Lead Music Teacher (K-8)

Start Date: August 2021

Open Window School seeks a full-time K-8 Music Teacher for the 2021-22 school-year. We are future-focused with this position and we seek a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative music educator who has a strong vision for the development of a cohesive K-8 music program in conjunction with our entire performing arts department. Successful candidates will have a proven track record of effective teaching, a plan for building a strong music program in the middle school, and a demonstrated commitment to the foundational program of the lower school.

Open Window School is the only Seattle-area Eastside independent school dedicated to meeting the needs of students identified as gifted. We provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where students are supported socially and emotionally as well as intellectually and academically. Total K-8 enrollment is currently 355 students.

This full-time position involves teaching kindergarten through fourth grade classes as a part of our Lower School program and fifth through eighth grade as a part of our Middle School program. A successful candidate will inspire bright students with a creative and innovative curriculum. An understanding of and appreciation for the developmental needs of students is essential. Class sizes are typically limited to 18-21 students. Other responsibilities include participation in weekly department and faculty meetings, before and after school rehearsals, and attendance at some evening, weekend, and overnight activities.

The ideal candidate will have experience teaching choir and voice in a classroom setting, as well as a full range of general music including movement and music literacy. In your application materials, please outline your experience with classroom music teaching and directing K-8 choir and/or instrumental ensembles. Please also include your primary instrument(s) and capacity to incorporate music technology including DAW’s and remote learning platforms for music

Open Window School is currently teaching music class in distance program mode for all students. While we hope we will be teaching in-person in 2021-22, the successful candidate will have the flexibility and strategies to teach a music program both online and in-person. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions in vocal and instrumental music, we are still committed to developing and supporting a high-quality music program.

Requirements include:

Applicants must meet these requirements to be considered for the position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education or related field
• At least three years of experience working with lower and/or middle school students
• Successful experience in designing and leading music classes
• An interest in collaborating with colleagues to build a robust and diverse K-8 performing arts program
• An interest in the social-emotional development of children from early childhood through early adolescents
• Supportive of the school’s Diversity Commitment, in which we embrace both our commonalities and complex range of differences that enrich our school

The following are not required, but would enhance a candidate’s application:

• Experience with students identified as gifted
• Teaching certificate or relevant coursework
• Training in Responsive Classroom

Compensation & Benefits: 

This is an exempt, faculty position, not eligible for overtime.  Work schedule is generally 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Tuesdays until 5:00 PM for faculty meetings. Teachers may be requested to attend other events, such as overnight field trips, Saturday Admissions visits, and/or leading or officiating auxiliary program practices, games, or competitions. 

This position is eligible for Medical & Dental, Life, LTD, HRA/FSA & retirement benefits.

Pay is commensurate with education and experience.

Please consult the Open Window School Lead Teacher Salary Schedule on the careers page of https://www.openwindowschool.org/about/career-opportunities

For more information about our school, visit www.openwindowschool.org.  

Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, your resume, and answers to the Diversity Commitment Questions below. Applicants must submit an answer to both of the following Diversity Commitment Questions as a single word or pdf document:

1. Describe how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in your current or prior job. If necessary, candidates can draw upon their experience in community organizations if professional experience is limited.
2. Describe a time when you were in the minority (in thought or person). How has this or other situations affected the way in which you participate when you are in a diverse group?

Please be prepared to provide 3-5 professional references and one personal reference if requested. If you are unable to apply online, you are welcome to fax your resume, cover letter, and answers to the Diversity Commitment Questions to 425-644-6320. 

Open Window School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, or other status legally protected by local, state, or federal law. We encourage minority applicants and applicants with non-traditional backgrounds to apply.