Website The Crowden School
Position: 6th Grade Lead Teacher
Start Date: August, 2025 start
Status: Regular, full-time, salaried, exempt 10-month position
THE OPPORTUNITY:
For over 40 years, Crowden has been transforming lives through music and education. We are seeking a dedicated 6th Grade Lead Teacher to provide exceptional academic instruction within our chamber music inspired educational environment.
This teacher will join a vibrant community of students, teachers, and musicians who believe in the power of chamber music principles applied to educational practices to shape young minds and build inclusive communities. As a core member of our middle school faculty, you will guide students through a pivotal year of academic and personal growth while embracing Crowden’s unique approach to learning that values collaboration, leadership, and individual responsibility.
OUR PROGRAM:
Crowden’s middle school program embodies our mission by creating a dynamic, inclusive learning environment where academic subjects are taught with the ethos of chamber music in mind, promoting:
Critical thinking and analytical skills
Strong literacy and mathematical foundations
Historical understanding and cultural context
Scientific inquiry and exploration
Social-emotional development and self-awareness
Collaborative learning and community building
Student agency and responsibility for learning
The program is thoughtfully designed with:
- Small class sizes for individualized attention
- Dedicated classroom spaces for core subjects
- Parallel structure to Crowden’s renowned music program
- Supportive advisory program for student development
- Pedagogical approach parallels the ensemble learning model and approach informed by chamber music principles
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
As the 6th Grade Lead Teacher, you will:
- Develop and implement engaging curriculum in English, Math, History, Science, and Advisory that aligns with Crowden’s mission and educational standards
- Design and deliver instruction that embodies chamber music values of collaboration, leadership, and individual responsibility
- Create lessons that accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities
- Assess student progress through a variety of appropriate methods
- Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues about student growth
- Coordinate with specialist music faculty to ensure coherent educational experiences
- Participate actively in faculty meetings, professional development, and school events
- Contribute to a positive school culture that emphasizes growth, creativity, and inclusion
- Support students through the social-emotional challenges of early adolescence
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or relevant subject area
- Teaching credential or equivalent experience
- Minimum 3 years experience teaching middle school grades
- Demonstrated expertise in teaching multiple subjects (English, Math, History, Science)
- Strong classroom management and differentiation skills
- Experience with project-based and student-centered learning approaches
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Appreciation of music (musical training not required)
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive learning community
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in Education or subject specialization
- Experience in collaborative teaching models
- Knowledge of middle school advisory programs
- Experience with social-emotional learning frameworks
- Understanding of how chamber music principles can inform educational practices
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS:
- Deep understanding of early adolescent development
- Passion for creating engaging, rigorous learning experiences
- Ability to connect academic concepts across disciplines
- Commitment to equity and inclusion in education
- Adaptability and creative problem-solving skills
- Enthusiasm for collaborative teaching practices
- Warmth and empathy in student relationships
- Dedication to Crowden’s vision of transforming lives through music and education
BENEFITS:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan with employer contribution
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative work environment
- Opportunity to shape an innovative educational program in a music-rich environment
Salary Information – $76,000 – $80,000, depending on experience
TO APPLY:
Join us in transforming lives through music and education! Please submit:
- Cover letter describing your teaching philosophy, approach to collaborative learning, and vision for this role
- Current resume
- Three professional references
Send applications to: 6thgradeteacher2025@crowden.org. No phone calls, please.
Crowden Music Center, located just two blocks from North Berkeley BART, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates who contribute to our diverse community.