| St. Paul Academy and Summit School seeks candidates for the position of Middle and Upper School Choir Director. This is an ongoing, full-time appointment. About St. Paul Academy and Summit School: St. Paul Academy and Summit School (SPA) is a coeducational, non-sectarian, college preparatory day school serving more than 920 students in kindergarten through grade 12. Our two campuses are located approximately a mile apart in St. Paul, Minnesota, serving Grades K-5 on our Goodrich Campus and Grades 6-12 on our Randolph Campus. The school draws students from St. Paul, Minneapolis, and throughout the eastern and western suburbs. Our mission—shaping the minds and the hearts of the people who will change the world—is a promise to our students and our families, and it pushes us to be thoughtful about everything we do. It inspires us to be our best and reminds us that we have the responsibility to respect the unique potential in every child. Our mission gives us purpose and represents our greatest aspirations and values. But most of all, it reflects our deep belief in the talents and capabilities of our students. For additional information about the school’s curriculum, community, and culture, please visit our website at www.spa.edu. About the Middle School: The Middle School at SPA is a place where students in Grades 6-8 experience the transition from childhood to young adulthood safely and surrounded by adults who care. Our culture is defined by our warm and welcoming community, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and our innovative and rigorous curriculum. The Middle School curriculum emphasizes wide-ranging exploration and skill development in specific disciplines, taught by teachers who understand and genuinely enjoy students at this age. Organization and accountability are emphasized, and students learn to take responsibility for managing their work. In the Middle School, students are challenged to embrace new ideas and think independently. The classroom experience is based on increased academic rigor combined with increased freedom of choice and support for the social/emotional needs of young adolescents is provided using Developmental Designs for Middle School. Finally, the advisory system sets clear standards and expectations for individual behavior and community norms. For more information about the Middle School, please visit the Middle School section of our website. About the Upper School: The Upper School is home to students in Grades 9-12 and is characterized by advanced inquiry, lively discussion, deep engagement with topics, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students develop the habits and relationships that will carry them through high school and into the world of college and beyond. The Upper School's rigorous academic curriculum and seminar-based learning model is complemented by a network of support that includes teachers, advisors, college counselors, and resources for both academic and social/emotional well-being. For more information about the Upper School, please visit the Upper School section of our website. Position Begins: August 2022 Status: Full Time, Exempt, ongoing appointment Department: Instructional Faculty, Middle and Upper Schools Job Description: Candidates should possess the ability to motivate, inspire, and teach Middle and Upper School students of all levels, including Middle School Choir (two performances per year), Upper School Academy Chorale (two performances per year), and Upper School Summit Singers (two performances per year). The Choir Director also works with the Middle and Upper School Theater Directors on two annual musicals, one per division. See the performance schedule for 2021-22. In addition, candidates will coordinate and lead the Upper School performance trip to Carnegie Hall every four years. The Middle and Upper School choirs and actors perform in the state-of-the-art and award-winning Huss Performing Arts Center which seats 650. Required: Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in music and/or choral performance, or related fields, and should have experience working with Middle and Upper School students as a teacher and director. A master’s degree is preferred and a minimum of three years' experience as choir director in an educational setting is required. Successful candidates will bring demonstrated excellence in choir instruction, creative vision and flexibility in program development, and excellent organizational skills. A deep understanding of the developmental journey of students from grade 6 through grade 12 in both their social-emotional growth and vocal development is a must. Ideal candidates should be eager to join a professional community where the pursuit of excellence, openness to growth, self-reflection, empathy, and flexibility are the norm. They are able to operate effectively in diverse environments, interact successfully with people from widely varying backgrounds, and employ culturally responsive pedagogy to create an inclusive and equitable classroom community. In addition, candidates should be able to: - Create developmentally appropriate curricula;
- Appropriately guide the vocal development of adolescent singers;
- Develop creative programs with diverse repertoire;
- Possess excellent accompaniment skills;
- Establish a supportive and engaging classroom environment for students;
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and parents/guardians;
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills with colleagues, students, and families;
- Otherwise contribute to the life of the school outside the classroom
How to Apply: The position includes a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, statement of teaching philosophy, and a list of references. To apply, please visit our website at www.spa.edu/employment. SPA is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse faculty and staff, and maintaining a workplace culture in which all are treated equitably. | 
