The Gooden School | Sierra Madre, CA

Founded in 1975, The Gooden School celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. We are a close-knit Episcopal school community with deep traditions, strong relationships, and a commitment to educating the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. The Instrumental Music Teacher plays an important and visible role in school life, collaborating closely with faculty, administrators, the chaplain, and students across all grade levels.

This position is well-suited for an educator who is resilient, flexible, collaborative, and passionate about instrumental music instruction, with room for creative curriculum development and support from an administration that welcomes innovation and 21st-century teaching approaches.

The Gooden School seeks a skilled, passionate, and versatile Instrumental Music Teacher for the 2026–27 school year. Instrumental music is a valued part of life at Gooden, and this role is vital to sustaining our traditions while thoughtfully shaping the future of instrumental instruction at the school.

The Instrumental Music Teacher position may be structured as either full-time or part-time, depending on the candidate’s experience and the needs of the school. This is an exempt position reporting to the Assistant Head of School and the Head of School. In all aspects of this role, the teacher is expected to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality, while upholding The Gooden School’s mission and motto:

“Respect for Self, Respect for Others, and Respect for the World.”

The Instrumental Music Teacher provides developmentally appropriate, engaging instrumental music instruction to students in grades 3–8. The role focuses on string and wind instruction, ensemble leadership, and performance preparation.

Most classes meet twice per week, and the teacher oversees instrumental performances and supports school-wide musical events and special chapel services throughout the year.

Classroom Environment & Student Engagement

• Create and maintain classrooms that are physically and emotionally safe, inclusive, and well-managed
• Meaningfully engage students and foster a lifelong appreciation for instrumental music
• Model, teach, and uphold age-appropriate, respectful, and disciplined behavior aligned with the school’s mission
• Hold high (though not uniform) expectations for students
• Maximize instructional time and deliver an enriched, engaging curriculum
• Support student growth beyond the classroom through performances and special events

Instruction & Curriculum

• Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate, enriched instrumental music curriculum (3–8)
• Update curriculum maps on Google Drive as needed
• Post weekly lesson plans to the Faculty Folder and update FACTS homework pages by 5:00 pm on Fridays
• Demonstrate a wide repertoire of effective instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs
• Seek out and apply current instructional theories and best practices

Upper Elementary Instrumental Music (Grades 3–5)

• Teach instrumental music with a primary focus on string instruments (violin, viola, cello, string bass)
• Introduce wind instruments in Grade 5
• Develop students’ foundational technique, music reading skills, and ensemble awareness
• Prepare students for ensemble performances and participation in school concerts and chapel services

Middle School Instrumental Music (Grades 6–8)

• Lead band and orchestra programs
• Support student growth in technique, musicianship, ensemble skills, and collaboration
• Prepare students for concerts, chapel services, and community performances
• Encourage student leadership within ensembles

Performance & School Events

• Rehearse and prepare students for concerts, chapel services, and school-wide musical events
• Arrange and adapt music for performances as needed
• Collaborate with the chaplain, drama teacher, and classroom teachers
• Form and rehearse small ensembles for events such as Open House and community gatherings
• Select appropriate instrumental repertoire (existing binders available in the music room)

Assessment & Reporting

• Complete trimester report cards on time
• Write clear, thoughtful comments addressing progress, participation, citizenship, and growth areas
• Maintain accurate records on a weekly or bi-weekly basis

Professionalism & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively and enthusiastically with faculty, administrators, and parents
• Communicate regularly with families and respond to emails or calls within 24 hours
• Attend In-Service Week prior to the school year and meetings/professional development at year’s end
• Attend chapel services and all faculty, department, and committee meetings
• Serve on committees as requested
• Be punctual, organized, and professional in appearance and conduct
• Assist with supervision, coverage, or instructional duties as needed
• Collaborate with and support the Music Assistant Teacher (if applicable)

Mission & Community Life

• Understand and support the values of an Episcopal school community
• Promote students’ academic, social, and emotional growth
• Participate actively in the broader life of the school
• Uphold school-wide practices, including Responsive Classroom and Restorative Discipline
• Become fully familiar with and adhere to the Employee Handbook

Why Join Gooden?

• Be part of a warm, mission-driven school community with deep traditions
• Lead and grow a strong instrumental music program with administrative support
• Shape the future of instrumental music education at Gooden
• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and creative curriculum development

Desired Qualifications & Skills

• Degree in Music Education or related field
• Strong proficiency in teaching string instruments; experience with wind instruments preferred
• Knowledge of Suzuki string pedagogy and elementary wind instrument techniques preferred
• Piano skills for rehearsal and instruction are a plus
• Familiarity with Episcopal chapel music is helpful but not required
• Strong classroom management aligned with Responsive Classroom and Restorative Discipline
• Ability to lead ensembles and manage performances
• Flexibility, leadership, creativity, and a collaborative spirit

About The Gooden School

Since 1975, The Gooden School has dedicated itself to fostering a nurturing student-centered environment within a supportive, caring community. We believe high-quality education must be engaging, individualized, and inspiring. We value curiosity. We celebrate differences. We pride ourselves on our commitment to others. A Gooden graduate is a student of the world with a strong moral compass guiding them towards fulfilling and bright futures.

Connections working at The Gooden School