Job Title: Rising Rhythms Jazz Ensemble Instructor (Elementary/Middle School)
Reports To: Director of Arts & Culture / Head of School
Employment Type: Part-Time / Seasonal / Contract (as applicable)
Position Overview:
Jabali Academy seeks a passionate and culturally grounded music educator to serve as the Rising Rhythms Jazz Ensemble Instructor. Rising Rhythms introduces students to the fundamentals of making music together through the powerful tradition of jazz—an art form born from the creativity, resilience, and collective spirit of African American communities. The instructor will guide students with little or no prior jazz experience in developing essential musical skills while fostering an appreciation for jazz as both artistic expression and cultural storytelling. This role supports the Academy’s mission to cultivate confident, culturally rooted scholars through arts education grounded in heritage, identity, and community.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Lead weekly ensemble rehearsals for beginner-level jazz students in grades 4–6 (or as assigned).
- Teach foundational jazz concepts including rhythm, listening, call-and-response, improvisation, and ensemble coordination.
- Foster a positive, affirming, and culturally responsive learning environment that reflects the historical and cultural significance of jazz.
- Support students in developing musical confidence, discipline, and collaborative skills.
- Prepare students for school performances, showcases, and community events.
- Select and arrange age-appropriate and skill-appropriate repertoire.
- Integrate brief cultural and historical context into instruction to deepen students’ understanding of jazz’s roots and legacy.
- Communicate regularly with school leadership regarding student progress and program needs.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and respectful rehearsal environment.
Qualifications:
- Experience teaching instrumental music to elementary and/or middle school students, preferably in a group or ensemble setting.
- Strong knowledge of jazz fundamentals and ensemble performance.
- Ability to work effectively with beginner musicians.
- Demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive teaching and an appreciation for the African American musical tradition.
- Proficiency in one or more jazz instruments (piano, drums, brass, woodwinds, bass, etc.).
- Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills.
- Alignment with Jabali Academy’s mission and values.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Degree in Music, Music Education, Jazz Studies, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
- Experience working in independent schools, community arts programs, or culturally grounded educational settings.
- Performance experience in jazz or related musical genres.
Core Competencies:
- Cultural competence and historical awareness
- Ability to inspire and motivate young learners
- Collaborative and community-centered approach
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Commitment to student growth and artistic excellence
Job Title: Legacy Notes R&B A Cappella Director (4th–6th Grade)
Reports To: Director of Arts & Culture / Head of School
Employment Type: Part-Time / Seasonal (Spring Semester) / Contract
Position Overview:
Jabali Academy seeks a dynamic and culturally responsive vocal music educator to lead Legacy Notes, an R&B a cappella ensemble for 4th–6th grade students. Legacy Notes develops students’ vocal technique and musicianship while teaching the power of collective music-making rooted in the rich tradition of R&B and African American vocal harmony. Meeting twice weekly during the spring semester, the ensemble emphasizes sight reading, vocal blending, harmonizing, and introductory vocal arranging within a supportive and collaborative environment.
The Director will prepare students for performances at the Empowering Minds Gala and other community events, cultivating confidence, discipline, and artistic excellence.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead twice-weekly rehearsals for 4th–6th grade a cappella ensemble
- Teach foundational vocal techniques including breath support, tone production, diction, and healthy vocal habits
- Instruct students in sight reading, harmony building, vocal blending, and basic arranging
- Select and arrange age-appropriate R&B repertoire
- Foster a positive, affirming, and culturally grounded rehearsal space
- Prepare students for public performances, including the Empowering Minds Gala and other community showcases
- Integrate cultural context about the roots and evolution of R&B and vocal harmony traditions
- Track student growth and provide constructive feedback
- Communicate regularly with school leadership regarding program progress and needs
- Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging rehearsal environment
Qualifications
- Experience teaching vocal music to elementary or middle school students
- Strong knowledge of R&B vocal traditions, harmony, and ensemble singing
- Ability to teach beginner to intermediate sight reading and harmony skills
- Demonstrated skill in arranging or adapting music for youth vocal ensembles
- Commitment to culturally responsive teaching practices
- Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills
- Alignment with Jabali Academy’s mission and values
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in Music, Vocal Performance, Music Education, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
- Experience directing youth choirs or a cappella groups
- Background in African American musical traditions
- Performance experience in R&B, gospel, soul, or related genres
Core Competencies
- Ability to build student confidence and stage presence
- Collaborative leadership style
- Cultural awareness and historical grounding
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Passion for developing young voices in community
Job Title: FIRST LEGO Discovery Program Facilitator (Elementary)
Reports To: Director of STEAM / Head of School
Employment Type: Part-Time / After-School / Seasonal / Contract (as applicable)
Position Overview:
Jabali Academy seeks an enthusiastic and culturally responsive educator to facilitate the FIRST LEGO Discovery Program for elementary students. This joyful, hands-on learning experience centers self-determination, cultural confidence, and a deep love of learning through guided exploration and play-based building.
The Facilitator will lead students in collaborative LEGO® activities that nurture early problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills. Emphasizing teamwork over competition, the program encourages students to share ideas, test solutions, and proudly explain their thinking through “Show Me” posters and group presentations. The ideal candidate is passionate about elementary education, STEAM learning, and cultivating confidence and curiosity in young scholars.
