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: K-12, K-6, Middle School