Middle School Teacher and Band Director

The Middle School Teacher and Band Director at Ransom Everglades is a full-time faculty member reporting to the Performing Arts Department Chair. This position is responsible for teaching a combination of classes in the Middle School Performing Arts curriculum and promoting lifelong learning while engaging and supporting a diverse student body in a value-based community. This faculty member supports the school’s value for inquiry-based, student-centered learning, emphasis on global perspectives, and ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach five band classes, including beginning, intermediate, and advanced ensembles as applicable per school year.
• Develop and implement a curriculum that supports musical skill development, literacy, and ensemble performance.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners with varying levels of musical experience.
• Integrate technology, music theory, and listening skills into classroom instruction.
• Conduct grade-level and full band ensembles in rehearsals and performances.
• Prepare students for concerts, assemblies, festivals, and special school events.
• Select repertoire appropriate for middle school musicians and aligned with program goals.
• Coordinate program operations, including managing instruments, collaborating on the band budget, and organizing performance logistics, i.e., venues, setup, and transportation.
• Deliver engaging and effective lessons to students in grades 6-8, using a variety of instructional strategies to cater to different learning styles.
• Create and administer assessments to measure student learning and progress. This includes quizzes, tests, projects, and cumulative exams.
• Provide thoughtful, individualized feedback and support to students who need extra help, including tutoring during office hours before or after school. Provide individual or small‑group instrument coaching as needed.
• Maintain a positive, structured, and disciplined learning environment that fosters student engagement and respect for the subject matter.
• Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in music education and pedagogy.
• Regularly communicate with parents about their child's progress, including through parent-teacher conferences and progress reports.
• Work collaboratively with other faculty members, especially within the Performing Arts department, to share resources, strategies, and insights.
• Participate in section meetings, department meetings, all-school meetings, and multi-day meetings at the beginning and end of the school year, and professional development meetings.
• Actively engage in the school community by attending events, contributing to school initiatives, and supporting the school's mission.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience teaching band at the middle school level, ideally in an independent school environment.
• Proficiency in modern band pedagogy, including experience instructing woodwind, brass, percussion pedagogy, or rhythm section instruments, and/or expertise in electronic music production and digital composition.
• Strong conducting, rehearsal, and classroom management skills.
• Proficient with technology, including Google Suite, interactive whiteboards, and textbook platforms. Experience with music production or educational technology (e.g., SmartMusic Cloud, Noteflight, or other music notation program) preferred.
• Collaborative approach with other colleagues, including sharing resources and communicating about curriculum and students.
• Demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to teach engaging, communicative, student-centered classes for middle school students.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Dependable, with excellent attendance and timely completion of tasks.
• Collaborative and professional, building positive relationships within the school community.
• Ability to direct or assist with jazz band, chamber groups, or other ensembles.
• Willingness to contribute to school traditions and co-curricular arts programming.

Performance Factors

Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time and is seldom absent from work. Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.

Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the School.

Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others, including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the School. The employee exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships.