Long-Term Substitute, Lower School Music Teacher

Redwood Day

3245 Sheffield Avenue

Oakland, CA 94602

www.rdschool.org

Redwood Day is a vibrant K-8 school with students, faculty and staff all learning together on our four- acre campus in the heart of Oakland. Everything we do is designed to keep every child engaged and growing. Academically, that means a world-class curriculum, the best teachers, and a focus on the individual student. Socially and emotionally, we teach students to work through challenges, respect each other’s differences, and honor their diverse community. We find great strength in multiple perspectives and embrace every opportunity to weave diversity in thought and action into our social, emotional, and academic lives.

Job Description: 

Starting April 2026, we are seeking a dynamic Long-Term Substitute, Lower School Music Teacher who has a comprehensive musical background that includes performing and teaching, as well as a lens towards cultural competence when it comes to developing curriculum content. Redwood Day’s Lower School music program nurtures the love of music in students while laying a strong foundation for understanding musical concepts and developing musical skills. The program introduces students to the basic elements of music. These elements come to life through a diverse range of repertoire and learning experiences, which use speech, rhyme, games, singing, dance, movement, listening, body percussion and musical instruments (such as unpitched percussion instruments, boomwhackers, xylophones, ukuleles, and recorders). The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to meeting the learning needs of each student, a teaching style that supports differentiation of instruction, a collaborative spirit, and an interest in building community in and outside of the classroom.

Primary Duties:

• Instruct K-5 music classes in a dedicated music classroom: each class (two per grade) meets twice and sometimes three times per 8-day cycle

• Coordinate and support the report card writing process, ensuring clear communication, developmental alignment, and timely completion.

• Collaborate with Middle School music faculty to ensure continuity in curriculum 

• Collaborate with grade-level teachers and various specialists on interdisciplinary projects and units, including the annual STEAM Fair

• Update K-5 parents/guardians about the happenings in Music class via newsletter

• Maintain a safe, organized classroom, which supports students’ independent learning, collaboration and choice

• Utilize a variety of effective instructional and classroom management techniques

• Provide a variety of assessments and uses assessments for planning and instruction

• Provide consistent, immediate feedback to student learning

• Organize the classroom space, manage materials, and adhere to supplies budget

• Monitor and maintain a positive classroom environment that supports school-wide behavioral expectations

• Maintain confidential student records and keep accurate documentation of student behavior / progress

• Supervise assigned recess and lunch duties

• Use available technology/instructional media to enhance the students’ learning experiences

• Establish and maintain appropriate relationships with students, parents/guardians, staff, and community members by communicating tactfully, courteously, and confidentially

• Appropriately communicate and interact with other professional staff in academic planning and school committee work

• Attend and participate in staff meetings and extra-curricular/school-related activities and committees

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional growth

• Maintain a school-appropriate appearance and demonstrates conscientious and responsible behavior

• Engage parents and guardians in the education of their children and related next steps for student progress

• Actively participate in the testing and evaluation process for prospective students 

• Do not engage in discriminatory practices on any basis, including race, origin, gender, socio-economic status, disability, religion, or political beliefs

• Fulfill other duties as  assigned from time to time 

This is a full-time position, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays), Monday - Friday, beginning April 2026. This is an at-will position serving as a leave coverage role. We anticipate the need for this coverage will continue through the end of the 2025-2026 school year and potentially continue into the 2026-2027 school year.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree (in Music or comparable degree)

• Minimum of 3-5 years classroom / music teaching experience

• Natural rapport with children and effective classroom management skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Strong communication and organizational skills, and is motivated to work with a strong existing team

Desired Qualifications and Traits:

• Teaching credential or Master’s Degree

• Choral directing experience 

• Ability to teach strings classes 

• Orff levels training and Kodaly knowledge 

Compensation/Benefits:

Redwood Day offers highly competitive compensation and benefits. The anticipated pay range the school reasonably expects to pay candidates for the Long-Term Substitute, Lower School Music Teacher role is $70,658 to $112,758 annually, payable in accordance with the School’s normal payroll practices for any pay period(s) during which you work at the School, prorated based on FTE, and variable depending on factors such as experience and education.

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above job responsibilities are meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities associated with the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with federal and state laws. Employment at Redwood Day is “at-will”. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Offers are contingent on passing a background check and TB assessment.

Apply:
Please submit an electronic application at this link by December 12, 2025. No phone calls, please.