WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!
At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, you’ll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.
In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You’ll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key—you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.
Together, we are Proving What’s Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
A TEACHING CAREER IN IPS OFFERS…
Purpose and Impact:
- Students First: Teaching for IPS is a rewarding opportunity to support bright, curious students as they shape their futures. We hold ourselves to the highest expectations of excellence, focusing on students’ holistic needs during their educational journey with us.
- Community: Working in a school means it is your home away from home, and you have a school family who supports you and leads with empathy and vision.
Professional and Personal Growth:
- Grow Your Career: We offer professional development and career advancement opportunities, including dedicated mentorship programs for early career teachers.
- Generous Compensation: We’re proud to offer the highest teacher starting pay in Indianapolis and one of the most competitive in the state, with teachers earning $53,460 - $94,000 depending on experience, plus a generous benefits package. Our teacher salaries are continually on the rise, as IPS regularly advocates for stronger teacher compensation.
- Access to Financial Benefits: Working in IPS makes it possible to benefit from federal programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF), helping reduce the financial burden of student loans.
Work-Life Balance and Well-being:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access top-tier health plans covering medical, dental, and vision needs, plus IPS offers a private clinic for staff and their families through our partners at Ascension St. Vincent.
- Flexible Wellness Leave: Take the time you need to care for yourself and your family with our generous leave policies. Teachers receive 70 hours of sick leave in their first year (56 hours annually after) for illness, family, or mental health, plus three personal days, two floating holidays, and school breaks. Unlimited accumulated sick leave adds flexibility, supporting teachers’ health and work-life balance.
- Incentivized Discounts through IPS Wellness Program: Opportunities to earn hundreds of dollars off your medical premium by participating in proactive and simple health screenings, plus discounted group fitness classes, health and fitness assessments, personal training, and more.
WHAT WE EXPECT...
Commitment to Excellence:
- High Standards: Strive for the very best in all you do, maintaining high standards for yourself, your students, and your colleagues. Embrace lifelong learning and adapt to new teaching methods and challenges.
- Educational Equity: IPS is deeply committed to breaking down systemic inequities. We do this by “walking the walk” on new policies and practices, building diverse and inclusive classrooms and staff teams, and ensuring our environments are grounded in our values of respect, inclusivity, and educational equity.
Resilience and Passion:
- Dedication to Students: Put students at the heart of your work. Be passionate about their success and well-being.
- Adaptability: Handle adversity with resilience and flexibility. Be prepared for a dynamic work environment.
Professional Integrity:
- Ethical Conduct: Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Act responsibly and respectfully toward all individuals, communicate with candor and care.
- Team Player: Be dependable, punctual, and collaborative, contributing positively to our supportive work environment.
JOIN US!
Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; it’s a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What’s Possible – in your career and in your school. If you’re ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
IPS is looking for a highly motivated and energetic individual to be the assistant band director and orchestra director at one of our high schools. This position also works with the All-City Marching Band as an assistant band director and will also direct Jazz Band 2.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
The following outlines what your core duties and responsibilities will be for this position and provides a sample overview of what your day-to-day may look like.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
- Teach band, orchestra, and any other elective music classes based on course needs
- Teach All-City Marching Band as an assistant director as well as Jazz Band 2 director (summer/after school ensembles)
- Assist head band director with all duties related to band including planning lessons, concerts, and performances, and maintaining instrument inventory of all band instruments and equipment
- Plan and coordinate all duties related to orchestra including planning lessons, concerts, and performances, and maintain accurate instrument inventory of all orchestra instruments and equipment
- Plan and prepare for concerts and performances throughout the year including school concerts and judged performances such as ISSMA Concert Band Organizational contest, Music For All Festival, and ISSMA Solo-Ensemble contest as well as other events such as BOA Grand Nationals.
- Attend and participate in required in-service activities and assist in planning and conducting such activities if needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
- Maintain a classroom environment consistent with established codes of conduct that is conducive to positive learning
- Establish and maintain excellent rapport with students, parents, staff members, and community members.
- Recruit and retain students in both band and orchestra programs
“Day In the Life” Overview
On a regular day, as the HS Band/Orchestra, you might:
- Teach all HS orchestra classes including beginning orchestra and advanced orchestras
- Teach or team teach band classes including beginning band classes as well as advanced band classes
- Teach music electives such as piano and/or Fine Arts Connections
- Teach after school ensembles such as All-City Marching Band (Asst. Director) and Jazz Band 2 (Director)
- Update students and parents on progress in classes through online grading system and parent connection apps
- Communicate electronically with students, parents, and other staff members concerning student academic progress, attendance, and behavior
WHAT YOU’ll BRING: SKILLS AND MINDSETS
As an ideal candidate for this role, you will be able to achieve the following:
- Experience and knowledge of playing and teaching all band and orchestra instruments
- Superior knowledge of instrumental techniques and ensemble techniques to build high-quality band/orchestra programs
- Ability to manage attendance, grading, planning and organizing lessons, budget, and all other responsibilities typical of teaching middle school choir/orchestra
- Ability to interpret district policies, procedures, and data
- Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills
- Highly effective technology skills using school learning management systems, grading and database management apps, as well as other classroom technology and apps such as LCD projectors, lesson slides, etc.
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's Degree in music required from a 4 year college or university, Indiana teaching certification in music education
- Minimum two years teaching band and orchestra and directing experience (both preferred) and/or completed successful student teaching experience with good recommendations
FLSA CLASSIFICATION:
Exempt
ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK:
Not eligible
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EEOC STATEMENT:
Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.
DISCLAIMER:
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.
Read Full Description