K-8 Music Teacher

BERKWOOD HEDGE SCHOOL - _Cultivating Creativity & Intellectual Curiosity_

Berkwood Hedge School is a small, progressive, K-8 school. We are seeking an experienced Part Time Music Teacher. This position begins in early August 2024 with the possibility of becoming Full Time with additional duties.

Berkwood Hedge School’s curriculum is based on the understanding that children construct their knowledge of the world through hands-on, integrated, and active child-centered learning experiences. The strength of the Berkwood Hedge School constructivist and developmental approach is that it allows children to be creative participants in their own learning. Our teachers support their growth and development across the cognitive, physical, social and moral domains.
- Create a joyful and multicultural Music program.
- Integrate percussion instruments from around the world.
- Implement an Orff approach using games, rhymes and songs, taking small easily learned elements from each source in order to build layered ensemble arrangements over time, while providing a playful push to practice and master the skills needed to support others in ensemble performance
- Integrate movement and dance into the music program
- Create instrumental ensembles:Mallet pieces and playful explorations and improvisation on xylophones. percussion instruments (drums, shakers, scrapers, bells, blocks, etc,) are introduced in the younger grades. Recorders, Ukulele, and Guitar are added in older grades creating ensemble pieces with layered accompaniment
- Lead community songs at weekly Community Meeting
- Plan and lead an end of year performance and community sing-alongs
- Plan and implement all aspects of an age appropriate music curriculum
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues in all aspects of student learning and school culture
- Maintain active and open communication with parents/guardians of the children and with all members of the Berkwood Hedge School community
- Be creative, innovative, agile, and flexible
- Have a sense of humor and a growth mindset

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree
- Three years classroom teaching experience
- Deep understanding and appreciation for progressive education
- Strong communication skills (speaking, writing) with both children and adults

REQUIRED SKILLS
- Experience planning and implementing a music curriculum for grades K - 8.
- Ability to utilize sound and developmentally appropriate educational practices to enhance teaching and learning
- Ability to articulate the Music program
- Capacity to focus on the whole child, intentionally developing each individual academically, physically, emotionally, and socially
- Ability to exercise daily flexibility, prioritizing and problem solving while maintaining a poised professional demeanor
- Willingness to seek opportunities that grow students’ cultural and musical competency

PERSONAL QUALITIES
- Love of children and understanding of child development
- Collaborative, creative, and curious nature
- Maturity, professionalism, and good judgment
- Interested in learning new skills and engaged in continuous improvement of practice
- Excellent organizational and time management skills

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain and support a climate of mutual respect which encourages students to take healthy risks: asking questions, sharing opinions, and making mistakes necessary to learn.
- Accurately assess each student's progress

At Berkwood Hedge School a teacher's engagement includes various activities in addition to teaching and classroom duties, such as giving extra help to students who need it, communicating feedback directly to the Head of School, encouragement of the efforts of colleagues, concern for the appearance of the classroom and of the grounds, promptness in meeting all School obligations and flexibility and cooperation in supporting our school’s advancement. Attendance at School events and activities, such as plays, concerts, festivals, and fairs, staff meetings, and open houses is required.
- MISSION STATEMENT_
- Berkwood Hedge School provides a hands-on developmental curriculum that promotes deep and intuitive learning. Students achieve academic excellence by becoming critical thinkers and creative problem solvers. Our teachers meet the needs of every child, inspiring a joy of learning, academic success, intellectual excitement, emotional well-being, and creativity. Students leave Berkwood Hedge School prepared for success in middle school and beyond. Our small cooperative community of students, families, and educators shares a commitment to preserving the environment and promoting social justice within both the school culture and the larger community. We are committed to strengthening diversity of all types, including cultural, ethnic, racial, learning style, economic, gender, and family structure._
- Berkwood Hedge School actively seeks to build a diverse student, staff and parent community. We are an avid equal opportunity empl