Early Education & Elementary Music Teacher

Position Summary

Pilgrim School in Los Angeles, California, is seeking a humble, driven, and relational music instructor who will bring a joy for music into our classrooms. We are looking for a diverse educator who is a humble team player, a driven professional committed to student growth, and a relational communicator who fosters strong connections with students, families, and peers. The ideal candidate teaches music, singing, movement, and instrumentation with a desire to engage children and immerse them in the wonder of music. This individual will work with young children who are eager to explore and create. At Pilgrim School, the success of our students is directly connected to the success of our teachers. As such, the Music Teacher is responsible for the creative growth of our students (ages 2–11). The teacher works collaboratively to plan and implement age-appropriate lessons, use a mastery-based grading system, and implement curriculum as established by the school, state, and nation. As a vital part of the larger Pilgrim School community, the Music Teacher actively participates in school events and maintains honest, frequent, and direct communication with parents.

Major Areas of Responsibility

Successful candidates will embody our Core Behaviors—Humility, Drive, and a Relational approach—as they perform the following duties:

• Create a healthy and safe learning environment that demonstrates respect for all and supports student success.
• Cultivate a positive and inclusive classroom culture where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to engage in musical exploration.
• Resolve conflicts between students by addressing complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances.
• Prepare materials and lessons for class activities.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
• Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting integrative learning, following approved curricula.
• Use formative and summative assessments to evaluate and report on student progress throughout the school year.
• Plan and supervise class projects, Winter and Spring concerts, and other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
• Assure that material shared with students is diverse in nature and inclusive in content.
• Participation in weekly Professional Learning Community activities.
• Desire to grow professionally.
• Communicate and partner effectively with the Head of Elementary Division, parents, and fellow faculty to support student learning.
• Collaborate with Secondary Music Teacher on projects, school wide concerts, and curriculum planning.
• Collaborate as a member of the Arts Department; attend department meetings representing Elementary and Early Education Music.
• Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of elementary school programs.
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops in order to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Attend staff meetings, and serve on committees as required.
• Participation in supervision of students including open studio time if assigned.

Skills

Professional & Pedagogical Skills:

• Music Instruction: Expertise in diverse pedagogical practices, including Orff Methodology and instrumental/choral instruction, with a focus on student creativity and assessments.
• Learning Strategies: Applying appropriate instructional methods and procedures tailored to specific educational situations.
• Performance Coordination: Experience planning and managing school-wide concerts and musical events.

Core Competencies:

• Communication & Literacy: High proficiency in active listening, written communication, and English language structure/grammar.
• Resource Management: Effective time management and the ability to leverage technological tools to enhance student learning outcomes.

Required Qualifications & Preferred Background

Education & Certification:

• BA or BS degree (Higher education welcomed).
• Teaching Credential preferred.

Professional Experience:

• Experience in an independent school setting is highly preferred, as it aligns with our mastery-based and community-focused culture.
• Familiarity with National Arts Standards.
• Knowledge of concert production and management.

Instructional Expertise:

• Specialty in Music; passion for fostering creativity in young children.
• Proficiency in choral/instrumental music, Rhythm & Movement, and Orff Methodology.
• Experience incorporating technology (e.g., GarageBand).
• Familiarity with (or willingness to train in) mastery-based grading.

Personal Attributes:

• High energy and engaging instructional style.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills.
• If you do not meet all qualifications but feel you are a good fit for this position, we welcome your submission.

Supervision

The Early Education & Elementary Music Teacher reports to the Director of Early Education & Elementary.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary range: $71,000–$92,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications.
• Full and robust range of medical, dental and vision benefits.
• Participation in a 403b retirement plan, with employer match up to 4%.
• Life insurance.
• More information about all benefits will be provided during the interview process.

Timeline and Start Date

• The position is currently accepting resumes and cover letters.
• Start date: August 14 or as soon after this date as possible.
• Employment is subject to Live Scan clearance and reference checks prior to beginning employment.