2026-2027 Lower School Music Teacher

Lower School Music Teacher

2026-2027

About Burke’s

Burke’s is an independent K-8 gender-inclusive all-girls’ school located on a 3.5-acre campus in San Francisco and is one of California’s leading elementary schools with a 116-year tradition of educational excellence. The school combines strong academic and co-curricular programs with an emphasis on project-based learning and personal growth in a diverse and inclusive community. Burke’s emphasizes the development of fundamental and higher-level critical thinking skills in an atmosphere of creativity, exploration, academic rigor, and joyful learning.

Position Summary

We are looking for a dynamic educator to teach Lower School music to kindergarten through fourth grade students. An ideal candidate would be patient, creative, and possess a genuine passion for working with young children. They would also be interested in learning and growing as a professional, willing and able to collaborate with colleagues, and experienced in best practices, including dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinating, developing, and delivering the kindergarten through fourth-grade music curriculum in a dedicated music classroom, including grade-level and schoolwide concerts, performances, and weekly Lower School assemblies.
• Incorporating effective strategies for differentiation and assessment.
• Fostering an inclusive classroom environment through supportive exchanges with students and clear expectations for community behavior using techniques from Responsive Classroom.
• Partnering and communicating effectively with parents through multiple means, including phone, in person, email as needed, in two report cards, and through newsletters/blogs.
• Participating in field trips, overnight trips, and special projects to support the program.
• Collaborating with the Lower School Theater teacher, classroom teachers, and the Upper School music teacher for school-wide and grade-specific programming.
• Being a positive and contributing member of the professional community at Burke’s.

Qualifications & Skills

Below are the personal and professional qualities we believe are important for the success of the person in this role. Unless specifically noted as a prerequisite for the role, these qualifications and skills are preferred. We know many candidates bring a full complement of experience, skills, and ideas, even if they don’t check every box of a job description. If you meet many of our criteria, please don’t hesitate to apply. Every application gets serious consideration, including those with skill sets that we may not have included here. We welcome all applicants who will bring a unique perspective and personal characteristics to our amazing team.

• Bachelor’s Degree and teaching credential or advanced degree in a related field.
• Experience teaching music to young children in a school setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Experience with:

• Strong musicianship skills, including proficiency on one or more musical instruments, and experience leading performances, including all school musical events
• Levels Training certification or experience in the Orff Schulwerk approach and philosophy, as well as knowledge of Kodaly methodology
• Responsive Classroom philosophy and classroom management techniques
• Understanding by Design approach to curriculum design
• Designing instruction that is student-centered, differentiated, and engaging
• Designing and using assessments that drive and support learning
• Using technology to support teaching and learning
• Equitable and anti-racist teaching practices
• Providing opportunities for learning through play by inviting creativity, imagination, curiosity, and tinkering into the classroom

Burke’s does not sponsor employment visas. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. 

Compensation

Burke’s offers competitive compensation based on a salary scale ranging from $87,100 to $153,800 for 5+ years of prior experience, plus position requirements. Advanced degree stipends are in addition to base compensation. Comprehensive benefits are provided, including retirement plan contributions. The contract period starts on August 11, 2026, with two weeks of on-campus preparation and meetings.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Burke’s is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. School policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

California Compliance Notice:

In accordance with California law (Education Code §44939.5, as amended by SB 848), applicants for positions with educational institutions are required to disclose all current and former employment with California educational institutions. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the completion of required employment verifications

To Apply

We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQIA+ educators, or educators from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools. Interested candidates may apply by sending a cover letter, resumé, and references to burkes.workable.com.

No calls or additional emails, please.