Middle School Music Teacher

Who We Are
Since its founding in 2010, Challenge Preparatory Charter School (Challenge Prep) has provided students and families with a successful academic program in Far Rockaway, Queens. We currently serve over 1200 scholars from Kindergarten to 12th grade across 3 sites. Our school's mission is to prepare students from the greater Far Rockaway community to excel academically, to demonstrate mastery of the NY State Learning Standards, and to achieve their career aspirations. Challenge cultivates and supports the intellectual, aesthetic, social, emotional, and ethical development of its students and prepares them to be responsible 21st century citizens. To accomplish its mission, Challenge offers a rigorous instructional program in a safe, supportive, technology-infused and data-enriched and social-emotional learning sequence, authentic field experiences, career counseling, and college coursework. It is understood that we are one organization with multiple sites, and it is expected that all members of the team collaborate to support all of our scholars.
Understanding the Role
The Music Teacher will report to the Principal. This is a great position for an experienced teacher or a person who has experience creating and developing a comprehensive music program for youth. The Music Teacher will need to be creative and flexible while ensuring scholars are exposed to a robust and rigorous program. A successful candidate must have a background in music education, and experience launching a music program. Additionally, grant writing experience is preferred. The ability to collaborate with teachers and positively interact with the student population is a must. The Music Teachers will coordinate and sustain a vast inventory of musical equipment coupled with a large inventory of instructional materials and a music library. They will manage logistics and transportation for events outside of the school every year. The Music Teachers will also establish and execute a wide range of applicable instructional activities for students of varying abilities and talents aligned with Challenge's vision and mission. It is understood that we are one organization with multiple sites and it is expected that all members of the team collaborate to support all of our scholars.
Job Responsibilities

• The staff of Challenge Charter High School is committed to teaching students the values of scholarship, respect, honesty, courage, and balance in a collaborative technology-infused, inclusive family-like environment. Teachers assist all scholars in their content area courses, as well as their advisories and electives, so they may reach their full potential by focusing on their individual aspirations and strength. Planning for students of all ability levels, including English Language Learners and students with disabilities is expected so that these students may achieve academic mastery. Students learn to make real-world connections through the infusion of internships, volunteer work, and advanced-level learning. experience and/or willingness to commit to the school's mission and core beliefs and to become involved in these essential aspects:
• Collaborating with colleagues to write unit plans and interim assessments; sharing teaching strategies, visiting peer classrooms, analyzing student data, and developing best practice pedagogy that supports literacy and critical thinking skills across all subject areas
• Believing that all students can succeed with ample social-emotional support in and out of the classroom
• Employing a variety of collaborative team-teaching models for ESL students and special needs students
• Applying data gathered through formative and summative assessments to guide instructional plan
• Developing an individual growth plan, which includes professional goals and objectives in collaboration with the Principal and/or Assistant Principal
• Utilizing technology which includes a parent/student portal and school website that provides regular written updates and/or grades

Who We Seek

• We will consider candidates who can demonstrate:
• Commitment to and alignment with CCHS' mission, vision, program goals, and curriculum
• Effective leadership skills that inspire teamwork and dedication
• Strategic problem-solving skillsStrong communication skills with students, families, staff, and community members
• Exceptional management and organizational skills
• Positive experience in taking the initiative, assuming accountability, and being productive in attaining measurable goals and mission accomplishments
• Ability to plan strategically and effectively, as well as to adapt to unforeseen situations
• Ability to create a positive school culture that is welcoming, fun, and conducive to learning

SELECTION CRITERIA

• The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• Ability and willingness to incorporate reading and writing into the music content area and to learn how to develop unit plans that prioritize skill development and assessments that measure student progressWillingness to integrate technology and/or media in the classroom
• Ability and willingness to learn how to develop interim assessments, analyze student data, adjust teaching practices, and use ongoing data to drive instruction and increase student academic and social achievement
• Evidence of commitment to continuous professional growth
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with colleagues, parents, students, industry partners, and the community

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree and certification in an appropriate content area preferred
• Highly motivated to teach students from underserved areas and devoted to closing the achievement gap
• Teaching experience in an urban school setting preferred
• The ability to create a classroom setting where students of every level experience enjoyment, engagement, and enthusiasm in their learning
• Strong teamwork ethic
• Ability to use data to drive instruction

$62,000 - $95,000 a year
Based on qualifications and experience.