Laguna Blanca School is a college preparatory, coeducational day school located on two  campuses in Santa Barbara, California. Grades EK-4 are located on a quaint campus in  Montecito, while Grades 5-12 are located on Laguna’s historic campus in idyllic Hope Ranch.  Laguna Blanca emphasizes its core values of scholarship, character, balance, and community in  its programs.  

POSITION OVERVIEW 

Laguna Blanca School seeks a full-time, inspiring Lower School Performing Arts Instructor who is responsible for teaching music curriculum and preparing students for a variety of performances throughout the school year in Grades EK-4. We seek a candidate who helps students to grow in their foundational knowledge, appreciation, and enjoyment of music, while developing classroom, rehearsal, and performance skills. Culminating community-wide performances are a highlight of the school year, and we seek a candidate who can successfully lead and organize these special events for Laguna Blanca’s Lower School. 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to employment@lagunablanca.org. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Planning and implementing dynamic and developmentally appropriate curriculum for all Lower School music classes for a wide range of learners in the music classroom. 
• Preparing and organizing Gr. EK - 4 performances; managing performance logistics for Lower School students, families, and faculty.
• Planning, teaching, and directing students in two major music performances for the school community: The Winter Concert and The Spring Concert.
• Planning and preparing students for various additional performances throughout the school year. Examples: Grandfriends Day,  FA Family Luncheons, Tecolote Tuesday Assemblies, and 4th Grade Graduation.
• Hosting open music sessions during designated lunch periods for further student music enrichment opportunities. 
• Leading an afterschool Musical Theater program spring semester. Rehearsals begin in January, culminating in a final performance of the show in June.
• Successfully developing and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, students, and families.  
• Enforcing safety and security standards for students, staff, and visitors.
• Maintaining required documentation for individual student files, attendance and incident reports, and other necessary records. 
• Maintaining knowledge of research, developments, and best practices in early education. 
• Performing related tasks such as sponsoring student activities or organizations.

TEACHERS AT LAGUNA  

Laguna seeks a teacher who:

• Demonstrates a passion for teaching and working with children.
• Creates a warm, engaging, safe, and inclusive environment that is conducive to learning and is appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
• Develops innovative, diverse, and inclusive curriculum and assessments that are vertically and horizontally aligned. 
• Differentiates instruction based on needs and learning levels. Sets high academic achievement expectations, while exhibiting knowledge of student cognitive development and various learning styles. 
• Demonstrates content knowledge and passion for the subject area(s).
• Fosters active student learning, helping students work both collaboratively and individually to solve complex authentic problems by incorporating strategies such as project based and experiential learning. Provides opportunities for student engagement through “voice and choice.” 
• Collaborates with colleagues in a process that strives for interdisciplinary connections, enhances existing programs, and meshes with existing courses. 
• Provides timely feedback and communicates effectively with students and families about classroom activities and student progress, including during conferences, via report card narratives, and by maintaining an accurate gradebook.
• Identifies and supports students’ social, emotional, and behavior learning needs.
• Demonstrates cultural competency in their teaching, teamwork, and leadership ability.

• Is committed to the values and the ongoing work of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Encourages and maintains a culture of mutual respect and equitable practice, both in the classroom and in the school community.
• Participates as an ambassador of the school to build and support relationships with all key constituents. This support includes participating in a range of school functions including but not limited to admission, alums, and family events.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES 

• Background in vocal and instrumental instruction 
• Experience and/or ability to rehearse and direct musical theater repertoire
• Basic piano accompaniment skills to support classroom learning and school performances
• Experience preparing shows, organizing performance opportunities, and working collaboratively with team members
• Ability to address a wide range of student learning styles 
• An interest in collegial collaboration, interdisciplinary teaching, curriculum development, and alignment through EK-12 Performing Arts Program
• Use and knowledge of technology in education 
• High energy level and positive attitude  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the proven ability to maintain professionalism and tact in high-stress situations 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Creative analytical and problem-solving skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to traverse school facility and lead students to safety in the event of an emergency
• Occasionally bend, stoop, squat and lift up to 40 lbs as part of job duties
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for school-related events or projects
• Have a current TB Assessment
• Must provide a clear fingerprint test and background check
• Have CPR and First Aid certifications or have the ability to become certified upon employment
• Note: To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to meet the physical requirements and perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. In compliance with federal and state laws, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Please direct inquiries to Angela Jevons, ajevons@lagunablanca.org, 805-969-1085. 
  

QUALIFICATIONS 

The most qualified applicants will have elementary music classroom experience and must  possess a strong desire to take an active role in the classroom. Candidates should be  technologically proficient and possess excellent communication skills. Bachelor's Degree and  experience expected, advanced degree and teaching credential preferred. 

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this role is $52,000 - $110,000 and is dependent upon years of experience.  Benefits include medical, dental, vision and retirement.

Laguna Blanca School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin,  religion, creed, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or  any characteristic that is legally protected under applicable local, state, or federal law. This  nondiscrimination policy includes but is not limited to admission, financial aid, educational  programs, athletics, and employment.

About Laguna Blanca School

Connections working at Laguna Blanca School