Washington International School is hiring: Middle & Upper School Music Teacher i

Who We Are – About Barrie School

Established in 1932 as the first racially integrated educational institution in the region, Barrie School is a progressive independent school that inspires excellence, intrinsic motivation, and responsibility through innovation in learning. The school serves to empower our students to expand their intellectual abilities, develop their creative talents, and discover their passions to make a positive impact in a rapidly changing world. Serving a diverse and inclusive student body, our intentional educational throughline—from Montessori (3 months to Grade 5) to Project-Based Learning (Grades 6 to 12)—cultivates learning that lasts. Our challenging educational experiences unlock intrinsic motivation and innovation in students, faculty, and staff. Above all, our community fosters a deep sense of belonging by honoring student voice and responsibility.

Located close to D.C., Barrie School provides an extraordinary learning environment integrating local, national, and global educational opportunities. Our verdant, 45-acre campus of open fields, streams, ponds, and forests provides space for learning and play. Barrie encourages students to develop their own interests and unique talents through hands-on, experiential learning that promotes 21st-century outcomes, including:

• Analytical and creative thinking and problem-solving

• Complex written and oral communication

• Leadership and teamwork

• Digital and quantitative literacy

• Global perspectives

• Adaptability, initiative, and risk-taking

• Integrity and ethical decision-making

Barrie is also home to the Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies—one of the largest school-based teacher education programs in the country—and Barrie Camp, a Washington, D.C.-area tradition since the 1950s.

What You Will Do – Responsibilities of the Position

Reporting to the Head of Middle & Upper School, the MUS Music Teacher should be a talented individual trained to teach music to adolescents and young adults, who values student-centered and progressive education.

• Teach a full load of trimester music and musical production courses as follows:

  • One section of middle school music (sixth, seventh, and eighth graders) per trimester

  • One section of a student-centered Band course that fosters musical development on multiple instruments, including, but not limited to, piano, bass, guitar, and drums–using songs that students select–in two trimesters

  • One trimester of Vocal Technique, focusing on building breath support, pitch matching, emotional connectivity, and vocal placement without fear.

  • Along with the Director of Performing Arts, one trimester of Musical Theatre Cabaret for musical performers in preparation for the spring musical.

• Help students showcase their abilities at Arts Nights, Talent Shows, and other events.

• Support student sound and technical apprentices with sound and light boards during productions.

• Attend all faculty meetings and weekly department meetings.

• Participate in divisional and departmental curriculum development and initiatives.

• Advise a group of seven to eight middle or upper school students.

• Experience with choreography and technical theater design is a plus.

Qualifications for a Successful Candidate

We seek candidates who possess

• An undergraduate degree (advanced degree and degree in music preferred)

• Background in education (at least 3 years of teaching preferred).

• Sought but not required: Experience with production choreography and/or technical theatre design/direction.

In addition, those who thrive at Barrie commit to

• Living out the mission and values of the institution

• Demonstrating a passion for working with Middle & Upper School students

• Taking accountability for all areas of responsibility

• Being a positive team player in a highly collaborative environment

• Taking an active role in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts

• Being enthusiastic, joyful, and curious about teaching and learning

• Being an effective communicator

• Remaining open to feedback and continual growth.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply by submitting a cover letter, résumé, and the contact information of three references to the link provided.

Candidates must clearly articulate their years of teaching experience on their resume and submit a cover letter expressing their interest in the position.

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience. Barrie staff also benefit from tuition assistance for dependent children.

As an equal opportunity employer, Barrie School seeks to hire staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We align our hiring process with our mission and institutional goals. Employment decisions are made solely on an individual’s ability to perform the job. In accordance with federal, state, and county laws, Barrie School does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived differences, including those based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, gender identity, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, sexual identity, disability, sexual and reproductive health decisions, or toward victims or those perceived to be victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse or stalking, as well as any other status protected under federal, state, or local laws.