Position Type: Elementary School Teaching/Music Teacher

Date Posted: 4/29/2025

Location: Sandridge Elementary School

Date Available: 08/14/2025

Closing Date: Untill Field Sandridge School District 172 Job Description Position Title: Choir Teacher (Grades 4-8) Reports To: Building Principal FLSA Status: Exempt Date Posted: April 29, 2025 Start Date: August 14, 2025 Position Summary:

Sandridge School District 172 is seeking a passionate and visionary Choir Teacher to launch and grow a vocal music program for students in grades 4-8. The ideal candidate will have a deep commitment to educational equity, culturally responsive teaching, and student empowerment through the arts. This position is ideal for a music educator who believes in the transformative power of music and is excited to build a choral program that reflects the voices, identities, and lived experiences of our diverse student body. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Develop and implement a comprehensive choral music curriculum for grades 4-8 that incorporates multiple genres, including gospel, jazz, R&B, classical, world music, and contemporary pop. Build and direct school-based choirs (grade-level, mixed-voice, or extracurricular) from inception, with a focus on increasing student engagement and performance confidence. Foster an inclusive, affirming learning environment that centers students from historically marginalized communities and promotes positive identity development through music. Teach foundational music literacy, vocal techniques, performance skills, and ensemble collaboration. Organize and direct student performances for school assemblies, concerts, community events, and special programs. Collaborate with classroom teachers, administrators, and families to support student growth and participation. Cultivate a program culture that welcomes student creativity, voice, and expression. Integrate culturally responsive pedagogy, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional learning into instruction. Manage program logistics, including rehearsal schedules, repertoire selection, performance planning, and equipment needs. Participate in school-wide activities, including professional development, curriculum planning, and school improvement efforts. Promote student leadership, team-building, and responsibility through music. Perform other duties as assigned by the administration. Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree in K-8 Elementary Education with a concentration in Music from an accredited institution. Certification: Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with appropriate Music endorsement for K-8. Experience: Prior experience working in urban or under-resourced communities preferred. Background in choral directing, music production, or community music highly valued. Skills and Dispositions: Proficiency in multiple musical genres and vocal pedagogies. Strong piano or instrumental accompaniment skills preferred. Ability to connect with students of diverse cultural, racial, and linguistic backgrounds. Commitment to equity, student-centered instruction, and program-building. Ability to inspire, lead, and nurture beginning performers.

Working Conditions: Full-time, 10-month position. Combination of classroom and performance settings. May require occasional evening or weekend performances. Must be able to lead rehearsals, stand for extended periods, and move musical equipment as needed. Salary and Benefits: Competitive salary based on the Sandridge SD 172 salary schedule. Up to 7 years of experience granted on the salary schedule. Review salary schedule here Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement contributions. Annual stipend opportunities for performance-based extracurricular involvement. Application Procedure:

Interested candidates should apply online at www.sandridgesd172.net. Click on "Employment Opportunities" to submit an application.

Sandridge School District 172 is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and empowering learning community. Bilingual candidates and candidates with experience in culturally sustaining arts education are strongly encouraged to apply.