Salary Range: $81,000 - $178,000. The position on the scale will be based on years of teaching experience and education. 

Exemption Status: Exempt

The Dalton School, a progressive K-12 gender-inclusive school in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is consistently recognized as one of the preeminent independent day schools in the nation. Known for its child-centered approach and an exceptional, inspiring faculty, Dalton enrolls over 1,300 students with approximately 350 faculty and staff. Guided by the Dalton Plan, the foundation of a Dalton education, our faculty meets each student’s evolving needs, interests, and abilities. Dalton challenges each student to develop intellectual independence, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility toward others both within the School and in the broader community.

We are seeking a full-time Middle School Music Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year that will teach primarily 4^th grade general music. The ideal candidate is passionate and knowledgeable about progressive elementary and early middle school education. They must have experience developing general music curricula as well as elective offerings in a small group studio class setting. We seek a teacher who is enthusiastic about working collaboratively to improve pedagogy and to design innovative curriculum that addresses the whole child. The Middle School Music teacher will work with colleagues within a cross-divisional, Grades 4-12 Music Department. Arts education is central to our Middle School program at Dalton and we believe that active participation in the performing arts expands our students’ horizons, empowers the development of their voice, and enriches lives. 

Responsibilities:

• Teach all sections of 4^th grade Music.
• Collaboratively develop general music curriculum for 4^th grade and actively consider interdisciplinary opportunities within the grade.
• Teach other Middle School Music classes based on expertise (low strings preferred) and develop an innovative and age-appropriate curriculum. 
• Support students in yearly concerts.
• Communicate regularly about student progress, including writing progress notices and yearly narrative reports. 
• Develop current electives with opportunity to create new music electives for Grades 7-12. 
• Opportunity for leadership roles, including Department Chair.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Education, Music Education, or Music Performance.  
• Experience teaching Music to upper Elementary/early Middle School grades.
• Experience teaching low strings and possibly other instruments/voice. 
• Experience developing a general music curriculum. 
• Commitment to a whole child approach in supporting students.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, especially collaborative skills in support of students and the curriculum.
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and follow through in a timely way.
• Eagerness to grow professionally through reflective practice, regular observations, and feedback. 
• Commitment to actively engage in Dalton’s ongoing work to create and sustain an inclusive learning community.

The Dalton School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ethnic origin, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by applicable law in the administration of our educational policies, hiring policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to the employment portal using the following link - https://www.dalton.org/employment

About The Dalton School

The Dalton School is an independent, co-educational day school (K-12), founded in 1919 by the renowned progressive educator Helen Parkhurst. Parkhurst’s visionary Dalton Plan remains the keystone of the school’s progressive educational philosophy and is now the model for over 200 Dalton schools in other parts of the world. The Dalton School is the innovative leader in developing creative problem solvers who identify issues, grapple with possibilities, and design solutions to global challenges from multiple perspectives. Dalton is recognized for its rigorous, innovative educational curriculum and offers its 1,300 students a breadth of stimulating and challenging programs taught by our dedicated faculty. Our high academic standards are complemented by an exemplary performing and fine arts curriculum – taught by faculty who are professionals in their fields – and a full range of athletic teams and extra-curricular activities. The Dalton School actively seeks to forward diversity through its programs and hiring.

Connections working at The Dalton School