Music and Performing Arts Teacher

Position Summary

The Music & Performing Arts Teacher designs and leads a high-quality, developmentally appropriate music and performing arts program for students in grades K3-8 within a Montessori public charter school environment. This position introduces students to foundational music concepts, performance, and creative expression through experiential and collaborative learning opportunities.

The teacher designs engaging arts experiences that align with Montessori philosophy by incorporating movement, student choice, cultural exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning. The ideal candidate is creative, flexible, and excited to help develop a sustainable, inclusive, and accessible arts program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Planning & Delivery

• Plan and deliver standards-aligned music and performing arts instruction through developmentally appropriate experiences in music literacy, vocal performance, rhythm, movement, dramatic arts, creative expression, and collaborative performance.
• Plan and deliver music and performing arts lessons aligned with Montessori philosophy and student needs for grades K3-6th.
• Lead the Adolescent Occupation (7th-8th grade) in music and performing arts education aligned with state standards.
• Incorporate creativity, collaboration, improvisation, and performance into instruction.
• Integrate multicultural music and arts experiences.
• Lead weekly sing-a-long time with toddler-aged students in the school's daycare program (ages 14 months-3 years).
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Curriculum Alignment & Collaboration

• Ensure arts instruction aligns with Wisconsin state standards.
• Collaborate with Montessori lead guides to incorporate lessons that complement classroom learning.
• Work with the Adolescent Program team to coordinate occupation experiences with student project timelines and goals.
• Support continuity of arts experiences across grade levels.

Classroom Culture & Student Development

• Promote a positive, inclusive environment that supports collaboration, creativity, and confidence.
• Reinforce schoolwide classroom expectations including respectful behavior, problem solving, and care for the environment using positive discipline practices aligned with Montessori principles.

Schoolwide Programs & Performances

• Coordinate rotating grade-band performances throughout the school year.
• Support students in stage presence, collaboration, rehearsal expectations, and performance confidence.
• Coordinate logistics, rehearsals, and staff/family communication related to performances, including those that may occur outside of normal school hours.
• Coordinate participation in external programs, including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra ACE program, including day of coordination, administrative forms, and planning meetings.

Studio Management & Operations

• Manage and maintain music and performing arts spaces, including organization, inventory of materials and AV equipment, and ordering of supplies.
• Ensure safe, organized, and accessible learning environments.

Professional Responsibilities

• Reflect with the Montessori Coach in regularly scheduled meetings.
• Pursue opportunities for professional growth annually. Co-create annual professional growth goals with the Montessori Coach and Executive Director.
• Actively participate in school meetings, professional development, and events as required.
• Support daily school operations such as recess and transitions as assigned.
• Collaborate with colleagues and contribute to a positive school culture.
• Perform duties in alignment with school policies and charter requirements and adapts to reasonable changes in assignments, schedule, or work setting to support school operations.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Wisconsin teaching license in music, theater, or performing arts or ability to obtain.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience teaching in a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead engaging, inclusive learning experiences and manage student behavior effectively.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to keep a flexible schedule, including working outside normal school hours, as projects dictate.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check prior to employment.
• Demonstrate alignment with the school's mission, vision, and values through professional conduct, respectful communication with students, families, and staff, and consistent adherence to school policies and expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching across multiple age groups.
• Experience directing student performances or productions.
• Basic knowledge in technical elements including lights/light board, microphones, & sound board.
• Knowledge and appreciation of musical songs and styles across many cultures and traditions.
• Familiarity with Montessori philosophy or experience in a Montessori setting.
• Experience coordinating programs, events, or partnerships.

Key Competencies

• Strong classroom management across a wide age range.
• Ability to lead engaging and appropriate activities for large groups of students, often full classes.
• Organizational skills to manage productions, schedules, and materials.
• Collaborative mindset and flexibility.
• Initiative and leadership in coordinating performances and events.
• Ability to balance multiple responsibilities and adapt to changing needs.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position is performed in a school environment with regular interaction with students, staff, and families. The role requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical requirements of the role include:

• Sitting, standing, and moving throughout the school building for extended periods
• Ability to supervise students in classrooms and common areas
• Using a computer and other standard office equipment
• Occasional lifting, assisting students, or moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing
• Occasional bending, reaching, or stooping as required by the role

The school will provide reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Our school is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of our community. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.