Middle and Upper School Vocal and Creative Musicianship Teacher

Westtown School is seeking a full-time Middle and Upper School Vocal and Creative Musicianship Teacher for the 2023-24 school year. The position will involve teaching four to five classes each semester and serving as a collaborative member of the tri-divisional Arts department to develop innovative curriculum and programs. In addition, the Middle and Upper School Vocal and Creative Musicianship Teacher is a member of the core Middle School team. Core activities include advising, supervision of study halls and recesses, chaperoning field trips, and related activities that contribute to the Middle School community and the educational experience of our students. Preference will be given to qualified applicants who focus on developing creative musicianship with additional experience in digital music production, songwriting, and the development of a recording studio.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Teaches four to five music classes each semester in the Middle and Upper School. Classes may include: 6th grade Vocal Music Ensemble, 7th and 8th grade Vocal Music Ensemble, Middle School Music Composition and Elements, Upper School Vocal Music Ensemble, Upper School Digital Music, Upper School From Blues to EDM;
• Develop curriculum that includes vocal health, collaborative musicianship, creative development, composition, and production;
• Serves as the Music Director for the annual Upper School musical and semiannual Middle School musical;
• Develops culturally competent and responsive lessons and learning activities that promote problem-solving, creative thinking, collaboration, and effective communication skills while encouraging risk-taking in learning;
• Recruit and retain students in curricular and co-curricular programs; 
• Supervises/facilitates divisional duties (e.g., study hall, recess, lunch, arrival/dismissal);
• Actively involves students in the classroom through group work, project-based learning, exploration, questioning, discussion, and other cooperative teaching techniques;
• Helps students hone the essential skills of critical thinking, communication, and empathy, and empowers them to draw out those skills in other people;
• Supports students’ social-emotional and identity development through reflective and intentional pedagogy;
• Contributes to building and sustaining an inclusive community and a program that embodies diverse cultures and perspectives;
• Collaborates with tri-divisional music faculty to innovate the music program at Westtown in connection with the renovation of the Center for the Living Arts;
• Communicates effectively with all constituents – students, colleagues, administrators, and parents;
• Contributes to students’ development of Quaker values;
• Engages in decision-making aligned with Quaker process in service to the school community;
• Integrates technology seamlessly into teaching strategies and practices, including use of a learning management system; 
• Contributes to students’ development outside the classroom through co-curricular and student life activities;
• Enthusiastically seeks out and participates in both school-sponsored and self-selected professional development opportunities to grow as an instructional leader and community member.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant classroom teaching and conducting experience at the middle or upper school level, including an understanding of their unique developmental, social, and academic needs;
• Expertise and experience in preparing students for performance, including selection of appropriate music and building skills in singing in varied ensembles;
• Knowledge of vocal pedagogy and rehearsal technique with various vocal styles;
• Proficiency with digital music technology and programs, such as Logic Pro and Soundtrap, is essential; 
• Additional experience with music production, collaborative musicianship, and the development of a recording studio is a plus;
• Enthusiasm for full participation in the co-curricular, advising, and core duties required of a full-time Middle School faculty member;
• Familiarity with Google products and the integration of a learning management system, Canvas, into best teaching practices;
• A demonstrated commitment to enhancing an inclusive school community based on cultural competence, commitment to social justice, and respect for all voices;
• A strong character with a team-oriented spirit, and the ability to connect meaningfully with students throughout our diverse community;
• Strong affinity for the mission of Westtown School and an educational philosophy consistent with the school’s Quaker values;
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Westtown School is an independent, Quaker co-educational, pre-K to 12, college preparatory day and boarding school located in suburban West Chester, PA, approximately 30 miles from Philadelphia. Situated on a beautiful 600-acre campus, Westtown offers a program where our committed faculty and staff inspire and prepare our students to be stewards and leaders of a better world. 

We strive towards every student, faculty, and staff member feeling a sense of belonging at Westtown and strongly encourage applications from educators of color, LGBTQ+ educators, and educators from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools. 

Interested, qualified candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and educational philosophy, including an outline of your professional development in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to http://westtown.edu/careers.