Part-Time Music Specialist Teacher

The Position

The Music Specialist Teacher plays a vital role in fostering creativity, belonging, and community through music. We are looking for someone who delights in bringing people together through the shared experience of music - someone who can lead a room with warmth, authenticity, and playfulness; create moments of wonder and emotional connection; and foster a sense of belonging through song. The ideal candidate is a proficient acoustic guitarist, comfortable teaching beginning ukulele, enjoys campfire-style sing-alongs, and believes that music is a powerful way to build community, nurture confidence, and celebrate childhood.

Beyond classroom instruction, this position serves as a musical steward of our school community. Music is woven into the fabric of our school culture, creating moments of joy, connection, celebration, and reflection. You will lead a weekly all-school sing-along, help preserve beloved school songs while thoughtfully introducing new music that reflects our school's values, culture, and spirit, and contributes to the musical traditions that mark the rhythm of the school year.

This is a part-time position that includes approximately 8 hours of weekly instruction and 2 additional hours of paid planning time. Planning time is flexible and may be completed on campus or offsite at times that best support the teacher's schedule while meeting the needs of the music program. The teaching schedule follows the school calendar and includes classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Instructional hours (listed below) include 30 minutes for setup and 15 minutes for any closing needs each teaching day.

In this role, you will provide engaging, developmentally appropriate music instruction for students in kindergarten through 5th grade, develop and implement a dynamic music curriculum, and complete all associated lesson preparation, planning, and administrative responsibilities. Students will explore music through singing, rhythm, movement, active listening, music appreciation, basic music theory and notation, creative composition and improvisation, and age-appropriate instrument instruction, including beginning ukulele for 4th and 5th grade students. We value music as a creative and collaborative process, and encourage opportunities for students to write songs, create lyrics, compose simple melodies, and express themselves through music. You will also direct and prepare students for periodic opportunities to share their learning with families and provide musical leadership for school celebrations, assemblies, and other events throughout the year.

Teachers are also invited to offer classes through our after school enrichment program for additional compensation.

Position Details

• Supervisor: Head of School
• Classification: Hourly, exempt
• Schedule/Hours:
  • Tuesdays 12:15-2:35
  • Thursdays 12:15-3:35
  • Fridays 1:00-3:35
• School Events/Celebrations: Approximately 18 hours per year
• Work Calendar: Approximately September 7, 2026 - June 11, 2027, following the school calendar for holidays and breaks

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement an engaging and joyful K-5 music program
• Create an environment that fosters a sense of belonging and significance, creates a safe space for feelings, appropriate risk-taking, and views mistakes as learning opportunities
• See and celebrate the unique gifts and perspectives of every learner
• Value and incorporate diverse perspectives in daily interactions and within the curriculum
• Lead weekly all school community gatherings, using music as a means to bring community together
• Lead the musical components of school events and celebrations (approximately 20 hours per year)
• Learn and teach songs that are already part of the school culture, while also introducing new songs and artists to the rotation

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, Elementary Education, Performing Arts, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience working with children in the early elementary years
• Enthusiasm for working collaboratively with colleagues
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
• Proficient at acoustic guitar
• Proficient at ukelele

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis
• Able to stand and sit for long periods of time
• Able to climb stairs, walk on uneven surfaces, and escort groups of students to and from classes both inside and outside of school buildings
• Able to communicate clearly with colleagues, students, parents, and large groups

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly rate of $35 - $60, commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Paid Time Off
• Professional development funding
• Additional paid weekly planning hours (flexible timing and location)
• A collaborative teaching model
• Creative freedom in curriculum development and adaptation
• Small class sizes
• Participation in an inclusive, caring, and justice-oriented learning community

Who We Are

Our Mission Statement

Together we empower passionate learners and creative problem solvers, rooted in community, to build a more just and sustainable world.

Founded in 1989, KapKa Cooperative School is a small, cooperative elementary school serving approximately 70 K-5 students. We are an independent, non-profit, state-approved school and candidate member of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools. Located on the border of the Fremont and Phinney neighborhoods just one block from Woodland Park, we spend a good part of each day engaging with the natural world.

We believe children are curious and capable learners. At KapKa, teachers nurture a child’s abilities and passions using experiential, democratic, and anti-racist learning approaches. We believe education happens best in relationship with self and others. We aspire for children to become integral members of the school community, as well as the larger community beyond.

Our program balances intellectual, social, and emotional learning using a progressive and emergent curriculum. We foster creativity, compassion, collaboration, and curiosity, as well as an understanding of, and dedication to, social and ecological justice.

Parents are active participants at KapKa. They support learning inside and outside the classroom. Under the guidance of teachers and staff, they help create space for young learners to take compassionate, self-actualizing and courageous actions that grow the individual and the community.

For more information, visit our website at www.kapkaschool.org.

Please see our Mission and Values Statements to read about how we support children in their learning at KapKa.

To Apply

Please email your cover letter and resume to resumes@kapkaschool.org with “Music Specialist” in the subject line

• A cover letter, outlining interest in and qualifications for this position
• A current resume
• At least 2 professional references (we will inform candidates before contacting references)

KapKa Cooperative School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We value diversity and are actively seeking candidates who bring underrepresented identities and perspectives and who wish to find a community in which they will be welcomed and valued as their whole selves.

• Paid Time Off
• Professional development funding
• Additional paid weekly planning hours (flexible timing and location)