Posted: 13-Jun-25
Location: Pasadena, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: $65,000 - $130,000
Salary Details:
Required Education:
Chandler School is an independent K-8 school located in Pasadena, CA, with an enrollment of 450. Founded in 1950, Chandler School abides by its mission to provide each student with the highest quality and most academically challenging education in a nurturing, balanced and diverse environment.
We strive to have our students gain a love of learning, a means of thinking independently and an ability to work collaboratively. A Chandler education seeks to develop good character, self-reliance and a commitment to community in students as a foundation for academic and personal success.
We take pride in our thriving community with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We learn and grow from one another and respect each others’ creativity and knowledge to promote a nurturing and healthy workplace.
Purpose/Summary:
The Lower School Music Teacher at Chandler School is a dynamic, student-centered educator responsible for delivering a comprehensive and engaging music program across the Lower School division (Grades K–5). This educator fosters a lifelong appreciation for music while building students’ vocal, instrumental, and performance skills in alignment with Chandler’s mission to provide the highest quality education in a nurturing, balanced, and diverse environment. The teacher will lead classroom instruction, direct student performances, and collaborate across grade levels and disciplines, to support a vibrant, school-wide performing arts culture. You will be responsible for planning and leading Lower School performances, including the annual Spring Sing, Holiday Concert, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, as well as other showcases. This individual will support and collaborate with the Director of Performing Arts, at times supporting middle school plays, performances, or showcases.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Lower School (Grades K–5):
- Teach general music classes for grades K–5 with a focus on vocal development, rhythm, movement, and music appreciation.
- Prepare students for key school-wide performances, including Grandparents’ Day, the Holiday Program, and the Spring Sing, among others.
Across Both Divisions:
- Support the planning and preparation of student performances for school assemblies and special events as needed.
- Work closely with faculty and administration to align music instruction with grade-level goals and school traditions.
- Create an inclusive classroom environment that encourages creativity, risk-taking, and collaboration.
- Maintain and organize musical instruments, materials, and equipment.
- Coordinate and manage external vendors and maintain accurate records of invoices and expenses within the music department budget in collaboration with the Lower School Director and Business Office.
- Foster strong partnerships with families and maintain open communication regarding student growth and performance opportunities.
- Use Chandler’s informational and educational technology resources to assist in teaching, curriculum development and mapping, grading and reporting and record keeping.
- Monitor and impact student progress and effectively communicate with parents through a variety or platforms, including scheduled parent-teacher conferences and report cards.
- Support schoolwide events and promote school-home and school-community partnerships.
- Regularly update curriculum maps and ensure communication with grade level teachers around curricular connections
- Fulfill supervisory duties, attend meetings, engage in professional development and participate on committees as assigned by the Lower School Director.
Required Qualifications:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Fluency in MS Office Suite and Google Suite required; proficiency with Mac; comfortable with technology (e.g. Blackbaud) or demonstrated ability to learn quickly.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of child development and current educational trends.
- Strong background in vocal and instrumental music instruction, including experience with classroom instruments.
- Ability to integrate music education with other subject areas and collaborate across disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated ability to design and lead inclusive, developmentally appropriate music programs that foster creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
- Experience planning and directing student performances that showcase diverse musical traditions and celebrate the talents of all learners.
- Proficiency with music technology tools and digital platforms that enhance student learning and engagement.
- Strong classroom management skills that foster a respectful, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
- Commitment to social-emotional learning (SEL) and supporting student well-being.
- Willingness to participate in school-wide initiatives, extracurricular activities, or leadership roles.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
- Teaching credential or equivalent certification in music education is highly desirable.
- Experience teaching in an independent school is a plus.
- Experience directing student performances and managing all aspects of concert preparation and production
- Experience partnering with families to support student learning and growth.
- Previous experience working with children in a school, daycare, summer camp or similar environment is preferred.
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Environment and Working Conditions:
- Works in a classroom and school environment with occasional outdoor supervision duties.
- Ability to lift and carry items such as sports equipment or activity supplies, typically up to 30 pounds.
- Regular bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching to interact with children at their level, assist with activities, or manage supplies.
- Works in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and a varied and diverse array of contacts;
- Ability to move around the school campus, including walking, standing, sitting, bending, and reaching for extended periods.
- Willingness and ability to supervise children in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, or rain, during outdoor play or field trips.
- Moderate noise levels typical of a school environment, including student conversations, classroom activities, and occasional events.
- Standard school-day schedule, with occasional evening or weekend work for special events, meetings, or professional development.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should send a resume to Brandi Williams-Moore.
Compensation and Benefits Overview:
Our comprehensive package is designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees
- Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans available to employees and their dependents. Chandler School pays up to 50% of dependent care coverage.
- Retirement Plan: Participation in a 403 (b) plan with employer contributions up to 10% of salary.
- Vacation accrual is available to non-faculty employees. Personal and sick days available to all employees in addition to 15 paid holidays.
- Professional Development: Access to ongoing training opportunities and reimbursement for relevant certifications.
- Wellness Support: Every employee receives a wellness stipend.
Chandler School is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are evaluated without consideration of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.