Position Overview
La Scuola International School seeks an experienced and passionate Music Teacher for the upcoming school year. Anticipated at 8 - 10 hours per week.
The Music Teacher develops students’ interest in and appreciation for music through practical skills, creative expression, and cultural and historical context. The teacher collaborates with the Director of Performing Arts, Pedagogical Leadership and classroom teachers to support a developmentally appropriate, child-centered curriculum grounded in methodologies such as Orff-Schulwerk and Kodály.
Schedule: The teacher is expected to be onsite for in-person instruction as agreed upon with Director of Performing Arts, Division Head and / or Assistant Head of School.
Music Teacher Role & Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Support the Preschool - Grade 3 music curriculum in alignment with the IB PYP & Early Years framework and collaborate with teachers and coordinators.
• Teach fundamental music concepts, musicianship, and aural skills through singing, movement, instrumental exploration, and performance.
• Incorporate music creation, movement, and dance into lessons.
• Design creative learning activities that expose students to different musical styles and allow them to interpret and compose music.
• Use a variety of teaching strategies, including direct instruction, discussion, projects, and cooperative learning.
• Foster student engagement, curiosity, and a lasting appreciation for music.
• Introduce students to musical instruments and assess readiness for instrumental learning.
• Support the school’s Italian language immersion program through music instruction.
• Select and maintain appropriate teaching materials, instruments, and equipment.
• Assist in selecting and purchasing music, books, and instructional resources.
• Contribute to extracurricular programs and schoolwide events.
• Plan and support school performances, including Winter and Spring concerts.
• Collaborate with teachers and support staff to meet diverse student needs.
• Establish clear learning objectives and assessment strategies.
• Maintain classroom management aligned with school policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Attend faculty meetings and collaborate regularly with IB coordinators and school leadership.
• Support school initiatives, events, and units of inquiry.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Division Directors or Head of School.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Music or equivalent, or Early Childhood Education and / or Child Development Certificate
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience teaching in preschool preferably in a Reggio Emilia-inspired environment.
• Bilingual and bi-literate in Italian and English with native or near-native Italian proficiency a plus
• Language Immersion and International Baccalaureate (IB) experience is a plus
Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
• A genuine passion for music, energy, and love for teaching children and ability to convey the love of music and singing to children.
• Excellent communication skills and be willing to adapt to the demands of an International school.
• A working knowledge of prominent music education/methodologies.
• Inspire mixed culture and ability classes, by creating challenging and engaging learning opportunities for all students and ensure the best learning environment for every student
• Address the needs of a diverse student population – in age, cultural background, ethnicity and academic preparation
• Coordination and collaboration of all music and performing arts related school initiatives including ensembles
• Knowledge and ability to teach various instruments from the families i.e., mandolin and guitar, percussion, etc. and ability to arrange music for these families.
Start date: Immediate
Location: 2086 Clarke Ave. East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Salary Range: $33 - $38 per hour commensurate with experience and credentials.
Additional Information
Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. Prior to beginning work and as a condition of employment in order to comply with the law, all employees must provide documentation to prove eligibility to work in the United States.
Final candidates will need to pass both Criminal Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Clearance and a physical exam, and provide a recent copy of a negative TB test and other immunization records.
How to Apply
Refer to the Employment Opportunities within and apply online. Please include a cover letter sharing your background and interest and your résumé (translated into English) as a first step. Applicants should be prepared to share three professional references and a teaching demonstration.
As part of the interview process, you can expect to meet with our Human Resources team and Assistant Head of School as well as the Hiring Manager, in most cases the Division Director.