Catlin Gabel School seeks to employ the best qualified individuals from available applicants and to provide them with opportunity for advancement in a manner that does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal equal employment opportunity laws or regulations.

The School believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to the school’s success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Music Teacher is responsible for inspiring a foundational love for music in our youngest learners, teaching music to Preschool and Kindergarten students. This role involves creating a joyful, active classroom where students develop early musical skills through singing, movement, and instrumental play.

Pay Range:

• Based on Faculty Scale according to education and teaching experience
• Offered at 0.50 FTE/10 month salary: $29,065 - $52,495/year

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Core Instructional Duties

• Implement a developmentally appropriate music program for Preschool and Kindergarten, focusing on tuneful singing, steady beat competency, and exploration of instruments.
• Utilize multi-sensory instructional methods (visual aids, tactile props, and kinesthetic games) to engage diverse learners and support early childhood social-emotional development.
• Cultivate a "joy-first" environment that inspires a lifelong love of music and encourages every child to find their "singing voice."

Community Building Through Music

• Lead musical elements for early childhood gatherings, including simplified singing and movement for community sings in the Beehive (PS/K building).
• Facilitate age-appropriate "informances" or seasonal gatherings that showcase classroom learning in a low-pressure environment, providing an authentic audience for young learners.
• Collaborate with PS/K homeroom teachers to integrate musical concepts with foundational literacy, numeracy, and thematic units (e.g., seasons, animals, community).
• Collaborate with Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School music teachers to support music sharing and community events. 

Environment & Management

• Foster a "brave space" classroom where young children feel safe to experiment with sound, move their bodies freely, and express curiosity.
• Practice gentle, consistent classroom management to support transitions, self-regulation, and positive peer relationships.

Communication & Professionalism

• Maintain consistent contact with families via Seesaw journals and newsletters to "make learning visible," sharing photos or videos of musical milestones.
• Complete progress reports and attend parent/teacher conferences as required for the PS/K grade levels.
• Participate in faculty meetings weekly ensuring alignment with the early childhood department’s goals.
• Supervise students during designated non-class times (recess or snack) as coordinated within the part-time schedule.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The music classroom is located in separate space from the main Lower School building and is well-supplied with materials and instruments. This is a part-time, 0.5 FTE teaching position with an academic year schedule. This teaching role is expected to be on campus 20 hours a week. Part-time faculty members expected to travel to retreats, conferences and workshops as well as to accompany students on various experiential activities throughout the year. There are some mandatory evening and weekend commitments. The BS Music teacher also joins 12 full days at key points during the year including opening meetings, professional learning days, fall and spring conferences, and Wonder Week.These dates are identified a year in advance. 

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

The music teacher has daily contact with children, parents, teachers, and administrators. Some interactions include confidential information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree (in Education or Music)
• 3 Years of Early Childhood Music teaching experience
• Instrument proficiency for classroom instruction and community sings
• Cultural competence, particularly in relation to curriculum development, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters Degree (in Education or Music)
• Teaching credential or graduate degree
• Orff or Kod?ly training preferred
• Music Together Certification preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Mobility sufficient to move about the campus on uneven terrain and assure the safety of children
• Ability to communicate with children, colleagues, and families
• The ability to occasionally lift 30-50 pounds and to accomplish frequent bending, squatting, stooping and kneeling

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree (in Education or Music)
• 3 Years of Early Childhood Music teaching experience
• Instrument proficiency for classroom instruction and community sings
• Cultural competence, particularly in relation to curriculum development, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion

About Catlin Gabel School

Catlin Gabel School is a coeducational, independent day school located on 54 acres in the West Hills neighborhood of Portland, Oregon formed in 1957 by the merger of the Catlin Hillside School, which had been founded as Miss Catlin’s School in 1911, and the Gabel Country Day School, whose roots extend to 1859 with the founding of The Portland Academy. The campus itself is a former farm with beautiful trees, fields, and plantings that has been modernized and upgraded over the years with new and renovated buildings that blend in with the natural surroundings. We offer a broad and challenging curriculum based on a progressive philosophy with small classes designed to educate the total person, incorporating the academic along with the arts, physical education, and a strong sense of community service. The school enrolls nearly 740 students in Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade and has 100 faculty members committed to diversity among students, faculty and staff. Catlin Gabel is an equal opportunity employer.

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