Seattle, Washington
Posted: 10-Feb-26
Location: Bellevue, Washington
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Preferred Education:
Music Teacher K-8
Mission
Open Window School nurtures and inspires students of high intellectual potential.
Position Overview
The K-8 Music teacher is responsible for building a vibrant, visible, mission-aligned music program at Open Window School. In Lower School, (K-4) students gain fundamental music skills and develop an appreciation for music as a means of expression. In Middle School (5-8), students deepen their musical understanding through singing, instrumental study, and composition. Music is required in 5th and 6th grade; in 7th and 8th grade, the music teacher designs elective offerings that allow students to pursue their individual musical interests in greater depth. At all grade levels, students are given the opportunity to perform for a variety of audiences.
The ideal candidate brings a broad background in music education, which may include choir, musical theatre, multicultural music, music history, and instrumental instruction. They design engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum that inspires bright learners and encourages curiosity, creativity, and risk-taking. An understanding of, and commitment to supporting students with learning differences and neurodiversity is essential. The K–8 Music Teacher fosters a safe, inclusive classroom environment where students feel empowered to express themselves artistically.
The K–8 Music Teacher is also an active and collaborative member of the school community, working closely with colleagues and taking initiative to build upon and strengthen the existing music program. A responsibility of this role is the creation and leadership of a music performance ensemble (choral, instrumental, or hybrid) that rehearses regularly and performs both within the school and in the broader community. This ensemble serves as an expression of the school's commitment to music education. Additional responsibilities include participation in weekly department and faculty meetings, before and after school rehearsals, student activities, and occasional evening, weekend, and overnight events.
Major Areas of Responsibility/Specific Duties:
- Build, update, and refine the K-8 music curriculum on a continuous basis.
- Maintain curriculum maps and course documentation.
- Lower School
- Teach weekly music classes to all Lower School grade levels (K-4)
- Collaborate with drama teacher to produce choral and/or instrumental music for Lower School shows when needed.
- Middle School
- Teach regularly scheduled music classes to 5th and 6th
- Teach regularly scheduled music related electives for 7th and 8th
- Collaborate with drama teacher to serve as musical director for middle school musicals.
- Produce and direct music performances for Winter & Spring Arts Nights.
- Produce and direct in-school musical/choral performances during select assemblies.
- Promote music as an essential and joyful element of the Open Window experience.
- Cultivate and grow a music performance ensemble that performs concerts and travels to perform in the community. These performances should include regular performances at school assemblies and two independent music performances per school year.
- Develop and enrich professional learning and skills through consistent professional learning and development.
- Participation in weekly department and faculty meetings.
- Leading before and after school rehearsals as needed.
- Attendance at some evening, weekend, and overnight activities as part of the school program.
- Other duties as needed and assigned.
Qualities & Qualifications:
- Supportive of the Open Window School mission to nurture and inspire students of high intellectual potential.
- Supportive of the school’s Diversity Commitment, in which we embrace both our commonalities and complex range of differences that enrich our school.
- Successful experience in designing and leading music classes and building a music program.
- An interest in collaborating with colleagues to maintain a robust and diverse K-8 performing arts program.
- Experience in gifted education is a plus
- Bachelor's degree in music education or related field.
Position Details:
Manager: K-8 Drama Teacher & Arts Team Lead
Compensation: $63,190 – $123,550 (based on education and experience, 25-26 SY Salary Schedule)
Position Classification: Exempt, Full Time; this position is benefit eligible
Hours: 8am – 4pm, Tuesdays until 5pm. This role requires some commitments outside these hours including but not limited to school events.
Benefits include:
- Sick leave
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (paid 100% for employee only coverage)
- Employer paid Health Reimbursement Account of $1,750 per plan year
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- 403(b) Retirement Account, Pre-tax & Roth Options (eligible for 3% employer contribution and an up to 3% employer match after one year of service)
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Professional development and training opportunities
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, your resume, and complete all application questions on our Career Opportunities website. Open Window School does not sponsor employment visas.
Please be prepared to provide three references if requested. If you have any questions about the position or the application process, feel free to reach out hr@ows.org. Applications should be submitted through the online system and not via email.
Open Window School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, or other status legally protected by local, state, or federal law.