Dexter Southfield is an independent school where boys and girls in Pre-K through Class 12 develop their individual talents and build an ethical foundation for life. Students learn to lead and serve with character, confidence, and compassion. Our 36-acre campus is located on the Brookline-Boston line, just minutes from the city’s best museums, libraries, hospitals, performing arts venues, colleges, and universities, all of which serve as an extension of our classrooms. At Dexter Southfield, we approach everything we do with enthusiasm and commitment, living by our School’s motto: “Our Best Today, Better Tomorrow.”

Position Overview: 

Dexter Southfield School seeks a dynamic and passionate Upper Elementary Music Teacher to join our Lower School faculty. This position focuses on general music instruction and chorus for students in Grades 4 and 5. The ideal candidate will foster a love of music while building foundational skills through a joyful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. A strong knowledge of solfège, Orff-Schulwerk methodology, and choral instruction is essential. The music teacher is a key member of our performing arts team, contributing to the School’s vibrant community life through concerts, assemblies, and special events.

Responsibilities:

• Teach general music classes to students in upper elementary grades, promoting active participation, creativity, and musical literacy.
• Direct grade-level and/or combined Class 4/5 choruses, including leading regular rehearsals and organizing performances.
• Integrate solfège into daily instruction to build students’ ear training and sight-singing skills.
• Incorporate Orff instruments and movement into lessons to enhance experiential learning.
• Design and implement a developmentally appropriate, sequential music curriculum aligned with the school’s mission and educational philosophy.
• Prepare and lead student performances for seasonal concerts, special assemblies, and other school events.
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages student confidence and collaboration.
• Collaborate with the Performing Arts Department and classroom teachers on interdisciplinary projects, performances, and integrated learning experiences.
• Maintain and manage music materials and equipment.
• Communicate proactively and warmly with students, parents, and colleagues.

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Music, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Teaching experience at the elementary level, preferably in an independent school setting.
• Strong proficiency in teaching solfège, Orff methodology, and choral techniques.
• Comfort with a broad range of musical styles and an openness to diverse repertoire.
• Piano proficiency (for accompanying rehearsals and performances) preferred.
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• A growth mindset and commitment to ongoing professional development.
• A warm, energetic, and student-centered approach to teaching.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification or formal training in Orff-Schulwerk and/or Kodály methodology.
• Experience with musical theater production or ensemble directing is a plus.

Requirements: 

This job requires one to lift, carry, push, and/or pull materials and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds, as well as the ability to stand, sit, walk, and effective use extremities to reach, hold, touch, push, pull, lift, and carry. Incumbent must also effectively communicate (oral, written, non-verbal) with others. This job typically requires 35% sitting, 35% walking, and 30% standing and is performed under minimal temperature variations in a generally hazard-free environment. Depending on the classroom assignment, this role may require one to relocate classrooms throughout the day and require ascending and descending stairs. Incumbents will occasionally be required to work extended hours, including after school, during evenings, and on weekends.

Dexter Southfield’s 36-acre campus is composed of several buildings, playing fields, and outdoor learning spaces, which are accessible via internal and external walkways, stairs, nature paths, hills, and uneven terrain. This position requires one to transfer between these areas in all weather conditions.

 All employees of Dexter Southfield are required to verify employment eligibility and successfully complete CORI, SORI, and fingerprint-based background checks as a condition of employment.

About Dexter Southfield

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