Career Center

Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) seeks a General Music Teacher and Choral Director.  This teacher serves as a member of the Fine Arts Department, teaches students in Grades 3, 4, 7, and 8, directs the Upper School choirs (grades 5-8), and reports to the Head of Upper School. 

LFCDS, located on a 30-acre campus about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, is a co-educational, independent day school serving 400 students from age 2 through eighth grade. The School has a long tradition of producing thoughtful, confident, and successful students. Children are known, loved, and challenged at LFCDS, and a state-of-the-art facility provides a remarkable setting for inspired teaching, academic rigor, and attention to individual needs. 

Three Components and Standards of Music at LFCDS:

1. Music Literacy - All students should be proficient in the art of reading music.
2. Music Performance - All students should be proficient with skills in proper audience and performing etiquette. 
3. Music Appreciation - All students should be proficient in critical and active listening and performance analysis.

Qualifications:

• Experience teaching general music and chorus
• Proficient piano skills for classroom teaching and choral accompaniment
• Dedication to teaching skills in music literacy, performance and appreciation.
• Utilize the LFCDS music literacy vocabulary/curriculum.  
• Understanding of age-appropriate choral techniques (vocal health, repertoire)
• Ablility to plan a balanced music program and organizes daily class time so that preparation, rehearsal, and instruction can be accomplished within the allotted time
• Experience preparing students for school concerts and planned music performances
• High expectations for standards of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, productive environment during class time, group rehearsals, and musical performances
• Ability to evaluate each student’s musical growth and performance, assessing each individual’s contribution to the performance of the group, as well as individual skill development
• Professional competence that is consistently maintained through in-service education activities provided by the school/or in self-selected professional growth activities
• Willingness to serve as an Upper School advisor and fill other supervisory roles in which faculty members serve (e.g., lunch and recess supervision)

Professional and Personal Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in music or music education from an accredited college or university is required; a graduate degree and/or additional music training/certification (Dalcroze, Kodaly, Orff, Suzuki, etc.) is a plus. 
• Comfort and experience as an active musical performer
• A willingness to be a part of performing faculty ensembles as a model for students
• Strong communication skills, both as a writer and as a public speaker
• Flexibility in working and collaborating with others 
• Knowledge of relevant educational technology and ability to use in teaching
• Commitment to regular, clear, and appropriate/professional communication with students, colleagues, and parents
• Experience in an independent school environment is a plus.

LFCDS Mission Statement: Inspired teaching, academic rigor, attention to individual needs, a commitment to responsible citizenship—these principles infuse every aspect of life at Lake Forest Country Day School and define our dedication to producing students of strong character with a passion for learning.

LFCDS Core Values: Excellence, Partnership, Responsibility, Participation, Diversity