Independent Schools of Saint Louis

Lower Division Music Teacher (Nursery-2nd Grade) Community School

 

Lower Division Music Specialist

Founded in 1914, Community School is one of the most highly regarded independent schools in St. Louis. Known for its deeply personal and engaged approach to learning, the school enrolls approximately 350 students from age three through sixth grade. Our integrated, experiential curriculum combines strong academics with a deep commitment to the whole child’s growth and development. The school’s 18-acre campus, which includes trails, fields, woods, and a pond, provides rich opportunities for outdoor learning and exploration.

Community School classrooms average 20 students and are supported by a co-teaching team of two full-time teachers per homeroom. Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on, joyful learning, problem-solving, character education, and public speaking. Our specialist instruction includes: science, physical education, music, art, woodworking, drama, and French.

Position Overview: 

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.

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 2026, with possible professional development opportunities in the summer.

Compensation: Community School offers competitive compensation (commensurate with experience and benchmarked with local independent school compensation data) and excellent benefits, including professional development funds, generous 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.


Commitment to Diversity:
Community School is a diverse and inclusive community, committed to diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our school. The school does 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, please visit our website at www.communityschool.com.