The Potomac School is seeking an experienced music teacher to serve as a long term substitute from mid-December 2025 through March 6, 2026. The substitute Middle School music teacher will be responsible for teaching Music and Movement classes in grades four, five and six; will direct some Middle School performances throughout the leave period; and will also assist with liaising with students to provide opening and closing  music for occasional assemblies. Experience working with elementary age children, as well as an eagerness to collaborate with members of the Music department and classroom teachers, are essential.  The ideal candidate has experience teaching using the Orff-Schulwerk approach.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare lesson plans following curriculum guidelines and requirements.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities by integrating competencies and goals into the lesson plans.
• Teach the assigned curriculum using a variety of instructional resources.
• Manage student behavior in the classroom and maintain a positive educational environment for all students.
• Evaluate students’ progress.
• Communicate with parents to discuss student progress and areas of growth.
• Participate in faculty and professional meetings and other teacher training workshops as relevant.
• Ensure the social, emotional, and academic growth of students.
• Communicate and collaborate with classroom teachers.
• Assume duties such as supporting student clubs, lunch, dismissal, etc
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in music performance or music education required
• Familiarity with the Orff-Schulwerk approach to music pedagogy; experience attending workshops and/or summer Levels training is ideal, but not required
• Comfort playing soprano recorder 
• Comfort playing the ‘ukulele is preferred, but not required
• Solid piano skills (preferred but not required)
• Excitement about creative movement and/or dance (past formal training not required)
• Advanced organization and communication skills
• Strong ability to collaborate with classroom teachers
• Familiarity with technology in the classroom, ideally including music notation software
• Understanding of students’ educational and emotional needs at a wide range of developmental stages

In striving to fulfill its mission, The Potomac School seeks many different voices, viewpoints, and backgrounds. We recognize that differences are a source of strength, and we know that everyone is enriched when each person's contributions and perspectives are valued.

About The Potomac School

The Potomac School is an independent K-12 day school located in McLean, Va. While we are a K-12 school, we are more accurately described as a K through lifetime experience. We nurture the development of our students as unique individuals and as contributing members of a vibrant learning community. Our school comprises four distinct yet interconnected divisions, joined through a shared mission, integrated curriculum, and deeply rooted communal ties. We enjoy the beauty and natural resources of our 90-acre campus, our athletic fields, woods, streams, and ponds providing a rare and wonderful setting for each student's educational journey. Mission: At The Potomac School, we believe that intellectual development, love of learning, and strength of character are complementary, and equally essential, educational goals. With a firm commitment to our core values and a rigorous academic program, we prepare students to lead lives of purpose, achievement, and generosity of spirit.

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