Job Description

Middle School Music Teacher, Instrumental Band

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Uncommon Schools seeks an accomplished, passionate band teacher to join our growing K-12 music program through a two-year leadership pathway. As our Apprentice Band Teacher, you will spend your first year working across several of our strongest middle school band programs. You'll support alongside experienced lead band teachers and receive weekly coaching from our Director of Music Programs. In SY27-28, you will step into the lead band teacher role at one of our middle school campuses, ready to lead a program you've been prepared for from day one.

Our band pedagogy balances direct music literacy instruction with ensemble-based learning across woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Students build foundational reading and performance skills on their instruments while exploring repertoire across a wide range of styles, genres, and cultures. Band teachers at Uncommon introduce instruments to beginning players and grow returning students into confident, expressive ensemble musicians.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Support in host school band programs alongside lead band teachers, including sectionals and small-group instruction, full-ensemble rehearsals, instrument inventory and repair tracking, and concert logistics
• Engage in weekly observation and coaching cycles with the Director of Music Programs, taking on increasing ownership of classes and ensembles over the course of the year
• Deliver high-quality instrumental instruction aligned to the network band program vision and music-specific academic standards
• Teach concert band pedagogy across woodwinds, brass, and percussion, including tone production, technique, music literacy, sight-reading on instruments, and ensemble performance repertoire
• Rehearse and conduct ensembles with 5+ types of instrumentation
• Plan music literacy lesson components in rhythm and pitch notation, improvisation, and composition
• Design and implement assessments that measure student progress toward standards, and use that data to refine curriculum and instruction
• Partner with the Director of Music Programs and High School Band Director on curriculum development, performance repertoire, high school recruitment, and events
• Collaborate with Principals and Directors of Operations to plan and execute performances throughout the school year
• Prepare to lead a band program in SY27-28, including outlining strategy for student recruitment, instrument inventory setup, and family communication
• Build strong classroom management aligned with Uncommon's systems and adapt to the routines of each host school
• Support school instructional and cultural needs, including academic coverage, test proctoring, daily systems duties, and other supportive duties
• Contribute to collaborative curriculum development, department activities, and schoolwide functions
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
• Participate in an annual three-week staff orientation and training

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in music education required; Master's degree preferred
• Valid state certification helpful but not required
• Experience leading bands and strong command of instrumental pedagogy
• Proficiency playing and teaching woodwinds, brass, and percussion required; experience arranging instrumental music helpful
• Ability to manage and direct large groups of students
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon's core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable
• Two or more years of teaching experience in an urban public or charter school setting preferred
• A coachable mindset: you seek out feedback and put it into practice quickly
• Flexibility and professionalism working across multiple school sites and host teachers
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
• Proven track record of high achievement in the classroom
• Mastery of and enthusiasm for music and music education
• Self-motivation and a strong commitment to being a team player

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation for this role is between $72,000 to $115,000. Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant full-time teaching experience, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time Teaching experience will likely have a starting salary of $72,000. Compensation is set at hire and does not change when the Apprentice Band Teacher transitions into the lead band teacher role in SY27-28.

Benefits include:

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and ~10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer)
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
• 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.

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