Purpose:  A Lower School Music Teacher is responsible for carrying out the mission of VMS through curriculum development, classroom teaching, assessment, differentiation, classroom management, outdoor education, character development, and building rapport with students in and out of the classroom. As a member of the performing arts department, this role will help produce large shows throughout the school year. Our teachers support the school's mission and philosophy. 

What You Will Do:

• Teach Lower School music curriculum, develop lesson plans, and map curriculum.
• Teach choreography and lyrics for students to be prepared for the large-scale productions as appropriate for their age and grade level 
• Work with the Performing Arts Team on the Lower School Performances for Winter Solstice (December), Grandparents & Grandfriends Day (May), and the Kindergarten Play.
• Act as a vocalist and utilize the piano.
• Provide general supervision of students at all times in the building (including lunch and recess)
• Conduct yourself professionally, including being punctual, dressing appropriately, communicating clearly, and respecting your co-workers, students, and community members.
• Attend and participate in the Performing Arts  Department meetings as needed at the request of the Theater Director
• Assist with afternoon and evening faculty programs as requested
• Participate in Board-related events, as requested
• Participate in orientation, field trips, hut trips, student activities, and Ski Days
• Demonstrate knowledge of students and how they learn, and implement new teaching models to match student needs
• Be reviewed and evaluated by the Lower School Division Director and Performing Arts Department Chair for classroom instruction and curriculum. 
• Observed and coached by the Director of Performing Arts
• Teach students in the lower school (Kindergarten - 3rd Grade) general music education 
• Facilitate opportunities for students to perform at events like Town Meetings or after school with support from the performing arts team
• Passionate about fostering and furthering a culture of belonging and inclusion in our school.

Who You Are:

• A “raise your hand” type of person. You’re interested in participating in school events like after-school academy, field trips, sitting at lunch tables, assisting with carpool, hut trips, and Ski Fridays. You are ready to participate fully in the life of the school.
• Willing to provide general supervision of students
• Able to communicate in a timely and professional manner with students, parents, colleagues, and volunteers
• Excited to work in the performing arts department as a member of a team to cover all performances and school needs. 
• Ready to assist with K-5 theater productions by ensuring students are ready to perform and set up for success backstage
• Ready to attend related meetings and assist with afternoon/evening programs, some of which may occur outside of the school day
• Actively promoting the mission of the school
• Deeply knowledgeable in the subject area; displaying dedication, passion, inspiration, the ability to individualize learning, and the capacity to help all students succeed.
• Committed to pursuing professional development and are life-long learners.
• Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university required; advanced degree preferred
• Proficiency in designing effective lessons, teaching diverse learning styles, and managing elementary school-age students
• You are passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion and their integration into our school. You consider yourself culturally competent, and so do your co-workers. 

Who We Are:

We are a rapport-based independent school that is proud of our roots in the Vail Valley. As a group, we are made up of active people who are committed to instilling the value of our natural surroundings to the next generation through education, responsibility, and kindness. VMS is a caring and thoughtful organization committed to the lives of our employees. We offer a competitive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to fit the needs of our faculty and staff. We offer a monthly wellness benefit reimbursement as well as FSA and HSA options, depending on your health insurance elections. We focus on the professional development of our faculty and staff through individual professional development opportunities. Vail Mountain School is proud to offer compensation based on experience and education (see below).

VMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, intentionally committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We welcome candidates from a full spectrum of races, abilities, genders, national origins, religions, and sexual orientations. A VMS education embraces both the open exchange of ideas and learning from differing perspectives, inclusive of the beliefs and identities reflected within the community. Qualifications for employment include a demonstrated commitment to these principles.

About Vail Mountain School

We are Vail, Colorado’s leading independent K-12 school. We are an experiential learning destination. We offer extensive outdoor learning experiences and leadership opportunities for all students. Our academic programs are second to none. Our community has a strong family feel and our athletic programs are both inclusive and competitive.

Connections working at Vail Mountain School