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Specialist: Elementary Music
Reports to: Director - Vocal and Elementary Music
Salary: $69,738-$84,021
Grade 204
Duty Days: 207 Days
PC: 17515
FLSA Status: Exempt
 

POSITION PURPOSE

To provide school-based support to music teachers by increasing student achievement through enhanced instructional delivery and job-embedded professional development. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversees and mentors teachers in the development of best practices in the elementary music classroom.
• Stays abreast of trends in curriculum development and music instruction by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings, and/or conducting research.
• Communicates the latest developments in curriculum and innovative instructional programs to improve student achievement.  
• Leads and motivates staff to raise the quality of music programs.
• Models best instructional techniques for teachers and staff.
• Aids and encourages implementation of technology in the music classrooms.
• Diagnoses instruction and performance weaknesses; provides recommendations and assists in the implementation of improved teaching techniques.
• Plans and provides professional learning.
• Conducts timely observations and written feedback to teacher/supervisor(s).
• Assists director in the recruitment and screening of new applicants.
• Works closely with the Director of Vocal and Elementary Music in the coordination and monitoring of music programs in all schools throughout the District.
• Works with executive administration to develop long-term (strategic) goals; demonstrates ability to implement strategic goals at the campus level.
• Collaborates with District departments to coordinate and implement programs that support the special needs of all student populations.
• Provides regular updates of program activities and services to appropriate audiences.
• Collaborates with principals, other specialists, teachers, state colleagues and members of the greater community in a pluralistic environment.
• Assists in the planning and management of District wide events, including but not limited to, festivals, contests, and community requested events.
• Assists in the selection and development of instructional materials and resources.
• Acts as the primary contact for community arts associations' children's programs including Fort Worth Symphony, Bass Hall, and Fort Worth Opera. Safety
• Performs preventive maintenance on tools and equipment and ensures equipment is in safe operating condition.
• Follows established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties including lifting and climbing; operates tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and promptly reports any conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None. 

Personal Work Relationships

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer. 

• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations. 

Other Duties as Assigned 

Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations.  All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Knowledge of federal and state guidelines and District policies and procedures regarding education and students.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education, special education, and individuals with disabilities.  
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiation of instruction necessary to create effective and productive student-centered learning environments.
• Knowledge of K-12 school curriculum and concepts in multiple areas, including technology, regular and special education, as well as middle and high school levels.  
• Knowledge of standard string program facility needs, instruments, supplies, and materials.
• Knowledge of state regulations, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, and National Core Art Standards for Music, with application of contemporary curriculum frameworks and current national and state standards for student learning.  
• Knowledge of community organizations that serve youth and their families.
• Knowledge of assigned content facts, concepts, theories, and principles that are being taught.
• Skill in evaluating instructional programs and teaching effectiveness; program evaluation.
• Skill in organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal relations.
• Skill in working with initiatives that require collaboration with District and outside agencies and organizations.
• Skill in developing and presenting professional learning programs.
• Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Skill at the intermediate level, working with Microsoft Office 365, especially Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Skill in professional learning, technical assistance, and consultation.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Skill in collecting and analyzing complex data.
• Skill in planning and providing professional learning; lesson planning with multiple core-area teachers.
• Skill in solving problems and conflicts with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff and the community in a multi-ethnic educational environment.
• Ability to provide effective and timely responses in all communication.  
• Ability to direct the on-going instructional programs for the District, providing for innovative programs and modifications to improve the quality of instruction.  
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate projects, work and training related to the implementation of the K-12 instructional programs for the District.  
• Ability to prepare oral or written communications, such as presentations, reports, memoranda, letters, grant proposals, curriculum documents.
• Ability to use computer network system and software.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with district leaders, students, staff, parents, community and others contacted in the course of work.  
• Ability to exercise discretion regarding matters of a sensitive or confidential nature.
• Ability to facilitate and conduct group meetings.
• Ability to exercise judgment and creativity in making decisions.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with staff and the community in a multi-ethnic educational environment.
• Ability to work effectively in collaborative teams.
• Ability to effectively conference with teachers, parents, and students.
• Ability to use software to access databases, email, create spreadsheets, and do word processing.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.

• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.  

Travel Requirements 

Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. 

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards 

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching; moderate walking.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Environment: Works in an office setting; exposure to noise; frequently requires irregular and/or prolonged hours, including but not limited to, evenings and weekends.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

Minimum Required Qualifications 

• Education: Bachelor degree from accredited college or university in Music or Music Education required;
• Master's degree from accredited college or university in Music or Music Education preferred. 

Certification/License

• Valid Texas Teaching certificate with the endorsement in Music required;
• Certification in Kodly and Orff preferred. 

Experience

• 4 years' successful teaching experience in the area of elementary music required;
• 7 years' successful teaching experience in the area of elementary music preferred;
• 3 years' experience as a classroom consultant and/or clinician preferred;
• Kodly and Orff training preferred;
• Experience facilitating or presenting professional learning preferred;
• Experience in program planning and development preferred.

Language

Bilingual (English/Spanish) working proficiency preferred in some settings. 

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.