Independent Schools of Saint Louis

Lower Division Music and Choir Teacher Community School

Position Overview: Lower Division Music and Community Choir Teacher

Community School seeks a dynamic and nurturing music educator to teach students in Nursery through Second Grade, fostering a lifelong connection with music through joyful, developmentally appropriate experiences. Rooted in the school’s philosophy of educating the whole child, the music curriculum emphasizes creativity, expression, collaboration, and cultural understanding.

The music teacher will design and deliver engaging lessons that introduce core musical concepts through vocal work, instrumental exploration, and movement-based activities. Students will develop foundational skills in rhythm, pitch, notation, and musicianship while also cultivating an appreciation for music as both a personal and communal experience. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to create, perform, evaluate, and enjoy music in an inclusive environment, with multiple performance opportunities throughout the school year.

In addition to general music classes, the teacher will lead the school’s Community Choir program, helping students in fifth and sixth grade build vocal technique, expand their range, develop skills in harmony, part-singing, and sight-reading, and gain confidence through a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary songs. 

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of early childhood development and progressive education, along with a passion for helping children discover and grow their creative potential. They will demonstrate a commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity and thrive in a collaborative, joyful learning community.

A bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or a related field is required; a master’s degree and a teaching certificate or credential are preferred. A minimum of three years of teaching experience is also preferred. Strong musicianship is highly desirable. Familiarity with the Responsive Classroom approach is a plus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Design and teach engaging music lessons that encompass a variety of music concepts and techniques

  • Nurture creativity and self-expression by engaging young students in playful exploration of sounds, songs, and rhythms, while introducing them to a wide variety of musical styles and musicians from diverse backgrounds

  • Display a passion for teaching and nurturing the whole child–mind, body and spirit

  • Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate music into other subject areas, reinforcing concepts across the curriculum

  • Effectively instruct students individually and in small/whole group settings, utilizing various teaching methods

  • Assess and give feedback on student progress, both informally and through more formal report cards 

  • Build meaningful relationships with a diverse community of students, families, and colleagues, demonstrating a deep commitment to and respect for diversity in all its forms

  • Foster positive, respectful communication and collaboration with students, families, and colleagues through strong interpersonal skills and a community-oriented mindset

  • Maintain professional behavior that reflects the school’s values and guidelines as outlined in the handbook

  • Invest in the life of the school by participating in collaborative planning sessions and faculty meetings; show a strong commitment to professional learning and growth 

  • Comfortably utilize technology to support instruction and communication

  • Work collaboratively with the drama teacher to design and direct the musical components of theatrical performances.

Additional Responsibilities 

  • Supervise recess and lunch duties

  • Participate in faculty meetings and professional development

Start Date: August 2025 with possible professional development opportunities in the summer.

 Compensation: Community School offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including professional development funds, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, bereavement leave, paid parental leave, retirement benefits, and tuition remission for children of faculty members.

To Apply: Please send a letter of interest, resume, and list of three references (with name, relationship, phone number, and email address for each; references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) in one PDF to Jessica Hendricks, Lower Division Director, jhendricks@communityschool.com. Please indicate “Music Teacher” in the subject line.

Community School is a diverse and inclusive community, and is committed to having its faculty and staff reflect its student body and Saint Louis. Community School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities, hiring practices, or operations. For further information about Community School, please visit our website at communityschool.com.