Junior School Strings Teacher

Permanent, part-time (0.50 FTE) position starting September, 2022

If you are a music educator who inspires students, is passionate about holistic learning and is driven to help young people shape their lives, this is a role, a school and a place for you.

Located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, St. Michaels University School (SMUS) is a Kindergarten to Grade 12 co-educational day and boarding school with a global reputation for academic excellence. Our faculty members enjoy small classes, modern facilities, and substantial preparation time that creates opportunities to understand their students and to make a real impact in their lives. Faculty salaries and benefits exceed the local public school districts and are supported by an exciting professional development program. As lifelong learners and with students at the centre, SMUS faculty are capacity builders by nature and inspiring educators by practice.

Our students from all over the world have opportunities in athletics, arts, leadership, service, experiential and outdoor education, and are inspired by an extraordinary faculty that is committed to academic excellence, character growth and preparing students for what lies ahead in life. The school’s Mission shapes all of these endeavours: Our school seeks the excellence in all of us, with passion and compassion. We are a community shaped by the pursuit of truth and goodness, providing outstanding preparation for life. At St. Michaels University School, we seek to employ and empower individuals who wish to forge impactful relationships and careers that place our students at the centre. We firmly believe that expanding our diversity while adjusting our practice will lead to becoming the community we envision – a place where staff and students share a sense that they fully belong.

The Position:

The Junior School (Kindergarten to Grade 5) is a dynamic and joyful community of learners who create a culture of excellence, think critically and creatively, and are nurtured through supportive relationships in order to reach each child’s potential. Our teaching practice is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, inquiry-based learning, and brain research.

We are currently seeking a Junior School Strings Teacher to become part of our highly engaged, progressive, and professional faculty, who will fully embrace the SMUS vision and mission and share our educational philosophy and image of the child. For over 30 years SMUS has established and maintained a high functioning strings program from Grades 4 - 12. All Grade 4 and 5 students at SMUS, approximately 80 students, learn to play a string instrument. We are looking for someone who can be a part of a team of seven music faculty across the school. Lessons will be held during the school day.

The successful candidate will have the following skills, background and interest:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, preferably with a specialisation in Music.
• Eligible for, or holder of a current BC teaching certificate.
• Successful classroom teaching experience, preferably in elementary education.
• Experience teaching string instruments to young children in a classroom setting or group.
• Intermediate to Advanced level of knowledge in performing on the violin, viola, cello and bass. Excellent understanding of cello and bass pedagogy would be an asset.
• Strong understanding of good posture and proper mechanics to help students establish solid foundational skills.
• An understanding of facilitation requirements for large ensemble music performances and an ability to demonstrate proficient performance techniques.
• Familiarity with the British Columbia Curriculum is an asset.
• Ensuring consistent and regular communication with families and Junior School faculty.
• Experience with cross curricular planning and assessment.
• Experience using Google Classroom and other technology to support language learning
• A passion for ongoing learning and professional development.
• Strong collaboration skills as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• An understanding of current differentiation strategies and commitment to the needs of all learners.
• Growth mindset and ability to offer and receive professional feedback.
• Demonstrated professionalism and excellent communication skills.
• Flexibility, accountability, and integrity.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Evidence of innovative and inspiring teaching practices and assessment.
• Evidence and commitment to a collaborative approach with a team of talented educators
• Experience working in an environment of excellence where a broad spectrum of programs operate simultaneously, demanding a great deal of forward planning and creativity.
• Commitment to pastoral care and to delivering high quality education through a holistic lens.

Responsibilities include:

• Teaching mixed group lessons for violin, viola, cello and bass at beginning and lower-intermediate levels.
• Delivering high-quality instruction, developing effective classroom management and lesson plans.
• Setting up a balanced ensemble at the beginner Grade 4 level.
• Working collaboratively on the curricular continuum from Junior through Middle and Senior School strings.
• Consistent and professional communication with students, faculty and parents.
• Administering and maintaining a collection of school rental instruments.
• A commitment to creating a joyful learning environment within a culture of excellence.
• A commitment to teaching for understanding using a standards-based assessment model.
• Maintaining effective ongoing assessment of student learning in order to provide clear feedback to students and their parents.
• Liaising with teaching faculty, parents and administration as an advocate for students.
• Practicing professionalism through ongoing professional development, reflection and continuous improvement.
• Contributing to the extra-curricular life of the school.

Criminal Record Check:

Must pass and maintain a clear Solicitor General criminal record check for the purpose of working with children.

Application Details:

Please respond with a cover letter and résumé in a single document to https://careers.risepeople.com/SMUS/en/4591_junior-school-strings-teacher  by 2:00 pm on Monday May 16, 2022.