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Greensboro, North Carolina
Posted: 19-Dec-24
Location: West Chester, Pennsylvania
Type: Part Time
Categories:
Required Education:
Lower and Middle School Strings and Music Teacher
Westtown School is seeking a part-time Lower and Middle School Strings and Music Teacher beginning August 2025. The successful candidate will join a team of experienced arts educators committed to developing each student's individual artistic voice. An artist-teacher with an interest in pedagogy, an understanding of art as a tool for learning and social change, and a commitment to creating art that asks and solicits big questions will thrive in our dynamic program.
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. 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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide progressive once-weekly small group music instruction and lead a once-weekly ensemble for Lower School students;
- Provide instruction for Middle School strings students in developing their musical skills through ensemble classes;
- Direct strings ensembles in concerts and performances during the school year;
- Teach one 7th-grade Music Elements course for non-performers;
- Work in close collaboration with the Lower, Middle, and Upper School music faculty to ensure coherence in the music program across the three divisions;
- Support students in selecting and learning to play string instruments;
- Help students develop the essential skills of critical thinking, communication, and empathy;
- Support students’ social-emotional and identity development;
- Contribute to building and sustaining an inclusive community and a program that reflects diverse cultures and perspectives;
- Communicate effectively with all constituents – students, colleagues, administrators, and parents;
- Contribute to students’ development of Quaker values;
- Engage in decision-making aligned with Quaker process in service to the school community.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree; music education degree preferred;
- 2+ years of relevant classroom teaching and conducting experience;
- Advanced proficiency on either violin, viola, or cello preferred;
- Expertise and experience in introductory teaching of string instruments;
- Experience with and commitment to working with Lower and Middle School students, including understanding their developmental, social, and academic needs;
- Expertise and experience in preparing students for performance, including selection of appropriate music and building skills in playing as an ensemble;
- Excellent speaking, writing, and listening skills;
- A demonstrated commitment to inclusive Quaker pedagogy based on cultural competence, commitment to social justice, and respect for all voices;
- A strong affinity for the mission of Westtown School and an appreciation for Quaker values and how these inform community processes (meeting structures, decision-making, student discipline, etc.) and interactions.
For additional information about Westtown School and to explore current career opportunities, please visit our website westtown.edu/careers. Interested applicants can apply online by submitting their resume, cover letter, and three professional references directly to the specific job posting on the faculty employment portal.
