LREI (Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School) seeks a part-time Middle School Instrumental Music Teacher for the 2025–2026 school year. This role involves leading our 5th and 6th Grade Wind Ensemble and teaching small-group sectionals for woodwind and brass students.

Qualifications Sought - Successful LREI teachers are lifelong learners who

• Can inspire students, have a joyful attitude about children, and become active members of the LREI community;

• Demonstrate a commitment to social justice and equity, cultural competence, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse people;

• Are guided by an ethic of care and see learning as connected to the development of the whole child;

• Possess excellent communication skills with students, parents, and the administration both formally and informally;

• Are reflective about their practice and avail themselves of professional development and leadership opportunities;

• Are creative problem solvers and innovators who possess a growth-mindset.

Overview of the position:

LREI seeks a music educator to lead the 5th and 6th Grade Wind Ensemble, providing twice-weekly rehearsals and small group sectionals that offer differentiated instruction and skill-building. The teacher will introduce beginner wind and brass students to foundational music literacy, technique, and ensemble playing. This role includes collaborating with performing arts colleagues to align curriculum and coordinate performances. Candidates should bring a student-centered approach to music-making, fostering confidence, discipline, and joy within an inclusive and encouraging rehearsal environment.

Salary Range:

This is a two-days per week position. It will be paid at 20% of an annual full-time salary of $69,056.52 - $132,556.40 (depending on experience and education).

Specific requirements of the position

• Have experience teaching beginner-level wind and/or brass instruments to middle school students;

• Possess strong musicianship and ensemble leadership skills;

• Be knowledgeable about child development and responsive pedagogy in a progressive school setting;

• Be collaborative, flexible, and communicative with colleagues and families;

• Demonstrate a deep appreciation for the arts as a vehicle for personal growth, community building, and justice.

Overview of School

Founded in 1921 by Elisabeth Irwin (a contemporary and colleague of John Dewey, Caroline Pratt, and Lucy Sprague Mitchell), The Little Red School House has been at the vanguard of 

pedagogical innovation since its founding. LREI’s goal is to educate students to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners and to pursue academic excellence and individual achievement, in a context of respect for others and service to the community. We believe that learning should be active and experiential, with the school providing abundant opportunities for students to excel. We accept students with a range of abilities and talents who can take full advantage of a rich and demanding academic program in which each student is both challenged and supported. We seek to create within the school a community built on understanding and respecting others. Thus, our student body traditionally reflects the racial and cultural diversity of our city, and our curriculum is built on interdisciplinary studies to promote understanding of many cultures. While individual achievement is encouraged and rewarded, our program underscores the value of shared goals, friendship, and cooperation in mastering difficult tasks. The progressive ideals that in 1921 gave life and inspiration to the school — academic excellence and creativity, active learning and innovative teaching, respect for the individual and responsibility to the community - continue to guide the school today. LREI is located in vibrant Greenwich Village and classes venture forth often to use the neighborhood and the city to provide rich learning experiences.

All candidates, internal and external, should visit our employment page at lrei.org to apply.