SY26-27: Lower School Lead Music Teacher

About the role

The El Sistema-inspired music program is central to the community at Bridge Boston. Every Bridge Boston student participates in our instrumental music program starting in first grade. Through daily ensemble-based rehearsals, students learn not only how to play, listen to, and appreciate music; they also learn how to persevere through challenges, to hold themselves to high standards, and to achieve in ways that they may not have expected.

Responsibilities

• Instructional Leadership in Grades 1-4
• Effectively develop and lead standards-based & curriculum aligned instructional music lessons in Grades 1 - 4 that will ultimately ensure Bridge Boston Scholars are academically ready and prepared to meet and/or exceed state and national standards.
• Adapt and build upon existing curriculum to plan lessons in Grades 1 - 4 that are engaging and motivating for our students and that leverage best practices learned from PD and coaching.
• Continue to develop specialized music instruction to support upper school music instruction, including but not limited to viola, cello, and double bass.
• Work collaboratively to ensure that unit and lesson plans are aligned with school music program’s vision and priorities.
• Work collaboratively with teaching teammates to create and share lesson plans in a timely manner.
• Proactively communicate with our students’ families to ensure that they understand what their child is learning and how they can support their child’s academic growth and achievement.
• Classroom Culture & Management
• Establish and maintain high standards of student behavior needed to achieve optimal learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Hold students accountable for meeting high behavioral expectations, while still working relentlessly to build positive relationships and implement restorative practices with young people.
• Provide a functional and attractive environment in the classroom conducive for learning.
• Use our Morning Meeting SEL block to plan and deliver explicit social-emotional learning lessons.
• Adhere to & promote Bridge’s systems and policies for maintaining a positive and productive school culture.
• Assessment
• Administer assessments in a variety of forms (e.g. daily exit tickets, unit assessments, literacy & math diagnostics, etc) in accordance with our instructional vision and priorities.
• Use scholar work and assessment data to inform instruction and targeted intervention that drives student achievement; and
• Evaluate students’ academic and social growth, keep appropriate records, prepare student reports and communicate regularly with families regarding their child's progress.
• Professional Growth & Responsibilities
• Actively engage with grade level, division level, and school-wide professional development and coaching by demonstrating a willingness to continuously grow through practice and feedback.
• Communicate proactively and constructively with peers and supervisors about ways to improve the overall school experience for students and staff.
• Supervise students and maintain high expectations for behavior during out-of-classroom activities (e.g. hallway transitions, assemblies, lunch and recess, etc)
• Submit attendance, behavior and academic reports in a timely manner.
• Participate in required family engagement activities such as curriculum nights, parent-teacher conferences, school music concerts, and other cultural events.
• Adhere to Bridge Boston’s Staff and Employee Handbook policies

Qualifications

• Must have completed MTEL by the end of their first year with Bridge Boston or have MA teacher certification
• Proficiency in a string instrument and a master’s degree in music education strongly preferred
• At least 3 to 4 years’ experience teaching music in an elementary or middle school
• Excellent organizational skills, personal skills and the willingness to be a team player
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Real commitment to life-long learning
• Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity; believes in the value of diversity
• CPR and First-Aid certification or a willingness to obtain them