The Middle School Teacher and Band Director at Ransom Everglades is a full-time faculty member reporting to the Performing Arts Department Chair. This position is responsible for teaching a combination of classes in the Middle School Performing Arts curriculum and promoting lifelong learning while engaging and supporting a diverse student body in a value-based community. This faculty member supports the school’s value for inquiry-based, student-centered learning, emphasis on global perspectives, and ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach five band classes, including beginning, intermediate, and advanced ensembles as applicable per school year.
• Develop and implement a curriculum that supports musical skill development, literacy, and ensemble performance.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners with varying levels of musical experience.
• Integrate technology, music theory, and listening skills into classroom instruction.
• Conduct grade-level and full band ensembles in rehearsals and performances.
• Prepare students for concerts, assemblies, festivals, and special school events.
• Select repertoire appropriate for middle school musicians and aligned with program goals.
• Coordinate program operations, including managing instruments, collaborating on the band budget, and organizing performance logistics, i.e., venues, setup, and transportation.
• Deliver engaging and effective lessons to students in grades 6-8, using a variety of instructional strategies to cater to different learning styles.
• Create and administer assessments to measure student learning and progress. This includes quizzes, tests, projects, and cumulative exams.
• Provide thoughtful, individualized feedback and support to students who need extra help, including tutoring during office hours before or after school. Provide individual or small?group instrument coaching as needed.
• Maintain a positive, structured, and disciplined learning environment that fosters student engagement and respect for the subject matter.
• Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in music education and pedagogy.
• Regularly communicate with parents about their child's progress, including through parent-teacher conferences and progress reports.
• Work collaboratively with other faculty members, especially within the Performing Arts department, to share resources, strategies, and insights.
• Participate in section meetings, department meetings, all-school meetings, and multi-day meetings at the beginning and end of the school year, and professional development meetings.
• Actively engage in the school community by attending events, contributing to school initiatives, and supporting the school's mission.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience teaching band at the middle school level, ideally in an independent school environment.
• Proficiency in modern band pedagogy, including experience instructing woodwind, brass, percussion pedagogy, or rhythm section instruments, and/or expertise in electronic music production and digital composition.
• Strong conducting, rehearsal, and classroom management skills.
• Proficient with technology, including Google Suite, interactive whiteboards, and textbook platforms. Experience with music production or educational technology (e.g., SmartMusic Cloud, Noteflight, or other music notation program) preferred.
• Collaborative approach with other colleagues, including sharing resources and communicating about curriculum and students.
• Demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to teach engaging, communicative, student-centered classes for middle school students.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Dependable, with excellent attendance and timely completion of tasks.
• Collaborative and professional, building positive relationships within the school community.
• Ability to direct or assist with jazz band, chamber groups, or other ensembles.
• Willingness to contribute to school traditions and co-curricular arts programming.

Performance Factors

Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time and is seldom absent from work. Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.

Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the School.

Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others, including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the School. The employee exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships.

About Ransom Everglades School

Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is an independent coeducational day school located in the historic bayside neighborhood of Coconut Grove within the City of Miami. Guided by the words of founder Paul C. Ransom, Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are put into this world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it.” Total enrollment is 1,168 students in grades 6-12. At Ransom Everglades, you will find a diverse, inclusive and welcoming community whether you arrive to our school as a student, teacher, staff member or administrator. We take pride in our long tradition of honor and excellence, and share a deep commitment to service and community building. All who labor on our campuses play an invaluable role in shaping the next generation of leaders at Ransom Everglades.

Connections working at Ransom Everglades School