Job Title: Vocal Music Teacher & Director / Music Director of HS Musical
Northwest Academy is seeking a Vocal Music teacher for middle & high school who will also serve as the Director/Music Director of the high school musical for the 2026-27 school year and beyond.
About Northwest Academy
Northwest Academy is an independent middle and high school located in downtown Portland. We offer a progressive, arts‑integrated, place‑based curriculum that is student‑centered, rigorous, creative, and culturally relevant. Our inclusive, caring culture supports and challenges all students, guiding them with unique developmental needs and celebrating independence and individuality.
Benefits and Advantages
Teachers enjoy a low student‑to‑teacher ratio, approximately 4 of 9 classes each week scheduled for prep time, and a collaborative community. Employees receive multiple medical plans, a dental and vision plan, identity theft protection, a non‑matching 403(b) retirement option immediately upon hire with 3% matching after 1200 hours, and opportunities for Creative Production Grants.
Position Details
The Vocal Music Teacher and Director/Music Director teaches:
- two daytime middle school courses: Vocal Music Foundations and Vocal Music Explorations
- two daytime high school courses: Vocal Music and Advanced Vocal Music
Each course meets three 65‑minute sessions per week. Additional responsibilities include serving as Director and Music Director of the high school musical in the Arts After Hours program.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Music Education and/or significant professional teaching experience
- Basic piano playing skills as an accompanist are a plus
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Working knowledge of the voice for middle and high school singers
- Conduct music accurately and expressively with self‑confidence
- Sing unself‑consciously to illustrate correct technique, pronunciation, and style
Responsibilities
- Teach students to sing with well‑formed vowels and a clear focus while adapting instruction to diverse learners
- Conduct rehearsals and performances using high‑quality music across styles and genres
- Develop scope and sequence aligned with developmental milestones, including theory, vocal health, and safety
- Create a safe, respectful classroom community encouraging positive behavior
- Supervise students in off‑class activities, such as field trips, community performance outreach
- Collaborate with faculty (Director, Technical Director, Choreographer, Light & Sound Designer) for productions
- Organize time with accompanist and communicate music and schedules
- Implement inclusive instruction with evidence‑based practices
- Communicate substitute plans when unavailable
- Design and implement curriculum consistent with the school’s mission and standards
- Differentiate instruction and provide additional support or acceleration as needed
- Provide timely formative assessment and feedback focusing on learning and growth
- Maintain safety, health, and supervise students
- Complete required reports and forms (grades, discipline, health/safety) fairly and transparently
- Maintain professional communication with students, families, colleagues, and external partners
- Show growth mindset and pursue professional development goals
- Participate in in‑school activities: faculty meetings, student life events, office hours, field trips, mentorship, college recommendations
- Be available for substitute teaching periods
- Represent the school positively at community/public events and parent/faculty gatherings
- Uphold all school policies, regulations, and expectations
- Perform additional duties assigned by leadership or board
Other Job Functions
- Requires non‑daytime hours for performances and after‑school rehearsals
- Conducts typically 6–8 concerts or shows per year
- Participates in various meetings (conferences, in‑service training, retreats, Back‑to‑School Night)
Physical Demands
Light physical duties typical of teachers. Campus is spread across five buildings; teachers may move between buildings during five‑minute passing periods or attend meetings. Parking is not available; staff may need metered street or lot parking.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Northwest Academy is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to welcoming a diverse student and faculty population. All employees may work in a discrimination‑free environment. Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics. No retaliation will occur for raising concerns. We seek everyone’s contribution to maintain equal opportunity.
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