Wallingford-Swarthmore School District believes in all students. We understand that all students can succeed and that it is our responsibility to provide appropriate supports to all students to be their best selves. In this role, we are seeking individuals who share the belief that all students can succeed and that all students deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
Our district and its community recognizes the critical component that music instruction plays in the success of students academically, socially, and emotionally. Our award-winning students are excellent ambassadors of what our music program is K-12.
In the 12th member of our department, we are seeking an educator with exceptional choral teaching expertise who can also conduct extremely high-achieving 7th and 8th grade string orchestra. This position is shared between Strath Haven High School and Strath Haven Middle School. These two buildings are accessible via a pedestrian bridge named, "Jack Hontz Way" in honor of the former Department Chair who was the architect for this exceptional program.
Our High School program boasts:
- All-State musician honors every year.
- Among the largest marching bands in the Commonwealth.
- Silvertones (select chorus) regularly tour Italy performing works originally written for those acoustics.
- Cantata performs in the Earth Mass at St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York City annually.
- Above-average percentage of students engaged in private lessons.
- Opportunity for Choral performances accompanied by full band or full orchestra.
- 40% High School participation in music ensembles.
- We offer a wide variety of music electives to high school students of all ability levels and backgrounds.
- Theory and Composition Electives: Exploring Software and Composition, Rock and Popular Music Composition, Jazz Workshop, Advanced Theory and Composition, and AP Music Theory
- Instrumental and Vocal Electives: Instrumental Music, Advanced Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Theatre Workshop, and Introduction to Guitar
- Music, Culture and Politics Courses: Music in Politics and Social Change, and The Social, Political and Cultural Evolution of Popular Music in Film
Our Middle School program boasts:
- 50%+ Middle school participation in music ensembles.
- General Music for the entire Middle School student population in addition to performing ensembles.
- Performing ensembles receive superior ratings at annual “High Note” Festival.
- SHMS has a vibrant Jazz program, with our traveling “Ellington Jazz Band” regularly receiving superior ratings at surrounding Jazz Fests in Delaware County and beyond.
- Spring Musical involves significant percentage of the total student population.
- Select Chorus “Cantabile” performs throughout the area at community events.
- Diverse performance opportunities both in school and in community; Jazz/Modern Band programs at “Dining Under the Stars” performance.
Our programs K-12 exemplars include:
- WSSD Students regularly perform in area honor ensembles
- Keystone State Boys Choir
- Delaware County Youth Orchestra
- Young Musicians’ Orchestra
- Liberty Winds
- Philadelphia Youth Orchestra
In Wallingford-Swarthmore, music is a year-round activity. Our Summer Program is an optional teaching opportunity for our instructors. It is a month-long program with WSSD and non-WSSD participants with a final performance at the end of the program.
Qualifications:
- Ability to continue to grow an already exceptional vocal and instrumental program
- Strings expertise
- Valid Pennsylvania K-12 Music Certification
- A proven record of success in an established program or evidence of growing a program in a K-12 environment
Benefits:
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Excellent Medical, Prescription, Vision, and Dental benefits
- Paid sick leave
- Excellent pension system
- Highly competitive pay
To apply, go to: https://wallingford.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=2283
The District retains the right to screen, interview, and hire this position prior to the closing date on the posting.