Band and General Music Teacher

PURPOSE OF JOB:

• Deliver the Band and General Music programme with consistency and excellence
• Teach studio lessons for specialized band instrumental instruction
• Collaborate in the department for performances at recitals, concerts and other community events. (Woodstock additionally has two other full-time strings and one other band teacher).
• Design immersive learning experiences that incorporate outdoor activities and fieldwork, leveraging Woodstock School’s facilities, our Indian cultural context, and the unique Himalayan environment
• Assess student progress using effective evaluation methods
• In both pastoral and professional ways, exemplify Our Calling by teaching in a way which Elicits Greatness and make decisions that align with our Guiding Principles. To know more, please visit About Woodstock.
• Ensure that every student is adequately prepared for the rigorous learning of the International Baccalaureate while also developing a genuinely personal and profound enjoyment of Band and General Music Programme and the learning environment

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and Curriculum Development:

• Band Teaching The band teaching position involves teaching various levels of band towards a quality concert band programme. Pedagogical instruction is to be implemented for teaching all band instruments including woodwind, brass & percussion at the beginning level. The band programme is sequenced from the beginning level leading to the junior, intermediate and advanced levels. A jazz band is an additional option in extension to the programme.
• Studio Teaching of Band Instruments: Students opting for instruction in band instruments are to be taught in studio lessons individually or in small groups. Instruments include all woodwind, brass and percussion.

External Exams:

• Students interested in taking external performance exams are prepared by the music department for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London, grades one to eight examinations. These exams involve preparation of prescribed scales, three pieces of varying styles, aural and sight-reading components. Students wishing to take grades six and above are required to have passed the grade five theory examination. Music teachers recommend students for appropriate grade levels and work at preparing the students for these examinations. This position involves giving individual lessons for students working towards these examinations.

Other responsiblities

• Model a lifelong love for learning, generosity of spirit, and integrity
• Develop, maintain, and continuously update existing unit plans and curriculum-related documents
• Work collaboratively and positively contribute to departmental tasks such as policies, common assessments, instructional practices, grading practices etc.
• Develop and implement assessment strategies that support student learning and provide meaningful feedback. 
• Embrace the department focus on critical thinking and student-centric hands-on, inquiry-based learning approach
• Ensure that students develop a strong conceptual and contextual understanding while honing their practical problem-solving skills.
• Encourage all students to take responsibility for their own learning and to review progress against targets
• Take into account the differing ability of students by differentiating work accordingly, utilizing varied teaching strategies and modes, and offering regular out of class opportunities for support

Supporting student centric learning and development:

• Serve in a pastoral support capacity in your role as advisor and as the point of contact between home, dorms, and school for your advisees
• Supervise and provide guidance for Personal Project and/or Extended Essay by tracking student progress, reviewing submissions and ongoing reflections
• Set appropriate tasks and challenges according to the published timetable, and ensure that work is regularly evaluated, and students receive constructive feedback
• Maintain accurate records of student progress in line with departmental and school policy
• Utilize a restorative approach to classroom management

Co- Curricular and School Commitment:

• Supervise study halls and student social activities during evenings and weekends according to the school’s fair-share responsibilities
• Teach approximately 27 periods in a six (6)-day cycle
• Organize and run at least one extra - curricular PASSAGE activity
• Chaperone student travel at the end or beginning of each semester
• Chaperone or lead field trips during Activity Week
• Accept and support Woodstock School’s inclusive Religious Life Policy.
• Participate in annual evaluation and professional growth, taking full advantage of professional development opportunities

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Those applying from the United States or Canada should have a Bachelors/Masters in Band Pedagogy along with teaching experience. Bachelor’s in music education with a Band instrument major could also meet the need. Those applying from UK need to have a teaching Diploma or Licentiate. It will also be important to have an awareness and appreciation for the varying developmental and pastoral needs of children aged 3 - 18.
• At least 3 years of full-time teaching experience in the relevant subject areas
• Valid teaching certification
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team, preferably involving both national and international staff 
• Technological skills at a level that permits creative and effective use of technology in the classroom
• Fluency and accuracy in written and spoken English

PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALITIES

• International experience in a multi-cultural environment
• Experience in outdoor or experiential, place-based education and Wilderness First Aid training
• Experience implementing a STEM curriculum or advising students on independent integrated projects
• A record of student achievement results in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and/or Middle Years Program
• A minimum of two years of teaching experience at IB MYP and IBDP. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed the IB Professional Development Training in a related field/ subject
• Knowledge of ManageBac or any similar Learning Management System
• Knowledge of Assess-prep and MYP e-assessment
• A record of successful engagement with students in a Distance Learning and Hybrid Learning context