Long-Term Substitute .4 FTE Elementary General Music Teacher — Mondays & Thursdays

Position: Long-Term Substitute .4 FTE Elementary General Music Teacher
Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays
Start Date: August 31, 2026
End Date: November 25, 2026
Location: MacArthur Elementary School, Waltham Public Schools
Salary: As per the WEA contract

Position Overview

Waltham Public Schools is seeking a creative, enthusiastic, and student-centered Long-Term Substitute .4 FTE Elementary General Music Teacher to join our Fine and Performing Arts Department. This position is a two-day-per-week assignment on Mondays and Thursdays at MacArthur Elementary School.

The teacher will provide engaging general music instruction designed to develop students’ musicianship, creativity, confidence, and lifelong connection to music. We are seeking an educator who creates an inclusive and joyful classroom where children learn through singing, movement, instruments, listening, creating, performing, and responding to music.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with classroom teachers, school leaders, families, and the district Fine and Performing Arts Department to provide high-quality musical experiences for elementary learners.

Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure appropriate to the assignment preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge and competence in music education.

• Experience teaching elementary general music preferred.

• Experience working with diverse groups of elementary-aged learners preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of elementary general music pedagogy.

• Ability to engage students through singing, movement, instruments, listening, creating, performing, and responding.

• Effective classroom management in an active elementary music environment.

• Ability to plan engaging, standards-aligned music instruction.

• Knowledge of the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework.

• Ability to differentiate instruction for students with varied abilities, identities, learning needs, and musical experiences.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, culturally responsive teaching, and appreciation of diversity.

• Ability to establish high expectations while maintaining a welcoming and developmentally appropriate classroom.

• Strong communication, organization, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

• Effective integration of technology and digital music resources where appropriate.

Essential Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate elementary general music instruction.

• Provide students with meaningful opportunities to sing, move, play instruments, listen, create, perform, and respond to music.

• Establish clear learning goals and support students in understanding their growth as musicians.

• Use varied instructional strategies to engage students and support diverse learning needs.

• Assess student learning and provide appropriate feedback.

• Foster creativity, musical exploration, and student voice.

• Maintain a safe, organized, inclusive, and student-centered classroom.

• Utilize musical instruments, instructional materials, and technology appropriately.

• Align instruction with the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework and Waltham Public Schools Fine and Performing Arts expectations.

Student Relationships and Classroom Culture

• Create a warm and welcoming classroom environment in which every child can participate meaningfully in music.

• Build positive relationships with students across a range of backgrounds, identities, abilities, and musical experiences.

• Encourage confidence, curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and responsible participation.

• Establish clear routines and expectations that support active music-making.

• Provide appropriate structure while encouraging student independence and artistic expression.

• Support the academic, social, and emotional well-being of students.

Professional Responsibilities

• Collaborate effectively with classroom teachers, building administrators, Fine and Performing Arts colleagues, and other school staff.

• Communicate professionally with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.

• Maintain appropriate student records and complete required responsibilities in a timely manner.

• Follow district procedures and School Committee policies.

• Maintain student confidentiality and professional ethical standards.

• Participate in required meetings and professional responsibilities associated with the assignment.

Supervision

Supervision Scope

Supervises assigned 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.

Additional Position Information

• This is a .4 FTE long-term substitute position.

• The assignment is Mondays and Thursdays only.

• The position runs from August 31 through November 25, 2026.

• The assignment focuses exclusively on elementary general music.

• The position is based at MacArthur Elementary School.

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 interests of its members in increasing the number of teachers of color in their schools by providing recruitment support and related services.