Position: Grade School Music Teacher

Status: Full Time / Exempt / Academic Year

Reports to: Grade School Director

Mission:

GIS is a collaborative community with a student-centered learning environment that encourages growth

into bilingual world citizens, who strive for academic and creative excellence, embrace healthy and responsible behavior, and value independence and lifelong learning.

Position description:

The German International School of Portland is seeking a dynamic and engaging music educator to lead our elementary music program.

Our music curriculum is grounded in a blend of Kodály and Orff approaches, fostering creativity, musicianship, and a lifelong appreciation for music. The successful candidate will guide students in developing vocal and instrumental skills through the use of Orff instruments, recorders, ukuleles, hand chimes, and guitar. These experiences build a strong musical foundation and support students' progression into our middle school band program.

Singing is a central component of the curriculum, supporting language development, vocabulary acquisition, and cultural understanding within our multilingual school community. The music teacher will collaborate closely with grade-level teams and the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator to create meaningful connections between music learning and Units of Inquiry, enriching students' transdisciplinary learning experiences.

In addition, the music teacher will work collaboratively with the other music teachers and school leaders to plan and produce evening concerts, assemblies, and extracurricular performance opportunities throughout the school year, showcasing student growth and fostering community engagement.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative educator who values inquiry-based learning, cultural responsiveness, and the power of music to inspire, connect, and empower young learners.

Areas of responsibilities

Teaching

● Prepare and develop lesson plans according to established curriculum standards.

● Teach the curriculum using a variety of methods and media

● Organize and create a learning environment in which students can acquire knowledge and skills independently and as part of a team

● Evaluate teaching methods and examine learning materials in order to improve teaching techniques

● Reflect on learning environment and learning process of all students in order take affirmative action when necessary

Educating

● Identify intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs affecting the students’ success in school

● Ensure that teaching goals and objectives outlined in the school’s mission statement are met

● Maintain a standard of student behavior designed to encourage respect and minimize school and classroom interruptions

Advising

● Communicate proactively with parents through established communication channels

Evaluating

● Apply predetermined performance evaluation methods appropriately

● Explain the system, criteria and timeframe of performance evaluation process to students and parents

School Development

● Encourage and initiate continued school improvement in curriculum and teaching methods in cooperation with faculty

Participation in School Events

● Actively and positively represent the school

● Attend professional conferences, seminars, and workshops in education

● Attend school functions as needed

● Attend and lead planned concerts and extracurricular performances

● Share newly acquired knowledge with other staff members

Preferred qualifications:

● Experience teaching in an elementary or music classroom and/or degree in music education.

● Experience with Orff/Kodaly methods of instruction.

● Willingness to work collaboratively to create units that work within our school’s IB (International Baccalaureate) framework. Previous IB knowledge is a plus.

● Possesses a growth mindset and is authentically approachable.

● Strong organizational skills

● Able to thrive working in a team environment

● German/ Mandarin language skills are a plus, but not required. (Music class is currently taught in English.)

● Ability to pass a criminal background check

● Current certification in First Aid, CPR & Food Handler's License or willing to become

certified prior to school year starting

Working Conditions:

● 40 hours/week; academic year position.

● Able to lift 25-50 pounds multiple times a day

Non-Discrimimnation Policy:

German International School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, genetic information, uniformed service or veteran status, familial status, marital status, or any other status protected by local,

state or federal law in employment or the administration of its educational policies, admissions, scholarship and other financial aid programs, or athletic, extra-curricular, and other school-administered programs and activities.

To apply, please submit CV and Resume to Grade School Director at michelle.bahr@gspdx.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Paid time off
Relocation assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

German International School of Portland jobs

Grade School Music Teacher