Website Synapse School
Educating a Community of Change Makers
SYNAPSE SCHOOL POSITION OVERVIEW
Synapse School in Menlo Park, CA, an innovative TK-8 independent school located in the heart of Silicon Valley dedicated to rethinking and reimagining education, seeks a PERFORMING ARTS/MUSIC SPECIALIST to fill either a lead or associate position.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Synapse School is seeking a creative and enthusiastic teacher with a minimum of three years of experience in the music classroom. The performing arts specialist will work with faculty, the Fine Arts team, and the Director of Fine Arts to develop an integrated, constructivist, project-based curriculum for students in this TK-8th grade school. They will provide direct instruction, document curriculum, prepare students for two formal performances a year, communicate student progress with narrative reports in addition to other responsibilities. A background in Orff pedagogy and with a focus on Middle School grades is highly valued.
We seek a dedicated, highly collaborative, innovative teacher who loves kids, utilizes growth mindset, understands constructivism and wants to be part of an exciting team of forward-thinking educators. The following is a list of skills that are preferred. Applicants with less experience may also be considered for an associate position.
OPTIMAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE ABILITY TO:
- Collaborate with teachers and directors to design, develop, document and assess project-based curriculum.
- Teach Performing Arts classes that may include but are not limited to: 5th & 6th Grade Orff Blues, Jazz, World Music, and Digital Composition; 7th & 8th Grade Advanced World Music Ensemble
- Create Orff arrangements of pieces that fit a variety of student skill levels in the Blues, Jazz, and World Music genres
- Support TK-4 Performing Arts: singing, Orff arrangements, movement, drama activities and/or accompaniment
- Prepare and support students for Winter and Spring Concerts
- Assess students and write narrative evaluations.
- Attend weekly team and faculty meetings.
WORKING CONDITIONS MAY INCLUDE:
- Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations.
- Ability to stand and circulate for extended periods of time.
- Ability to see for purposes of reading music, correspondence, documents, and printed matter and observing students. Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels.
- Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation.
- Ability to bend, crouch, kneel to assist students in pushing/pulling and lifting of musical equipment and supplies, sitting in chairs and/or floor and reaching in all directions.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to carry up to 25 pounds.
- Periods of moderate to high-stress level.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
- Dexterity and physical condition to maintain a rigorous work schedule and meet standards of physical and mental health.
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Individuals must maintain a professional attitude and appearance.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applicants should email a cover letter detailing experience and interest, three names of references with contact information, and a résumé, to careers@synapseschool.org with the subject line “Performing Arts Specialist” to the attention of Natalie Einhorn, Director of Fine Arts. This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position. Synapse School offers industry leading benefits packages. The position is open until filled; the start date is August 8, 2022.
Synapse School does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability and familial affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
