New Canaan Country School, a Pre-K through Grade 9 co-ed, independent day school, currently serves 555 students from diverse backgrounds living in 21 different surrounding towns/cities in Connecticut and New York. Our mission is to create an active, joyful learning environment where children are challenged to think deeply, question confidently, and act generously so that they may lead lives of impact and purpose. We believe that childhood is in itself an integral part of life to be lived fully and happily. Our talented and devoted faculty engages our students in developmentally appropriate ways, delivering a challenging curriculum that builds intellectual skills and fosters creative and critical thinking. Founded in 1916, the School has been a preeminent leader in early childhood, elementary and middle school education for more than 100 years.

Located on an 85-acre campus, NCCS is a suburban school close to many transportation options. The campus sits an hour south of New Haven and 45 minutes north of New York City by car or commuter train.

The Arts program at NCCS consists of Performing Arts and Visual Arts curricula, providing students with child-centered, age-appropriate arts experiences throughout all of the Country School years. Visual Arts experiences include painting, drawing, printmaking, digital design, pottery, and more. Performing Arts experiences include general music, choral and band ensembles, drama and dance. NCCS seeks an Early Childhood Music & Movement teacher for a long-term leave position starting in early 2025 through the end of the school year to teach Grades Beginners 3 through Kindergarten as well as assist with the choral program and offer an Upper School Elective.

Responsibilities

• Teach Music and Movement to Grades Beginners 3 through Kindergarten
• Include singing, movement, and instruments in the curriculum
• Evaluate students’ growth, keep appropriate records, and prepare narrative reports
• Assist the Early Childhood Division head with the the weekly EC Gathering
• Perform additional divisional responsibilities (lunch duty, recess supervision, etc.) as assigned by the Early Childhood Division Head
• Assist chorus rehearsals
• Teach an Upper School elective offering 
• Attend departmental, divisional, and all-school meetings as scheduled 
• Report to the Director of the Arts

• A love of teaching music and movement
• Additional music and/or movement training and certification preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree in music or education (additional experience/education preferred)

Desired Qualities

• Shares a joy of music with students
• Actively participates in the Early Childhood community
• Demonstrates cultural competency
• Possesses strong communication skills
• Cultivates a joyful, vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming classroom community supported by strong classroom management skills
• Is flexible and works well with teams and individuals, all while possessing a positive attitude
• Has Responsive Classroom training
• Experience with, or knowledge of, a movement-based music program such as Lynn Kleiner’s “Kids Can Listen, Kids Can Move”, and John Feierabend’s “First Steps in Music”, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, or Music Together 
• Thrives at leading group activities 
• Has a willingness to partner with grade-level teams and incorporate homeroom themes into music class when appropriate