Long-Term Substitute .8 FTE Strings and Elementary General Music Teacher
Position: Long-Term Substitute .8 FTE Strings and Elementary General Music Teacher
Start Date: August 31, 2026
End Date: October 22, 2026__
Location: Waltham Public Schools
Salary: As per the WEA contract
Position Overview
Waltham Public Schools is seeking a passionate and dedicated Long-Term Substitute .8 FTE Strings and Elementary General Music Teacher to join our Fine and Performing Arts team. This position includes elementary strings instruction and elementary general music instruction. The strings portion of the position is based at the Waltham Dual Language School.
In this role, the educator will create enriching musical experiences and foster a lifelong love of music for students. With a focus on creativity, inclusivity, and skill development, the teacher will design and deliver dynamic lessons aligned to student needs, the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework, and district expectations.
Collaboration with colleagues, families, school leaders, and the Fine and Performing Arts Department is an essential part of this position. We are seeking an educator who is committed to supporting student growth, building positive relationships, and providing a welcoming and engaging music experience for all learners.
Qualifications
Education, Training, and Experience
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the grade(s) and subject(s) assigned.
- Demonstrated subject matter competence in music education, strings instruction, and/or elementary general music.
- Experience working with elementary students preferred.
Knowledge Required
- Knowledge of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, including the Arts Framework.
- Effective planning and assessment of curriculum and instruction.
- Effective classroom management.
- Effective instruction in a standards-based classroom.
- Promotion of high standards and expectations for student learning and musical growth.
- Promotion of equity, inclusion, and appreciation of diversity.
- Effective integration of technology where appropriate.
- Fulfillment of professional responsibilities.
Abilities Required
- Ability to deliver effective, engaging music instruction.
- Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Ability to support beginning and developing string players.
- Ability to administer appropriate student assessments.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.
- Ability to work collaboratively with school-based staff and the Fine and Performing Arts Department.
Skills Required
- Strong classroom management skills.
- Effective listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
- Skill in music instruction, including elementary general music and strings.
- Ability to create a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
Supervision
Supervision Scope
Supervises students and evaluates their progress and achievement.
Supervision Given and Received
Supervised by the building principal and/or the Director of Fine and Performing Arts.
Description of Duties
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Management of the Learning Environment
- Utilizes effective and varied instructional techniques and procedures.
- Provides a standards-based, student-centered environment in each class taught.
- Utilizes educational materials, instruments, and equipment appropriately.
- Maintains a safe, pleasant, neat, and well-organized classroom environment.
- Performs scheduled duties promptly.
- Fulfills paperwork and communication responsibilities promptly.
- Demonstrates strong knowledge of music content and pedagogy.
- Understands and implements the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
- Supports student skill development in elementary music and strings instruction.
- Teacher/Student/Family Interaction
- Assumes responsibility for providing a safe and supportive learning environment for every student.
- Relates well to students with varied musical backgrounds, experiences, and proficiency levels.
- Provides and promotes opportunities for students to develop confidence, creativity, and a positive musical identity.
- Guides students toward self-control, responsibility, and respectful participation.
- Provides effective student structure in the classroom and school setting.
- Accepts responsibility for the well-being of each assigned student.
- Remains approachable to students and families, as needed.
- Contributes to a positive and effective working relationship between school and home.
- Professional and Personal Qualities
- Adheres to the academic, ethical, and social standards of the profession.
- Speaks and writes clearly, understandably, and appropriately.
- Maintains professional expectations for attendance, preparation, and communication.
- Accepts constructive feedback and applies suggestions for improvement.
- Uses confidential information for professional purposes only.
- Is equitable, culturally responsive, and sensitive to all learners.
- Participates in ongoing professional development, including district-sponsored initiatives when applicable.
- Aligns instruction to the Massachusetts frameworks and departmental expectations.
- Teacher/Staff Relations
- Helps promote positive working relationships with school personnel.
- Demonstrates willingness to share and exchange ideas, skills, techniques, and materials.
- Works effectively with building administrators, colleagues, and Fine and Performing Arts staff.
- Accepts and implements school and district decisions.
- Fulfills assigned duties and out-of-class responsibilities.
- Complies with school department procedures and School Committee policies.
Additional Position Notes
- This is a .8 FTE long-term substitute position (.4 Strings/.4 General Music).
- The position begins on August 31 and continues through ____.
- The position includes both elementary strings and elementary general music responsibilities.
- The strings portion of the assignment is based at the Waltham Dual Language School, General Music at MacArthur Elementary.
Non- Discrimination Notice: Waltham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Waltham Public Schools has partnered with the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in
Education (MPDE) in our effort to welcome diverse candidates to our school system. We
value and prioritize the hiring of educators who bring a wealth of perspectives and
experiences to our schools, and who reflect the diversity of the students we serve.
MPDE is a collaborative of public school districts with a 40-year uninterrupted history
committed to supporting the interest of its members to increase the numbers of teachers of
color for their schools by providing recruitment support and related services.