious diseases carried by students.
• In some positions, the necessary and appropriate instructional methods may require specific positions and movements, and sufficient stamina and exertions, to demonstrate techniques properly for student safety, or to conduct or direct students.
• In some positions, precautions may need to be taken to prevent or lessen exposure of self and/or students to various materials, fumes, equipment, cutting edges, or hot surfaces.
• May teach in a classroom without telephone communication.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; academic preparation for or experience in teaching a culturally, racially, and economically diverse student population in an urban school system.
• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate; some positions may require valid first aid and CPR certification; some positions may require a valid Washington State driver's license and/or a Class II driver's license.
• Criminal justice and fingerprint check clearance.

Specific programs may require additional academic preparation or professional experience, including working with bilingual students, implementing programs designed to prevent the dropout of "at-risk" students, and teaching multi-level, open-concept, and mainstreamed classes.

Skills

• Subject areas appropriate to assignment.
• Effective behavior management techniques.
• Effective instructional techniques.
• Rules and procedures for student safety.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communications.
• Effective communication with parents or guardians in a diverse community.
• Designing and implementing lesson plans for students having a wide range of achievement.
• Dealing with students in a positive and confident manner.
• Fairness and consistency when working with a culturally, racially, and economically diverse student population.
• Adaptability to change and flexibility.
• Organizing activities and managing student behavior.
• Using good judgment to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Providing instruction and demonstrating techniques.
• Using necessary equipment, computers, machinery, tools, or software.
• Directing assistants.
• In some positions, administering first aid and CPR.
• Establishing and maintaining effective, positive working relationships with students, parents or guardians, staff, and administrators.

Benefits

Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours employees are anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Any employee who is scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year is eligible for benefits. Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule associated with this role and others like it.