Music & Media Arts Lead Teacher
9 Days Old
Job Description
Job Summary
The Montessori Academy of Colorado (MAC) is seeking a visionary Music & Media Arts Lead Teacher to help advance our goal of becoming a recognized leader in PreK8thgrade arts education, both locally and nationally. Rooted in MACs mission to engage each child through innovative academics, exploration of character, and a fearless, forward mindset, the Music & Media Arts Lead Teacher will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, student-centered music instruction while integrating media arts and technology to enrich the learning experience. This position supports the full PreK8 continuum by guiding curriculum development, empowering student leadership, fostering community partnerships, and elevating MACs profile through exceptional music and media arts programming and performance.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Montessori Alignment
- Uphold and model the mission, vision, and core Montessori philosophy of the school.
- Integrate Montessori principles into daily music instruction, fostering independence, choice, and respect for the child.
Instructional Excellence
- Provide high-quality, developmentally appropriate music instruction that supports the growth of musical skills, creativity, and appreciation across all grade levels.
- Demonstrate and teach techniques in rhythm, tone, pitch, instrumentation, collaboration, arranging, and improvisation.
- Offer individualized and small-group instruction to support diverse learners, including differentiated curriculum for varying levels of intellectual and musical development.
- Support students in developing confidence and self-efficacy as musicians and creative contributors.
- Instruct students on the proper care, use, and handling of musical instruments and related equipment.
Studio Preparedness and Environment
- Prepare and maintain a welcoming, organized, and aesthetically pleasing music studio aligned with Montessori sensibilities.
- Organize storage areas and manage the use of tools and equipment to prevent loss and ensure smooth lesson transitions.
- Foster a peaceful, respectful classroom climate by instructing students in grace and courtesy, supporting self-regulation and collaborative work.
Assessment and Communication
- Evaluate student progress in musical understanding and performance; document growth and prepare narrative or software-based progress reports in a timely manner.
- Communicate effectively and consistentlyboth verbally and in writingwith families and staff regarding student growth, achievements, and needs.
- Collaborate closely with lead teachers to support interdisciplinary learning and align music instruction with classroom themes and developmental goals.
Performance and Public Engagement
- Plan and lead at least two major performances annually (e.g., winter concert, spring showcase) to highlight student work to the school and wider community.
- Contribute to MACs long-term vision of establishing a high-caliber signature event such as an annual film festival that highlights the schools commitment to media arts education.
- Support and participate in school-wide events such as Back to School Night, Fall Festival, Annual Gala, and other community-building activities.
- Develop and direct opportunities for music-related dramatic performance as appropriate.
Curriculum Development
- Design, develop, or carefully select a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with the programs educational goals, meets the developmental needs of students across grade levels, and reflects the schools philosophy and standards for excellence in music and media arts education.
- Create opportunities for students to engage with musicians who can share their musical expertise with students. This could be like hosting a string quartet, vocalist, or band member, or arranging a going out/ field trip to see a musical performance in the city.
- Support and collaborate with the ECE music teacher to ensure continuity and cohesion across age levels.
- Coordinate a minimum of two "going outs" per year to expose students to live music and musical experiences in the broader community.
- Create and facilitate an Elementary Music Podcast as a platform for student expression and performance.
Technology and Media
- Provide tech and AV support for staff and school events as needed (e.g., mics, projectors, music equipment).
Professionalism and Team Collaboration
- Maintain professional competence through ongoing professional development, in-service training, and self-directed learning.
- Attend weekly team meetings and participate in ongoing curriculum development initiatives.
- Manage the music programs budget, maintain inventory of instruments and supplies, and make purchase requests as needed.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by Administration in support of the schools mission and operational needs.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree required, with a strong background in music preferred
- Experience in an educational setting
- Basic understanding of Montessori pedagogy
- Orff music approach certification preferred
- Demonstrated ability to communicate, solve problems, and maintain effective relationships with all members of the school community
- Flexibility around responsibilities and duties of a growing program
- Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community
Key Characteristics:
- Visionary educator passionate about student-centered music and media arts instruction grounded in Montessori principles
- Skilled in curriculum development and integrating technology to enhance learning
- Effective communicator who builds strong partnerships with families, staff, and community
- Organized and mindful of creating respectful, productive learning environments
- Proactive leader who empowers student leadership and manages resources responsibly
- Adaptable problem-solver committed to continuous professional growth and equity-minded decision-making
- Collaborative team player dedicated to advancing MACs mission and strategic goals
MAC is committed to caring for and investing in our employees by offering a generous benefits package, including the potential for paid Montessori training, 24 paid holidays annually, paid summer break, 8 Paid Time Off days, 3 Paid Professional Development days, health, dental, and vision insurance with an HSA option, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, employer-paid life insurance, and additional voluntary plans for life insurance, critical illness, and short- and long-term disability plans. Employees also receive an RTD EcoPass.
MAC is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment, free of discrimination or harassment, for its community. MAC does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, immigration/citizen status, age, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, disability, socio-economic status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. Any person with a concern or allegation of discrimination or harassment shall report it to MACs Compliance Coordinator. More information is available on our website.
- Location:
- Denver
- Category:
- Arts And Entertainment