Vocal Arts Faculty

Title: Part-time (42%) 4th - 12th grade Vocal Arts Faculty

Reports to: US Division Director

The Miami Valley School (MVS).  Our mission is to challenge young people of promise to become self-sustaining learners and compassionate global citizens.  For 60+ years, MVS has provided a unique learning option for families in the Dayton, Ohio, community. Here, faculty are educators who are ready to help refine a truly differentiated educational opportunity as MVS becomes a nationally-recognized leader in experience-based learning. Here, every member of the MVS community is committed to transformative immersive learning in the classroom and during our Immersion term. Equally important is our commitment to Social Emotional Learning (SEL), through which our students learn the skills and competencies necessary to navigate an ever-shifting world with confidence and curiosity. Here, we learn because we do.

The Role.  MVS is seeking an innovative and culturally inclusive vocal arts teacher committed to developing compassionate global citizens. The ideal candidate is a passionate and skillful vocal arts educator, who is eager to invest their talents in our choral program, as well as our broader Performing Arts program. The MVS Performing Arts Department creates a continuous learning experience in music and theater arts for students from Early Childhood through 12th grade. Grounded in the Orff method, students in EC-3 have the opportunity to engage in folk songs, movement activities, and pitched percussion performances. Beginning in grade 4, students choose between band, choir and strings ensembles and may continue in their respective discipline through 12th grade. Advanced level ensembles are offered at the middle school level, including an a cappella choir. Each discipline also offers an upper school ensemble (US choir, Jazz Band and String ensemble). Students also have the opportunity to engage in full-scale plays and musicals beginning in 4th grade.

This new faculty member should establish a supportive and engaging environment for students ranging from 4th - 12th grade, demonstrate the ability to create developmentally appropriate curricula, work collaboratively with colleagues and parents, have excellent communication skills, and demonstrate a teaching proficiency and comfort with a variety of different teaching and learning styles. Ideal candidates will possess prior experience leading a cappella groups and mixed-level choirs. Additional duties could include co-teaching and designing a month-long immersive, interdisciplinary course, which may involve domestic and/or international travel. 

The Opportunity.  All members of MVS’ vibrant faculty bring the school’s mission and vision to life each day for students and families in the Dayton community. Each day we live out our mission through our core values: integrity, celebration, grit, and kindness. As a part of our dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to:

• Expand Global Leadership.  MVS is known for its academic and extracurricular programming, and with you on our team, we will continue to grow with our students as leaders of Global Citizenship and stewards of civil discourse. 
• Enhance Cultural Experiences.  Through your instruction and development of an inspiring Immersion Term Field Study Learning Experience, you and your students will experience the world, explore passions, and dive deep into content. 
• Develop Character and Wellness. To support the overall wellness of our vibrant community, you’ll have the opportunity to meaningfully connect and collaborate with students and families.
• Innovate.  As we continue to develop the MVS Immersion Method™, you will be part of a team that is enhancing professional learning nationwide and becoming a thought leader for immersive learning experiences that stretch beyond the traditional school experience. Here, you will integrate academics, hands-on activities, and scholarly habits via cross-curricular designs and models of learning.
• Couple Academic Rigor with Increased Accessibility.  Through your intentional planning and development of coursework, our students will explore their unique learning needs, utilize critical thinking, and begin to think about and create solutions for today’s pressing challenges.
• Collaborate as Part of a World-Class Team.  In your role teaching at MVS, you will work alongside dedicated faculty who have taught and learned all over the world and in a variety of school contexts. Your colleagues are artists, researchers, entrepreneurs, published authors, professional musicians, armed services veterans, and thespians. Most importantly, they are compassionate and caring educators committed to lifelong learning.
• And of course, you will get to Teach! As the vocal arts teacher, you will direct four choral groups; 4th/5th grade, 6th-8th grade, 9-12th grade, and a 6th-8th grade a cappella group.

Expectations: 

• Embrace the vision of The Miami Valley School, incorporate Immersion MethodTM, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), in the classroom;
• Develop a lifelong appreciation for healthy and informed decision-making in their students;
• Demonstrate an ability to develop rapport with students;
• Desire to work with 4th-12th grade students in an experiential setting;
• Commit to ongoing professional development;
• Communicate with parents, both orally and in writing, effectively and often;
• Meet all other expectations and responsibilities as outlined by the Faculty Handbook;
• Maintain a collaborative partnership with performing arts department faculty;

Primary Responsibilities:

• Direct four choral groups; 4th/5th grade, 6th-8th grade, 9-12th grade, and a 6th-8th grade a cappella group;
• Prepare and lead each of these groups in winter and spring concerts as well performances at important school functions such as Convocation and Graduation. Additional performances may be added as well;
• Update Canvas and RamsConnect, MVS’s Learning Management System (LMS), regularly to keep both students and families informed about student progress and performance;
• Fulfill all other faculty responsibilities that may occur outside the school day, such as; attending school-related functions, which include but are not limited to: Caregiver Information Night (CIN), Immersion Term CIN, Immersion Open House, and Graduation;
• Perform other duties as assigned;

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or master’s degree in Music (performance or education) or other relevant degree is required;
• Proficiency in piano accompaniment, preferred, but not required;
• Ability to sight read and arrange/transpose vocal parts;
• Audio engineering skills are a plus, but not necessary;
• Candidates without prior teaching experience will be considered;

Benefits. This is a part-time opportunity that provides a comprehensive 403(b) program, and access to the school’s community dining program, at no cost to employees.

Take the Next Step. Share this opportunity with your network! Learn more about our school by clicking on the embedded links. Interested and qualified applicants should submit a completed MVS employment application, cover letter, resume, outlining your suitability for the position and interest in the mission of the school to lisa.garvic@mvschool.com. Please do not call the school directly.

Bring Your Whole Self.  MVS is committed to the Dayton community and to our mission and vision.  We are proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and will not discriminate on any basis.  We seek qualified candidates from a myriad of backgrounds to join our dynamic team.