Choir Director Grades 6–12

Position Title: Choir Director

Grades 6–12

Purpose:

Lead, design, and deliver a rigorous, standards-based choral program for middle and high school students in alignment with Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Arts Learning Standards for Music and MDE’s Arts Instructional Resources.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum

• Teach choral performance courses (e.g., choir, show choir) across grades 6 through 12, incorporating appropriate repertoire that supports vocal growth, cultural relevance, and Mississippi CCR Arts Learning Standards.Mississippi Department of Education+1
• Plan and deliver instructional units that guide students through all artistic processes—Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting—as outlined in MDE guidelines.Mississippi Department of Education
• Implement formative and summative performance assessments, including concerts, recordings, and written reflections, to evaluate student growth.Mississippi Department of Education

Program Management & Environment

• Establish and maintain a safe, inclusive, and performance-focused rehearsal and classroom environment that promotes student engagement and vocal health.Mississippi Department of Education+11Mississippi Department of Education+11ETP MDEK12+11
• Manage choral program administration including planning events, tracking budgets, coordinating scheduling, and ensuring equitable access for all students.Mississippi Department of Education
• Advocate for the choral program: showcase student achievements, engage families and the community, recruit participation, and utilize social media or local media for promotion.Mississippi Department of Education+4Mississippi Department of Education+4ETP MDEK12+4
• Support student accommodations—such as IEPs and diverse learning needs—through inclusive practices and differentiated instruction.Mississippi Department of Education+11Mississippi Department of Education+11Mississippi Department of Education+11

• Professionalism & Collaboration

• Hold a valid Mississippi teaching certification with vocal/music endorsement (e.g., code 166 Music Education Vocal K-12) or work toward adding that endorsement.Mississippi Department of Education
• Participate actively in professional development and contribute to the broader educational community through associations like the Mississippi Choral Directors Association or Mississippi Music Educators Association.ETP MDEK12+13Mississippi Department of Education+13Mississippi Department of Education+13
• Mentor student teachers, if applicable, and work collaboratively with school administrators, staff, and external music professionals.Mississippi Department of Education

Qualifications

• Certification: Valid Mississippi teaching license with appropriate music/choral endorsement (e.g., Vocal Music Education K-12).Mississippi Department of Education+1
• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Music Education, Choral Music, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Proven success in teaching choral ensembles, rich knowledge of vocal technique and choral pedagogy across grade bands.
• Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and public-relations skills; adept at building community and elevating the visibility of the arts program.
• Attributes: Supportive, student-centered, vocal-health-conscious, and committed to continuous growth in both pedagogical practice and student learning.

Why This Role Matters

• Standards-based Excellence: Anchored in MDE's CCR Arts Learning Standards and supported by their Arts Instructional Resources, this role ensures high-quality, sequential music instruction.Mississippi Department of Education+1
• Artistic & Academic Growth: It goes beyond performance—it nurtures critical thinking, collaboration, cultural literacy, and expressive skills in students.
• Program Visibility & Advocacy: You’re not just directing music—you’re advocating for its value within and beyond the school, ensuring sustained support and recognition.

Summary

This is a leadership role. It requires someone who candesign and deliver a dynamic, inclusive choral program,manage operations effectively,engage the community, andgrow professionally—all grounded firmly in Mississippi’s standards and resources.