6th Grade Lead Teacher

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.

Tagged as: Middle School