Long Term Substitute: Choir Teacher

Job Details: Job Location: Denver Christian - Lakewood, CO 80235, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $23.13 - $23.13 Hourly, DEPARTMENT: Performing Arts

REPORTS TO: Derika Hacker, Middle School Principal

WORK HOURS: Monday - Friday, 7:45 - 3:45, with evening hours required for concerts and rehearsals. At least one evening concert will be directed during the leave period.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Choir Teacher leads the secondary choral department and teaches middle school general music during the absence of the department’s regular director. This role provides continuity and high-quality musical instruction for middle and high school choir students, with support from a full-time accompanist. The position requires strong conducting and music literacy skills, confidence leading multi-part rehearsals, and the ability to prepare and direct students in performance, including at least one evening concert. The Choir Teacher helps sustain a strong choral program and a positive, faith-centered learning environment for students.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Choral Instruction and Rehearsal Leadership

Leads daily middle and high school choir rehearsals, building vocal technique, tone, diction, and ensemble skills.
Conducts and rehearses multi-part music (SATB, SAB, SSA, and other voicings), reading and interpreting vocal scores accurately.
Teaches music literacy, including sight-singing, rhythm reading, and music theory fundamentals, at the appropriate level for each ensemble.
Selects and prepares repertoire suited to each ensemble’s age and ability, ensuring a balance of styles and sacred and secular selections consistent with the school’s mission.
Works in daily partnership with the accompanist to plan rehearsals and prepare music.

General Music Instruction

Plans and teaches middle school general music courses aligned with school curriculum and standards.
Develops engaging lessons that build music appreciation, listening skills, and basic performance skills.
Assesses student progress, records grades, and communicates progress to students and families.

Performance and Events

Prepares students for and directs at least one evening concert during the leave period.
Coordinates concert logistics, including program planning, rehearsal schedules, risers and staging, and student attire.
Communicates concert dates, expectations, and student responsibilities to families.

Department Leadership and Operations

Provides leadership for the secondary choral department, maintaining program continuity and student engagement.
Maintains choral music library, equipment, and rehearsal space; submits supply or music purchase requests through internal systems.
Reviews the department calendar and plans with the outgoing director to ensure a smooth transition.

Student Support and Community

Maintains a positive, orderly, and inclusive classroom culture; manages behavior in line with school expectations.
Communicates professionally with families, colleagues, and administrators.
Supports student accommodations in partnership with Student Support.
Participates in faculty meetings, devotionals, and school events.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Choral Music, or a closely related field.
Proficient music literacy, including the ability to read and interpret multi-voice-part scores.
Demonstrated conducting skills and comfort leading rehearsals with accompanist support.
Ability to teach middle school general music.
Willingness to direct at least one evening concert during the leave period.
Ability to work with students in grades [6-12] in a manner consistent with a Christian school environment.
Colorado teaching license or eligibility to hold one [or authorization to teach in a nonpublic school, confirm].

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience as a music educator
Experience directing both middle and high school choirs.
Experience with Kodály, Orff, or similar music teaching methods.
Familiarity with Christian worship and sacred choral repertoire.
Experience with student information systems (FACTS/SIS) and Google Workspace.
Experience with festival, adjudication, or honor choir preparation.

CORE COMPETENCIES / SKILLS:

Strong conducting presence and clear rehearsal pacing
Ability to teach and diagnose vocal and musical skills across a range of ages and abilities
Classroom management and positive student relationships
Flexibility and adaptability in stepping into an established program
Professional communication with students, families, and colleagues
Collaboration with the accompanist and fine arts colleagues
Dependability and consistent follow-through on deadlines and event commitments
Ability to build ensemble culture and student confidence

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods during rehearsals and classes.
Ability to conduct for extended periods, including sustained arm movement.
Ability to move and set up classroom and performance equipment as needed (e.g., chairs, music stands, risers).
Ability to speak and sing for extended periods.

MISSION VALUES & ALIGNMENT

All employees are expected to support the school’s Christian mission and model professionalism consistent with community standards. Participation in school events, devotionals, and staff culture-building practices is expected.
Denver Christian is committed to cultivating a world-class staff culture grounded in our call to love God and love our neighbors (Mark 12:30-31). All employees are expected to model our core values in their daily work and interactions:

Solution-Oriented – We support one another by approaching challenges with a constructive mindset and using the gifts and abilities God has given us to contribute meaningfully.
Relationally-Focused – We recognize that the success and well-being of our colleagues matter as much as our own, and we invest in relationships that strengthen our community.
Creatively-Inspired – We seek God’s wisdom and pursue fresh ideas, improved processes, and innovative solutions whenever opportunities arise.
Effort-Enthused – We seek to honor God through diligent, wholehearted work, showing integrity and enthusiasm in all tasks and responsibilities across the school.

Qualifications: REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Choral Music, or a closely related field.
Proficient music literacy, including the ability to read and interpret multi-voice-part scores.
Demonstrated conducting skills and comfort leading rehearsals with accompanist support.
Ability to teach middle school general music.
Willingness to direct at least one evening concert during the leave period.
Ability to work with students in grades [6-12] in a manner consistent with a Christian school environment.
Colorado teaching license or eligibility to hold one [or authorization to teach in a nonpublic school, confirm].

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience as a music educator
Experience directing both middle and high school choirs.
Experience with Kodály, Orff, or similar music teaching methods.
Familiarity with Christian worship and sacred choral repertoire.
Experience with student information systems (FACTS/SIS) and Google Workspace.
Experience with festival, adjudication, or honor choir preparation.

CORE COMPETENCIES / SKILLS:

Strong conducting presence and clear rehearsal pacing
Ability to teach and diagnose vocal and musical skills across a range of ages and abilities
Classroom management and positive student relationships
Flexibility and adaptability in stepping into an established program
Professional communication with students, families, and colleagues
Collaboration with the accompanist and fine arts colleagues
Dependability and consistent follow-through on deadlines and event commitments
Ability to build ensemble culture and student confidence

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods during rehearsals and classes.
Ability to conduct for extended periods, including sustained arm movement.
Ability to move and set up classroom and performance equipment as needed (e.g., chairs, music stands, risers).
Ability to speak and sing for extended periods.