Lower School Music & Movement Teacher

Description

Derby Academy, a Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 co-educational day school located in Hingham, Massachusetts, seeks an enthusiastic, well-qualified candidate for the position of Lower School (PreK - Grade 4) Music & Movement Teacher beginning in August 2026. Rooted in the school’s motto, “Improve Both Mind and Heart,” Derby provides students with a joyful and rigorous academic environment. 

Music & Movement at Derby is a continuum of opportunities for children to sing, dance, compose, listen, and play with their voice and a variety of instruments. Joy, play, and music-making is a fundamental and inextricable part of our program. The Music & Movement Teacher will teach all Lower School Music & Movement classes and assist with major school initiatives related to the Arts Program. The Music & Movement Teacher collaborates with colleagues to develop exciting, multi-disciplinary, cross-curricular experiences for students. The Music & Movement Teacher is responsible for selecting age appropriate and inspiring vocal repertoire for performances that includes Grandfriends Day, our Winter Concert, and Derby Day Concert. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience teaching music and movement in an early childhood setting, as well as a strong choral and instrumental/band background. 

A competitive salary and benefits package includes generous funding of professional development. 

Derby Academy is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive educational community and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, gender, color, veteran status, physical ability, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin or any other state or federally protected classifications. Derby Academy is an equal opportunity employer.  Derby Academy values inclusivity and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds or who have experience in cultural competency work to apply. 

Interested candidates should submit application materials, including a cover letter, resume, and three references here. No phone calls, please.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in music education, excellent written and verbal communication skills, commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, ongoing engagement in professional development, and demonstrated experience teaching young children is required. At least three years of previous teaching experience and additional certifications such as Kodály or Orff is preferred.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• a strong professional background in music & movement education for young children;
• experience in vocal development as well as band/ensemble and accompaniment instruments;
• a keen interest in creating playful, developmentally-appropriate music and movement experiences for young children; 
• the enthusiasm, flexibility, and a desire to collaborate with colleagues both in the department and across disciplines;
• experience developing music & movement opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, innovation, problem-solving, and the use of technology;
• a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and the impact it has on our curriculum and community;
• experience creating a supportive and caring classroom environment in which students can learn and interact positively with one another, through student-centered instruction, collaboration and authentic assessment; 
• strong communication skills with families to provide timely and appropriate feedback regarding student progress;
• a growth mindset when it comes to engaging with relevant and mission-driven professional learning for themselves.