Application Deadline:
May 15, 2026
Summary
The Galena School District seeks a charismatic and influential leader for the 4-12 choir program. The Choir Director will direct and manage the campus choir program, provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth ; and provide an opportunity to participate in extracurricular choral opportunities such as vocal festivals, community performances, vocal jazz, and musical theater.
This role reports to the principal and will work closely with other school administrative team members, the Galena Music Supporters, and other booster organizations. In coordination with the Principal, the Choir Director will lead the program, promoting a culture of discipline, sportsmanship, and respect.
The Choir Director will provide leadership and vision to develop, coordinate, recruit, retain, and manage the choir program in alignment with the school's mission, vision, and core values.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Music Education. Hold a valid Illinois teaching license or certificate. Must be able to provide leadership and set a positive example in situations that are often stressful due to the public visibility of the program. Must be highly organized and be able to work with little direct supervision.
Responsibilities
Building and maintaining a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
Assume a share of supervisory responsibilities expected ofall school faculty members.
Direct and lead all vocal ensembles for middle and high school, including concerts. Includes two sections of middle school general music.
Recruit and retain high student numbers in the 4-12 choir/middle school general music program.
Establish performance requirements, enforce academic requirements, andverify student eligibility for participation.
Oversee music booster club and support all booster activities and fundraisers.
Prepare all vocal ensembles for required performances (e.g., Holiday Concert, Spring Concert, ILMEA Contest, NUIC conference music festival, etc.) as scheduled.
Collaborate with team members on curriculum design and development on lesson planning and regularly analyze student data to accommodate individual student needs.
Utilize valid teaching techniques to achieve curriculum goals within the framework of the school’s philosophy and incorporating all prescribed Illinois Academic Content Standards.
Employ a variety of instructional aids and technological resources as well as methods and materials that will provide for the creative teaching to reach all students
Integrate technology into lesson plans in compliance with the expectation outlined by the administration.
Provide periodic updates to parents/guardians about student progress via both written reports and in-person conferences.
Maintain regular and prompt attendance and grade records in Teacherease.
Keep students, parents/guardians, and administration informed of progress or deficiencies.
Create a positive and safe learning environment for all students and hold students accountable for conduct.
Possess effective interpersonal skills and administrative skills; be a problem solver and be able to think outside the box.
Work with others in the school community tosupport each student’s emotional well-being.
Utilize effective and professional oral and written communication skills.
Maintain professional development as a licensed educator
Other duties as assigned by the school administration.
Contract Details
Base salary dictated by the Galena Federation of Teachers Collective Bargaining Agreement. Extracurricular and coaching opportunities are available; in addition to base salary the successful candidate will receive stipends for choir-related activities. Duties may vary throughout the year as needed.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following materials to Anne Heim, anneheim@gusd120.k12.il.us:
A cover letter outlining philosophy and experiences of the ideal candidate.
A current resume.
Three letters of recommendation from previous positions.
District employment application found at https://www.gusd120.k12.il.us/page/employment
Interviews are targeted the week of May 18th.
Questions regarding this position may be directed to Madeline Hawkins, Galena High School Principal.
