Hawken School seeks leaders and teachers comfortable taking risks and embracing a growth mindset. Our faculty members are constantly looking for new ways to inspire student curiosity while remaining dedicated to nurturing compassion and kindness in our students. We are committed to using time differently and want faculty members to expand their definition of a classroom. This means designing learning experiences for students that deepen their learning, engaging their emotions as well as their intellects. 

We desire culturally competent candidates who clearly appreciate a community of teachers and learners from diverse backgrounds and perspectives and are committed to equity and social justice.  If you are a teacher-leader who is committed to the ideals of progressive education, we encourage you to read on to learn more about this position and our school. 

THE POSITION

Department Chair Responsibilities:

• Leads and supervises all performing arts faculty, including contractors.
• Designs, reviews and updates performing arts curriculum in partnership with faculty. 
• Works with Division level leaders to organize and coordinate performing arts department class schedule, performances, and other events  
• Develops annual budgets and approves expenditures 
• Acts as Managing Director for the vast majority of school performances, PS - 12
• Oversees and supports numerous departmental events including but not limited to auditions, performances, open houses, fundraisers, etc.
• Serves on committees and task groups as assigned by the Chief Academic Officer
• Attends and provides adult leadership and support for school performances and other school and student functions (e.g. specialty productions, concerts, student retreats, etc.)
• Engages in personal professional growth and demonstrates professional ethics and leadership

Instructional Responsibilities:

• Responsible for teaching a reduced schedule of choral music (musical theater or music theory experience preferred but not required), accompanying ensembles on piano, and conducting varied ensembles
• Collaborates with faculty for a multi-disciplined, dynamic, student-centered approach
• Understands use of music pedagogy and assessment practices for young artists
• Enjoys working with middle school and high school age students
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior to achieve a nurturing learning atmosphere
• Utilizes and communicates with internal technology such as, e-mail, web content/ document management systems, grade reporting, etc.
• Embraces new and emerging technologies and is willing to become proficient

Because Hawken believes in supporting teachers’ passions, in deepening their expertise, and in fueling their spirit of innovation, we provide substantive professional development opportunities that lead to the kinds of excellence that are a hallmark of our community.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Bachelor’s Degree in Music or Music Education and 3-5 years of experience required, Masters preferred. 

• Record of successful teaching preferably in Music in middle and/or secondary education
• Excellent musicianship and a clear understanding of vocal technique, piano proficiency, music theater, repertoire, and the theoretical frameworks that support musical development
• Demonstrated vision for innovative curriculum development and implementation, reflecting knowledge of current standards 
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice; experience working with young students of varying skill levels and diverse backgrounds is preferred
• Grounded in the principles of audiation and instrumental technique, and eager to empower students to become lifelong performers, composers, creators, improvisers, and listeners
• Committed to the ongoing work of the PS-12 performing arts department and the life of the school community
• Flexibility, energy, and a commitment to work actively with students both individually and in groups
• Desire and willingness to try new approaches, embracing a growth mindset for yourself and students
• Passion for designing unique programing and curricula with colleagues in your field and across disciplines
• A deep understanding of adolescence and a passion for working with teens as they face the complex issues of today’s world
• Exhibits positive human relation skills and communicates with parents/guardians, colleagues, and community groups
• Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills in communicating with faculty and students

THE SCHOOL

Founded on the ideal that “the better self shall prevail and each generation introduce its successor to a higher plane of life,” Hawken School is a coeducational independent day school with over 1,300 students in preschool through grade 12. Our three campuses within 25 minutes of downtown Cleveland and an urban extension center in the city’s museum district provide a demanding and integrated course of study in a diverse and dynamic environment.

To learn more about us, visit www.hawken.edu

INTERESTED? 

Please send a resume, references, and a cover letter to: upperschoolemployment@hawken.edu

Hawken School is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting all forms of diversity in the workplace and in our student body. We strongly urge all qualified individuals to apply.

About Hawken School

Hawken School is committed to doing school differently and better. This means developing an inclusive and accepting community where adults feel empowered to design educational experiences for students that deepen their learning, engaging their emotions as well as their intellects. Hawken School seeks culturally competent teachers who are committed to equity and social justice, comfortable taking risks, and who embrace a growth mindset. Our faculty members are constantly looking for new ways to inspire student curiosity while remaining dedicated to nurturing compassion and kindness in our students. Successful candidates for any role at Hawken School must demonstrate skill and commitment in all the following key areas: Mission, Culture, and Philosophy Alignment: Candidates must show they can thrive at Hawken and are highly motivated by the school’s mission. Fair Play /Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice: Candidates must indicate a commitment to and have experience with serving students and communities equitably. Relationship Building and Cultivation: Candidates must show they can build relationships throughout the Hawken community. Content Knowledge: Candidates must ...demonstrate that they can lead and guide colleagues and/students to depth in their work. Humility and Growth Mindset: Candidates must be eager to learn new approaches and methods and be able to team effectively with others. Approach to Work: Candidates must show initiative and agency with a commitment toward feedback and flexible problem solving.

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