Making Waves Academy

Music Teacher

Upper School - Richmond, CA - Full Time

Faculty Salary Scale (see https://www.makingwavesacademy.org/careers/benefits). Our scale ensures equitable pay progression commensurate with experience, education (Master's preferred), and professional certifications. Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 (academic-year)

When You Join Making Waves Academy You Commit to Intergenerational Change. 

You will join a team dedicated to rigorously and holistically preparing students from the 5th grade to their ultimate career success. Our bold mission is to interrupt inequity by supporting every Wave-Maker's journey to a rewarding life dream. As an employee, you will uphold high expectations for academics and behavior within a close-knit, supportive community. You will be instrumental in fostering essential durable skills like critical thinking and self-advocacy, crucial for any field. This is more than a job; it’s a commitment to empowering students to lead fulfilling lives, have rewarding careers and give back to their respective communities to recycle their success.

We are looking for leaders and advocates ready to make a lasting impact.
What You Will Be Doing...
As the Upper School Music Teacher, you are not just teaching a subject; you are building and directing a performance pipeline that prepares Wave-Makers for college and beyond. Your daily commitment is to excellence, in the classroom and on stage.

Your Core Deliverables:

  • Creating and implementing lesson plans: Lessons that cover music theory, types of music, and practical instruction with musical instruments.
  • Lead engaging music classes: General music, choral, and instrumental music that support students’ understanding of music fundamentals.
  • Assess student progress: Evaluate student performance and track student progress in areas such as rhythm, pitch, and instrumental skills.
  • Coordinate musical performances: Organize musical performances to provide students with opportunities to perform and showcase their skills.
  • Maintain a positive learning environment: Establish a supportive learning environment that encourages creativity, respect, and a love for music.
  • Prepare instructional materials: Utilize a variety of instructional materials to accommodate diverse learning styles and promote music appreciation.

What We're Looking For...

We need an expert musician with the grit of a dedicated educator. This is a high-commitment, high-reward role for someone ready to drive results in student performance and academic achievement.

 

Required Skills & Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in music education or a related field.
  • Proficiency in musical instruments and expert knowledge of music theory, advanced harmony, and comprehensive music history.
  • California Single or Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in the subject area and English Learner (EL) Authorization Certificate is desired. Applicants without credentials or an EL designation, as well as those who are eligible or currently enrolled in a CTC-approved program, will also be considered.
  • Teaching experience is desirable, but related work experience will be considered.
  • Ability to manage student behavior and drive high engagement in a structured, professional environment.
  • Comfort with Google Suite and educational platforms (Canvas, PowerSchool).

The Making Waves Fit
We are looking for a community member, not just an employee. You must actively support our mission, uphold strict confidentiality, and be willing to participate in campus life, including weekly supervision duties. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and a high degree of patience are non-negotiable.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Making Waves Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristics.

Compensation and Benefits
Joining Making Waves Academy means securing a robust, comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your long-term financial, physical, and professional well-being right here in the Bay Area. We ensure your stability and growth so you can focus on maximizing every Wave-Maker's potential.

Financial Well-being
We offer competitive, above-market salaries that reflect your vital expertise in educational support, recognizing your commitment to our students. Beyond your base pay, you will have immediate access to a dedicated retirement savings plan, helping you build financial confidence for the future.

Health and Wellness
Your health is our priority. We proudly cover 100% of most premiums for medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and acupuncture options for you and your family. We also offer benefits such as employee assistance programs to support your mental and emotional wellness.

Time to Recharge
We believe educators need time to recharge. You will receive generous paid time off, plus all school holidays and breaks. This schedule is designed to ensure meaningful time away from campus, facilitating a sustainable and healthy work-life balance that is critical to preventing burnout.

Professional Growth
We commit to your continuous improvement! You will benefit from ongoing training, dedicated collaboration time, and resources specifically designed to enhance your instructional and behavioral support expertise. You’ll be part of a culture that sees professional growth as essential to our mission.


 


 

 


 


 

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What’s your highest level of education completed?*
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Looking back at your entire professional journey, identify the one personal or professional moment that most clearly defined your current career trajectory and instilled in you the belief that working at Making Waves Academy for historically underrepresented students is the critical next step in your life’s work. How does this moment prove that you are uniquely motivated to be an indispensable part of our community and mission?*
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