Primary Responsibilities
- Facilitate weekly FIRST LEGO Discovery sessions using approved curriculum materials
- Guide students in hands-on building, exploration, and reflective discussion
- Foster an inclusive, culturally affirming learning environment rooted in collaboration and joy
- Support students in developing foundational skills in problem-solving, communication, and teamwork
- Encourage students to articulate their thinking through presentations and “Show Me” posters
- Promote creativity, curiosity, and confidence through structured play
- Prepare students for any culminating showcases or family presentations
- Maintain organization of LEGO® materials and classroom space
- Communicate regularly with school leadership and families regarding program progress
Qualifications
- Experience working with elementary-aged students
- Strong classroom management and facilitation skills
- Enthusiasm for hands-on, inquiry-based, or STEAM learning
- Ability to nurture confidence and encourage student voice
- Commitment to culturally responsive and identity-affirming teaching practices
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in elementary education, child development, STEAM, or related field
- Experience with LEGO® Education or other hands-on learning programs
- Experience leading after-school or enrichment programs
- Familiarity with project-based or play-based learning models
Core Competencies
- Joyful and engaging facilitation style
- Ability to scaffold learning for diverse developmental levels
- Strong organizational skills
- Collaborative, team-centered mindset
- Commitment to nurturing self-determination and lifelong love of learning
Job Title: Think and Speak Smart Debate Academy Instructor (Grades 4–6)
Reports To: Director of Academic Enrichment / Head of School
Employment Type: Short-Term Contract (10-Day Program)
Position Overview:
Jabali Academy seeks a dynamic and engaging educator to lead the Think and Speak Smart Debate Academy, a ten-day academic enrichment program for students in grades 4–6. The program introduces students to the fundamentals of Lincoln–Douglas debate while cultivating confidence, critical thinking, and persuasive communication skills.
The Instructor will guide students through the process of constructing arguments, conducting age-appropriate research, asking thoughtful questions, and responding respectfully to opposing viewpoints. Through interactive activities, structured practice debates, and reflective discussion, students will develop logical reasoning skills and greater confidence in academic discourse.
Primary Responsibilities
- Design and facilitate daily debate sessions aligned with introductory Lincoln–Douglas debate principles
- Teach foundational skills including argument construction, evidence use, rebuttal strategy, cross-examination questioning, and persuasive speaking
- Guide students in conducting basic research and organizing ideas logically
- Create a classroom culture rooted in respect, intellectual curiosity, and confidence
- Facilitate an age-appropriate screening discussion of The Great Debaters, connecting themes of competition, character, and educational impact
- Prepare students for a culminating debate showcase or demonstration
- Provide constructive feedback to support student growth in speaking and reasoning
- Maintain a structured, inclusive, and engaging learning environment
Qualifications
- Experience teaching debate, public speaking, language arts, or related subjects to elementary or middle school students
- Strong understanding of Lincoln–Douglas debate format and argumentation structure
- Ability to scaffold complex concepts (logic, rebuttal, research) for upper elementary learners
- Strong classroom management and facilitation skills
- Commitment to culturally responsive and confidence-building teaching practices
- Excellent verbal communication and organizational skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in debate, forensics, mock trial, or competitive speech
- Degree in Education, Communications, Political Science, English, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Experience coaching youth debate teams
- Familiarity with integrating film and discussion as instructional tools
Core Competencies
- Ability to inspire confidence and student voice
- Clear and structured instructional delivery
- Skilled facilitator of respectful dialogue
- Strong analytical and reasoning abilities
- Passion for developing young scholars’ leadership and communication skills
Job Title: Lead Teacher of Diaspora Studies
Program: Roots of Knowledge Empowerment Institute
Reports To: Academic Director / Head of School
Employment Type: Short-Term Contract (Week-Long Institute)
Position Overview
The Roots of Knowledge Empowerment Institute seeks a knowledgeable, dynamic, and culturally grounded educator to serve as Lead Teacher of Diaspora Studies for its week-long cultural enrichment program. This role centers the exploration of key historical moments, cultural movements, and global connections within the African Diaspora in an age-appropriate and empowering way for elementary and middle-grade students.
The Lead Teacher will design and facilitate engaging lessons that connect history, literature, identity, and character development. The program also introduces students to influential African American writers and explores themes of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride through selected texts and guided discussion.
This position requires a strong commitment to culturally responsive pedagogy and the ability to cultivate curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking in young scholars.
Primary Responsibilities
- Design and lead daily interactive lessons focused on significant movements, figures, and themes within the African Diaspora
- Introduce students to selected works by African American writers and facilitate thoughtful, age-appropriate literary discussions
- Connect historical content to themes of identity, resilience, and global citizenship
- Develop hands-on learning activities that reinforce understanding through creative expression, group work, and reflection
- Collaborate with sports instructors (tennis and golf) to reinforce connections between discipline, character, and cultural empowerment
- Prepare students for a culminating presentation, showcase, or reflection activity
- Maintain a structured, affirming, and intellectually stimulating learning environment
- Communicate regularly with program leadership regarding student engagement and progress
Qualifications
- Experience teaching African Diaspora studies, African American history, social studies, humanities, or related subjects
- Demonstrated knowledge of key historical movements, global African connections, and African American literary traditions
- Ability to translate complex historical themes into age-appropriate instruction
- Strong facilitation skills that encourage student voice and critical thinking
- Commitment to culturally responsive and identity-affirming education
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in African American Studies, History, Diaspora Studies, Humanities, or Education (or equivalent experience)
- Experience working in independent schools, cultural institutions, or enrichment programs
- Background in integrating literature with historical instruction
- Experience leading project-based or discussion-centered learning
Core Competencies
- Cultural fluency and historical grounding
- Ability to inspire confidence and intellectual curiosity
- Skilled discussion facilitator
- Strong curriculum planning and instructional design
- Commitment to empowering students through knowledge and character development
