Overview Are you looking to be part of a dynamic and innovative team of teachers who believe in their mission of serving every student, every day? Hays High School is the place you want to be! We are looking for motivated educators who are goal-driven and steadfast in their approach to teaching content, but more importantly, in supporting each student to achieve their academic and personal goals. At HHS, we offer the autonomy and support to be your best self.
Another exciting element to this position is the brand new, state-of-the-art, comprehensive high school opening in Fall 2025. As it pertains to fine arts, the new school will include an 800-seat auditorium, with balcony, new rehearsal halls, instrument storage, large and small practice rooms, and a football field located steps from the band room back door for rehearsal and performance. The band just completed their first year in new marching uniforms, and the program is in a great position to grow and develop while honoring a rich and proud history of success. We are the Pride of Northwest Kansas!
Position Purpose We are seeking a passionate and experienced band director to join our team, though teachers new to the profession are also welcome to apply. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to fostering a love of music and providing a supportive and inspiring environment for students to develop their musical talents.
Essential Functions
Develop and implement a comprehensive band program for students grades 9-12. The successful candidate will also assist at the middle school and serve as part of a co-teaching team to work with students from beginning band to their senior year. Each of the music positions in the secondary schools have two teachers for orchestra, band, and vocal music between grades 6-12.
Conduct rehearsals and performances for various ensembles, to include but not limited to concert band, marching band, jazz band, percussion ensemble, and numerous chamber ensembles, with much autonomy to bring new ideas and performance opportunities to our students and community.
Provide individual and group instruction to students on instrumental techniques, music theory, and ensemble skills.
Collaborate with other music educators and school staff to coordinate performances, competitions, and events.
Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes teamwork, discipline, and artistic expression.
Manage equipment, inventory, and budget for the band program.
Conduct ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs.
Continue to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
Organize and maintain a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
Encourage parental involvement in students education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
Ensure that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
Coordinate with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
Additional Duties Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Equipment Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone. The band director will also help move and organize equipment within the normal working environment of a rehearsal and concert hall, field performance, or other performance venue.
Travel Requirements Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Works in standard office and school building environments.
Certification/License:
Kansas State Certification as an Music Teacher.
Education:
Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
Experience: Successful prior teaching experiences in music a plus but not necessary.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Benefits Information
Full District Paid Single Medical and Dental Coverage
Free Annual Eye Exams with Medical Coverage
Ancillary and Voluntary offerings include Vision Materials Coverage
District Paid Basic Life Insurance, Voluntary Life
Short Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, Identify Theft Insurance
Flexible Spending options for Medical Expenses and Dependent Day Care
District contribution to Health Saving Account
District contribution to 403b retirement plan in addition to KPERS - State of Kansas Retirement
Paid Time Off
Seasonal Breaks, Weekends, Holidays Off
Tuition Assistance partnership with FHSU
Salary Information
Compensation: $44,525 - $66,175, depending on professional development and years of experience.
Employer Information
Hays School District has about 3,000 students that are enrolled in a high school, middle school, four elementary schools, and an alternative school. The staff of Unified School District No. 489 are recognized throughout Kansas and across the nation as leaders in educational excellence.
Hays Public Schools enjoy tremendous support from the community. Through this support, USD 489 is able to offer programs like all-day, kindergarten, the smallest class sizes in the state for districts our size, and a longer school year. An extensive special education program serves children with special needs. Early childhood programs serve children and their families in a three-county area from before-birth to age six. Technology, throughout the district, is used to supplement and strengthen the instructional program. The most noticeable aspect of our technology is in our ratio of students to computers. At Hays High and the middle schools it is 1:1; and 2:1 in the elementary schools.
While doing an excellent job on the test score race, the staff continues to seek to develop the creativity, curiosity, and problem solving skills of students as well. The challenges of the future are best dealt with by applying creativity and foresight to a solid foundation. We are equipped at USD 489.
To learn more about our schools, visit our website at www.usd489.com
