Teaching Artist, Music Discovery Program
Position Summary
The Teaching Artist for Ravinia’s Music Discovery Program (MDP) will report directly to the Project Manager of Reach Teach Play education programs. This role is an essential player in bringing vibrant music residencies directly into Chicago Public Schools and is an energetic, deeply passionate musician and educator who thrives on collaboration with classroom teachers.
Key Responsibilities
Planning & Curriculum Design
- Create and deliver classroom lesson plans for each session visit, ensuring that each lesson plan implements music activities based on Ravinia’s professional learning workshops
- Prepare accurate rehearsal tracks/videos for teachers to use in their classroom
Collaboration & Communication
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to jointly design, plan, and implement both the residency unit and individual musical lessons
- Communicate regularly with Reach Teach Play Program staff and classroom teachers to plan and assess program effectiveness, communicate classroom schedules, rehearsals, and performance dates and times
Program Execution & Assessment
- Co-produce a culminating final performance to display student learning and work, at the assigned school and at Ravinia
- Continually assess the progress of classroom ensemble growth through informal assessment strategies
Professional Development
- Participate in professional learning workshops for teaching artists and classroom teachers (dates TBD)
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Strong, confident singer with a clear understanding of young singers' vocal ranges and abilities
- Experience working with groups of children in diverse educational settings, particularly in grades Kindergarten through 3rd-grade students
- Experience developing and delivering lesson plans
- Comfortable communicating with classroom teachers, school administrators, and RTP staff
- Highly organized and punctual
- Must have reliable transportation to travel to school sites and Ravinia
- A creative, flexible, and adaptive mindset—eager to learn and incorporate new teaching strategies
Education and Experience
- Strong background in music, music education, or related field
- Experience and desire to work with children and teachers from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds
- Bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education preferred) or equivalent job experience
Success Factors / Metrics
- Program Completion: Successful completion of all assigned 12, 10, 8, and 5-week residencies
- Program Materials: Submission of residency overviews, lesson plans, and schedules as required
- Collaboration: Strong collaborative partnerships demonstrated by seamless co-design and co-implementation of lessons with classroom teachers
- Showcases: Successful coordination and execution of culminating student presentations at both the school site and the Ravinia Days festival
- Professionalism: Consistent demonstration of professionalism and commitment to Reach Teach Play’s guiding principles
Work Environment and Culture
- Working on-site during the school day, teaching Kindergarten through 3rd-grade classes in general classrooms within assigned Chicago Public Elementary School(s) located within the city boundaries, typically 1-2 days per week, depending on residency length
- Occasional travel to Ravinia and other Chicago Public School locations for professional learning workshops
- Interaction with young students, classroom teachers, and school administrators, where the safety of the students is paramount
Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to confidential resources that support mental health, well-being, and work-life balance
Chicago Paid Leave: Eligibility for paid time off in accordance with the City of Chicago’s Paid Leave Ordinance
Chicago Sick Leave: Accrued sick leave in compliance with Chicago Sick Leave requirements, available for personal illness or to care for eligible family members
Ravinia is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We encourage individuals of all identities and abilities to apply.