About Ascend
Ascend is Brooklyn’s premier K–12 public charter network, committed to graduating high-achieving students who have access to boundless choice in their futures—not only through college acceptance, but through meaningful preparation for career readiness and thriving adult lives.
Across our schools, we pair rigorous academics with strong systems, supportive adult culture, and a deep belief in students’ brilliance and potential. Our work is grounded in the understanding that preparing students for long-term success requires excellence in instruction, intentional culture-building, and disciplined execution at every level of the organization.
At Ascend, adults are held to high standards because our students deserve nothing less. How we teach, lead, collaborate, and make decisions every day directly shapes the opportunities our students will have tomorrow.
Join us in shaping learning environments where curiosity is nurtured, excellence is the norm, and every student is prepared for a lifetime of boundless choice.
About the Role
Brooklyn Ascend High School seeks a High School Music Teacher to deliver rigorous, structured music instruction aligned to the school’s Arts Conservatory pathway.
Music Foundations builds musical literacy, technical proficiency, and disciplined rehearsal habits. Instruction emphasizes music theory, ear training, genre study, composition, and ensemble performance. The course serves both as a high-quality elective and as preparation for scholars pursuing Advanced Music: Conservatory Pathway.
This teacher develops foundational musicianship while preparing scholars for public performance and advancement into higher-level artistic study.
Core Responsibilities
Instructional Excellence
- Teach Music Foundations (Grades 9–12) as assigned.
- Design instruction aligned to high school artistic standards and conservatory readiness.
- Deliver structured units in:
- Music theory and notation
- Sight-reading and ear training
- Rhythm and genre study
- Composition fundamentals
- Introductory performance technique
- Establish clear skill benchmarks aligned to advancement into Conservatory-level coursework.
- Differentiate instruction while maintaining high expectations for mastery and rehearsal discipline.
Culminating Experiences & Public Demonstration
- Prepare scholars for the Annual Art Showcase & Talent Show.
- Guide scholars in producing a Music Foundations Portfolio that demonstrates growth in theory, composition, and performance.
- Support scholar auditions into Advanced Music: Conservatory Pathway.
- Ensure all public performances reflect institutional quality and preparation.
Data & Professional Practice
- Participate in weekly Humanities planning and data meetings.
- Analyze scholar performance and portfolio outcomes to inform instructional refinement.
- Engage fully in observation and feedback cycles.
- Implement coaching feedback with professionalism and urgency.
- Contribute to vertical alignment conversations across 9–12 Arts programming.
Culture & Scholar Development
- Maintain a structured and respectful rehearsal environment aligned to school-wide expectations.
- Partner with the Dean of Culture & Community to reinforce scholar accountability.
- Serve as an advisor as assigned, supporting scholar identity and post-secondary planning.
- Foster discipline, collaboration, and artistic confidence in scholars.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or related field.
- 2+ years of secondary teaching or instructional experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency in music theory and performance fundamentals.
Preferred
- Experience preparing students for public performance.
- Experience teaching in a college-preparatory or charter school environment.
- Valid New York State certification in Music (preferred).
Leadership Profile
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong content knowledge in music theory and performance
- High academic and rehearsal expectations
- Ability to build structured classroom systems
- Strong data analysis and reflective practice habits
- Receptiveness to coaching and feedback
- Alignment to Ascend’s belief that rigor and belonging are inseparable
Compensation
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Typical salary range for experienced high school world language teachers in NYC charter networks starts at $80,000, depending on certification and demonstrated outcomes.
Location
Brooklyn, NY
This is a full-time, in-person role requiring daily presence on campus and participation in school-wide programming and faculty collaboration.
This is a full-time, exempt position that offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
- Generous paid time off and additional employee benefits