Music / Performing Arts Teacher for the 2024 - 2025 School Year

Job Description

Job Description

Description :

School Name : St. James Academy

Location : 623 S Nardo Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Reports to : Principal

Employment Type : Full Time

FLSA Status : Exempt

Pay Rate : $48,000-$55,000 based on experience and education

St. James Academy is seeking a qualified, experienced and passionate educator who is deeply committed to developing Christ-centered, forward-thinking leaders to serve our future Church and our world.

SJA is committed to excellence and provides a student-centered, Catholic-based, rigorous academic curriculum that values cultural and intellectual diversity.

Primary Responsibilities :

The teacher services the school / students in an instructional capacity and performs the specific duties assigned by the administration of the school.

The teacher provides grade appropriate instructional program including :

• Teach the elements and appreciation of music via the content standards as set forth by the Diocese of San Diego and the California State Standards, PS through 8th grade, according to a master schedule
• Incorporate Catholic teachings, values and traditions into daily instruction and classroom activities
• Collaborate with principal, teachers and parish music director to select music for liturgy
• Provide musical selection, direction, technical support and piano accompaniment for weekly school Masses
• Provide musical selection, direction and accompaniment for the after school SJA Spirit Choir / Band (6-8th grade) and Inspire Choir (4-5th grade).
• Provide musical selection, direction and accompaniment for occasional Sunday parish masses (Catholic Schools’ Week, First Communion)
• Plan and deliver engaging and developmentally appropriate PS-8 classroom lessons, including music theory and appreciation, singing, recorder and ukulele.
• Provide musical and script selection, direction, production and technical support, creative movement / dance, and accompaniment for the annual Christmas program (PS-8) and Spring Variety Show (K-8)
• Provide music selection, direction, technical support and accompaniment for Graduation, the annual Solana Beach Holiday Tree Lighting and other events
• Monitor and record student progress toward meeting music standards
• Comply with school regulations and policies and serve as a positive role model for students in accordance with Catholic teachings
• Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes respect, empathy and compassion
• Supervise students in and outside the classroom
• Participate in faculty meetings, school committees, and in-services
• Attend other school functions and activities as necessary
• Advance educational knowledge by attending conferences, professional development opportunities, and reading educational journals
• Integrate technology effectively into teaching and learning activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Administrative / Other Responsibilities :

• Meet regularly with the principal
• Return voicemail / email messages in a timely manner, within 24 hours
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding student’s progress, behavior, concerns and positives
• Prepare and maintain a neat and orderly classroom
• Demonstrate a respectful demeanor with staff, students, and parents
• Observe utmost confidentiality regarding parent, student, staff information / conversations

Requirements :

Religious Qualifications :

• Active, practicing Roman Catholic (preferred)
• Basic Catechetical Certification (preferred)
• Respects and understands a Catholic school philosophy

Professional Qualifications :

• Knowledge and experience leading Catholic liturgy and traditions
• Competency in piano, voice, music / choral direction and music ministry leadership
• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education preferred or equivalent experience as a music educator and director
• Theater Arts experience ideal
• Positive references and recommendations
• Clear criminal background check (a clear Livescan for the Diocese of San Diego is a condition of employment)
• Basic understanding and acceptance of Catholic School philosophy, goals and objectives
• Understanding of child development and skills necessary to relate to the students
• Appropriate classroom management, which will enhance the learning environment
• Strong written, pragmatic and expressive communication skills
• Can-do, positive attitude
• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with administration, colleagues and parents
• Professional demeanor

Physical Requirements :

To successfully meet the needs of the students in his / her care, the teacher must :

• Spend the majority of the day standing in the classroom. While standing the teacher will frequently hold objects they are working with or demonstrating
• Sit on an occasional basis when developing lesson plans, grading, etc.
• Walk through the classroom and be able to maneuver in tight spaces between desks. Walk on both even and uneven surfaces
• Deal with students while kneeling or squatting, stooping, or bending
• Reach at, below, or above shoulder height with the dominant upper extremity; may require trunk or neck rotation to look back at the class
• Assist in moving children's desks and chairs to change the layout of the classroom to influence the learning situation.

It is occasionally necessary to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 25 pounds from the office to classrooms

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to be inside the classroom. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the classroom and preschool environment, as well as maneuver throughout the school facility to attend meetings, trainings, and other work-related events.

The employee may be required to conduct trips to, from, and within various city and county-wide locations to attend trainings or workshops.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

St. James Academy, as part of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.