Job Description

Founded more than a century ago, Holton-Arms School encourages young women in grades 3-12 to approach the world with a thirst for challenge, unflinching curiosity, and a sense of responsibility to use what they learn for the greatest good. A nationally-recognized school that prioritizes purposeful connections, Holton is a vibrant place where both students and faculty are deeply engaged in the process of learning and bring tremendous spirit and passion to their work.

With a long legacy of excellence in educating girls, Holton provides students with time-tested and future-forward programming, preparing them for what the world needs next. The mission of the Holton-Arms School is to cultivate the unique potential of young women through the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit”. Founded in 1901 by two visionary women, Holton-Arms continues to cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school community; tend to the health and wellbeing of its members; and build a global curriculum that responds to the learners in its classrooms and the world around us.

The school’s aspirations and current program are rooted in Mrs. Holton’s founding vision: “My high hope is that they who enter through the ‘Open Door’ of Holton-Arms remember they felt, in the friendliness of a home, the urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles as the way to happiness and the fullest life”. In this vibrant community committed to academic excellence, discovery, creativity, and joy, students are scholars, artists, and athletes who find their voices, take risks, learn from mistakes, pursue leadership opportunities, and build lifelong friendships. The school motto, Inveniam viam aut faciam (I will find a way or make one), exemplifies this spirit of agency and empowerment.

We seek applicants from diverse backgrounds, talents, and interests who share our passion for helping girls learn, grow, and thrive. Together, we are committed to cultivating the leaders of tomorrow who will make a positive impact on their communities and the world.

Position Overview

The Holton-Arms School seeks an innovative, collaborative, and enthusiastic individual to join our robust Performing Arts team and serve as Lower School General Music and Chorus Teacher for grades 3-6. In addition, the General Music Teacher will serve as Performing Arts Department Chair, working as one of two Department Chairs in the Fine and Performing Arts Department and as a member of the Program Leadership team.

The Music program provides students with the opportunity to develop a foundation in the many and varied qualities of musicianship that will enable them to be successful in all of their musical pursuits. General Music is required for students in grades 3 through 6. In addition to developing their technical skills and understanding, students learn to take creative risks, think critically and to work collaboratively. In exploring music from a wide range of instruments, cultures and traditions, students deepen their interest in and sensitivity to the artistry of diverse communities.

Department Chairs/Program Leaders maintain the integrity of the Holton-Arms programs and develop and articulate departmental and divisional goals and strategies to realize the mission of the School. The School looks to Program Leadership to model collaboration and collegiality between and among divisions, departments, and programs. The Head of School, the Associate Head of School, and the Academic Dean look to Program Leadership to help create, support, and promote curricular initiatives and discussions around important School priorities at the department, division, and all School levels. Department Chairs report directly to the Academic Dean in their role. They are also overseen by division heads in relation to their teaching responsibilities and other division-specific issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Performing Arts Department Chair, overseeing daily administrative duties of the department, evaluating faculty, refining curriculum scope and sequence, working collaboratively with departmental faculty to develop age-appropriate standards, curriculum and performance opportunities in Grades 3-12, and supporting the goals of the Fine and Performing Arts program.
• Teach Lower School classes in Music including, but not limited to: General Music, Chorus and Instrumental Music.
• Serve as the Choral/Music Director for all Lower School performances.
• Develop, teach and maintain a Music curriculum (Beginning to Advanced).
• Contribute to the school community through advisory, leading clubs, or other student programming.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Music and at least one of the following: Choral Conducting, Music Theory, Instrumental Music or Music Education with a graduate degree, preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of and proven experience in conducting choirs and teaching general music. 
• Instrumental: Ability to play and teach various instruments (especially piano, guitar, or percussion) to accompany lessons and students.
• Vocal Skills: Strong voice for teaching chorus and leading vocal exercises.
• Music Theory: Knowledge of basic music theory to teach students how to read music, understand rhythm, scales, and basic harmony.
• Successful teaching experience with the capacity to initiate improvement in teaching, learning, assessment, and classroom management practices.
• Knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy, differentiation, and assessment with the ability to implement quality, inclusive teaching, and learning programs.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build relationships and engage students, parents, staff, and colleagues.
• Ability to plan and manage resources effectively to support teaching, learning, and performance preparation.
• Desire to pursue ongoing professional development, making the most of the opportunities both within and outside the school to improve teaching and to demonstrate for the students the value of lifelong learning.
• Demonstrated high levels of enthusiasm for competency-based teaching and learning, and striving to engender a joy of learning in all students.
• A passion for developing deep understanding of music concepts, as well as student application of concepts learned.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other department faculty on curriculum development and concert/programming selection and preparation.
• Ability to inspire and motivate students.
• Coaching experience is desired. Priority Varsity coaching opportunities include Basketball, Soccer and Lacrosse.

Salary and Benefits Information

The average salary range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000, the exact salary to be determined based on education and experience. We use a step scale to determine teacher salary. Early career teachers are initially compensated less than the listed salary range and highly experienced teachers are compensated more than the listed salary range. Additional stipends are available for coaching, certain club sponsorship, and significant commitments outside of the classroom. Benefits include health insurance with a generous employer contribution to medical, dental, and vision; life and disability insurance; 403b retirement savings with an employer match and non-elective contribution; employee assistance program, tuition remission for eligible children; professional development opportunities; paid parental leave after one year of employment; paid sick and personal days; and lunch is provided on school days.

Application Details

To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, statement of educational philosophy, and the names and contact information of three references (one of whom must be a current or most recent supervisor).

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement

Holton-Arms cherishes the uniqueness of each of our members including current and former students, faculty, and staff. We seek to create an inclusive environment that sees, values, and supports diverse identities and experiences, cultivates engaging discourse, and empowers our students to be thriving members of the global community.

At Holton-Arms, each of us is responsible for fostering an equitable, respectful, and just community. We are committed to:

• Discovering, developing, and valuing our full authentic selves.
• Deepening awareness of personal and systemic biases and being accountable for the impact of our words and actions.
• Developing an understanding of the historical origins and perpetuation of systems of power and privilege.
• Engaging in open and brave conversations that promote growth, understanding, connection, and agency.
• Embracing every individual as essential to the community.

About Holton-Arms School, Inc.

Founded in 1901 by two visionary women, Holton-Arms embraces a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, while tending to the health and well-being of its community members. The school offers a globally focused curriculum designed to meet the needs of its learners and the world they will engage with as leaders of tomorrow. Mrs. Holton’s founding vision continues to inspire the school’s aspirations: “My high hope is that those who enter through the ‘Open Door’ of Holton-Arms remember they felt, in the friendliness of a home, the urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles as the way to happiness and the fullest life.” Holton students are scholars, artists, and athletes who find their voices, take risks, learn from mistakes, pursue leadership opportunities, and form lifelong friendships. The school motto, Inveniam viam aut faciam (I will find a way or make one), exemplifies the spirit of agency and empowerment that defines our community. We seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for helping girls thrive. Together, we cultivate the leaders of tomorrow, prepared to make a meaningful impact in their communities and the world.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs