Elementary Music Teacher

Overview

Nolan Elementary School is a high achieving PK-5 community school with robust related arts enrichment programming located on Signal Mountain, TN. In December of 2025, Nolan was named the 9th highest performing public elementary school out of 1542 schools in the state of Tennessee by USNEWS. Nolan was recognized as a 2025 & 2024 ASCA School of Excellence, 2023 National Blue Ribbon School for exemplary achievement, a National PTA School of Excellence, and was awarded the 2025, 2024, 2023, & 2022 TN Governor's Civil Seal. Nolan has been designated as a state of Tennessee Reward School numerous times. Nolan offers extensive special education programming, advanced studies to challenge high achievers, and additional support throughout the school day including reading and math tutors and interventionists to ensure students have every opportunity to experience success.

Nolan has an active volunteer base through its thriving PTA and is in a community that rallies resources for students and staff through the Mountain Education Foundation (MEF). Related arts classes: visual arts, physical education, music, STEM VW eLab, Spanish, technology, library and guidance are well funded through a partnership with the MEF. Additionally, MEF and PTA encourage and support teachers by providing additional funding for educational resources, and volunteers actively give their time and talents to the school house. Nolan's rich traditions include a daily Nolan Character Pledge and the Nolan Song. We hold character education in high regard and have two counselors, a social worker, and student success coach to focus on the hearts, emotional well-being, and character development of our students. Nolan offers before and after school clubs sponsored by staff for an additional stipend such as academic quiz bowl, math club, science olympiad, visual art, creative writing, Nolan newspaper, Sports trading card club, handbells, drama, chorus, cross country, & Greenspaces go-kart. Student leaders serve as Kindness Ambassadors, Student Council Representatives, Safety Patrol, and Recycling Captains.

We are looking for enthusiastic applicants who are eager to join a team where a creative, collaborative, and caring environment will enable all children to become successful, independent, and lifelong learners, as well as a supportive work environment where colleagues are friendly, helpful, and enjoy coming to work each day. We have a Nolan induction specialist and mentors for new-to-Nolan staff. At Nolan, we value shared leadership; therefore, every staff member is seen as a leader.

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

Responsibilities

• Teaching & Learning - Deeply understand the Tennessee Academic Standards for Fine Arts Education and design compelling learning experiences for all students K-5. Establish clear learning targets and lesson plans for every lesson. Build rigorous and aligned assessments, administer district assessments, and consistently implement instructional best practices. When possible, make genuine curriculum connections with other academic subjects in instruction. As provided under the TN Academic Standards for Fine Arts "Perform" domain, the Music teacher will present 3-4 concerts/performances outside of school hours each school year.

Follow Hamilton County Schools' instructional framework, including:

• Ensuring Equity in Actions
• Setting High Expectations
• Building a Productive Classroom Culture
• Responsive Teaching and Learning

The Music teacher may engage students in additional after-school activities including but not limited to guitar, chorus, or staging a musical.

• Classroom Culture: Build a safe and productive classroom culture that fosters student responsibility for classroom music equipment. Positive relationships are evident, procedures are clear, and the classroom is safe and secure for learning to unfold. Student and teacher interactions promote a growth mindset and activate students' leadership skills.
• Family & Community: Consistently develop strong relationships with students' families while diligently informing parents of expectations, positive news, and/or concerns about their children. Communicate with parents about performance opportunities. Assist 5th grade students and parents with information about MIddle School Arts opportunities.
• Professional Responsibilities: Actively participate in professional learning communities (PLCs) with colleagues in order to improve teaching and student learning. Reflect on instruction and leadership while contributing ideas, expertise, and time to the mission and goals of the school and district-wide Fine Arts department. Maintain an accurate instrument and equipment inventory.

Qualifications

Knowledge/Education/Experience:

Teaching candidates must hold a valid state of Tennessee teaching certification in Music Education (K-5) or be upcoming graduates in an accredited teacher preparation program. If you hold a teaching license in another state, you must

• for a Tennessee teaching license.
• Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Committed to high academic achievement, music literacy, and high expectations for all students
• Able to be a positive team-player and communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, students, and families
• Open to being coached and receiving feedback in order to advance learning and growth for students
• Professional with high personal standards and integrity

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.

This position may be eligible for an increase in total compensation. The Differentiated Compensation Plan applies to designated schools and hard-to-staff positions.