Music Teacher K-8

One City Schools | Madison, Wisconsin
Full-Time or Part-Time

About The Role

As a K–8 Music Teacher, you will build a vibrant, developmentally aligned music program where Scholars explore rhythm, voice, instruments, performance, and creative expression. You will cultivate a classroom that is predictable, joyful, and grounded in strong routines — a place where Scholars feel safe taking risks, expressing themselves, and discovering what music can unlock inside them. Rooted in The One City Way, EL Education, and our CRISP Habits of Character—Compassion, Risk, Integrity, Self-Respect, and Persistence, you’ll help Scholars develop musicianship, confidence, collaboration, and character. You’ll also be part of a school community built on Crew, our belief that we are responsible for one another’s success.

Responsibilities

• Instruction & Classroom Culture
  • Teach engaging, developmentally appropriate music lessons for grades K–8
  • Build a warm, joyful, structured classroom aligned with The One City Way
  • Differentiate instruction for multilingual learners and Scholars with IEPs
  • Use EL-aligned strategies to develop ownership, creativity, and mastery
  • Maintain strong routines that promote active, student-driven learning
• Performance & Program Design
  • Lead concerts, sharings, and exhibitions of learning
  • Develop and refine a K–8 music scope and sequence
  • Integrate music into interdisciplinary projects and real-world learning
  • Create opportunities for Scholars to explore musical interests and performance
• Assessment & Academic Growth
  • Use formative and summative assessments to guide instruction
  • Provide timely feedback that nurtures growth and confidence
  • Maintain accurate records aligned with schoolwide standards
• Family & Community Partnership
  • Build strong, joyful relationships with families
  • Engage families and community partners in performances and celebrations
  • Communicate proactively and positively about Scholar progress
• Collaboration & Professional Learning
  • Work closely with grade-level teams, specials teachers, and instructional leaders
  • Participate in coaching, professional development, and EL training
  • Support schoolwide routines (arrival, transitions, lunch, recess, dismissal)
  • Contribute positively to a collaborative, mission-driven staff culture

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education or related field
• Valid Wisconsin teaching license in Music K–8, or eligibility to obtain
• Demonstrated skill in general music education (voice, rhythm, notation, ensemble)
• Experience working with diverse children and families
• Commitment to restorative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practice

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in K–8 or urban school settings
• Ability to teach choir, percussion, or instrumental ensemble
• Experience with music technology or digital production
• Experience with EL Education or project-based learning
• Bilingual or multicultural experience

Skills

You might be a great fit if you:

• Build affirming, trusting relationships with children
• Thrive in collaborative, team-oriented environments
• Stay grounded, patient, and compassionate in moments of challenge
• Believe that music opens doors to belonging, identity, confidence, and joy
• Embrace culturally responsive and inclusive teaching
• See character development and academic learning as inseparable
• Want to be part of a school community where rituals, joy, and belonging matter

Benefits

Comprehensive Package

• Competitive salary based on education and experience
• 11-month schedule aligned to the school calendar
• 14 PTO days plus paid holidays, winter break, and spring break
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with 5.9% employer matching
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program

Unique One City Benefits

• On-campus infant and early learning care with discounted tuition
• Homeownership support through the Own-It Program ($19,000 down payment grants)
• Admission priority for age-eligible children of employees

Pay

Salary Range: $50k to $80k (Full-time; will be pro-rated for part-time), depending on qualifications and experience

About One City Schools

One City Schools is a public charter school system serving children from birth through middle school in Madison, Wisconsin. Our mission is to seed a new model of public education that ensures children are on track to succeed from birth through high school graduation. We are redefining what’s possible in public education by combining academic excellence with deep community partnership, innovation, and love. One City was awarded the 2025 Wisconsin Innovation Award for education, honoring visionaries whose bold ideas are transforming their fields.

A Model That Delivers Results

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has recognized both our elementary and middle schools for “Exceeding Expectations” in academic growth and closing achievement gaps. Our Scholars consistently outperform statewide peers. Our middle school students grow faster than 98% of students across Wisconsin, and elementary Scholars surpass 75% of their peers. We serve the highest percentage of Black students in Dane County, along with many multilingual learners and students from low-income households, while still achieving some of the strongest academic gains in the region. Our results show that opportunity and achievement gaps are not inevitable, and that children thrive when supported with high expectations, strong routines, joyful learning, and a community that believes in their potential.