An Invitation to Apply - Niskayuna Central School District

Niskayuna
Central School District
An Invitation to Apply
for the position of
Director of Music
Education
Music at Niskayuna
The Niskayuna Music Department has a longstanding tradition
of helping students find a richer life through the development
of musical skill and appreciation, aesthetic exploration, and
personal growth. The program is a centerpiece of our vibrant school
community, performing more than 30 concerts per year, including
an annual festival at the venerable Proctors Theatre in downtown
Schenectady. Individual students and ensembles take part in many
regional and statewide music festivals each year, and fill our halls
with music daily. This program is made possible by the talents and
commitment of our faculty, a supportive community, and an active
Friends of Music parent organization. General music instruction
begins with the district’s youngest students and instrumental and
choral study begin in grade 4. A wide variety of ensembles at the
middle school and high school level provide the opportunity for
continued development and advanced study. Niskayuna has been
named a “Best Community for Music Education” and a Grammy
Signature School semifinalist for each of the last two years.
The Community
Niskayuna is an active, suburban school district with five
neighborhood elementary schools, two middle schools and one high
school. There are about 4,100 students in the district, which has a
reputation for excellence that stretches across New York and beyond.
Our district and community value a strong core academic program,
creativity and the arts, and innovation and collaboration.
The town of Niskayuna is a
suburban community with an
approximate population of 23,000
residents. The school
district also serves
students from parts of
nearby Rexford and
the towns of Glenville
and Colonie. The
district is conveniently
located in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metropolitan area that is
part of New York’s “Tech Valley.” While Niskayuna is essentially a
residential community, it is also home to business and industry
leaders like GE Global Research, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory,
Environment One, the WRGB television studio, and SI Group Inc.
There are many institutes of higher education in the region,
including Union College, the University at Albany, Siena College,
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, the College of St. Rose, the Sage Colleges,
and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Families and visitors alike
enjoy world-class musical and theatrical performances at venues
such as Proctors, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and the Times
Union Center. From
our area, New York
City, Boston, Montreal,
the Adirondacks, the
Berkshires, Lake George,
and the Catskills can
be visited in a day or a
weekend.
www.niskayunaschools.org
The mission of the Niskayuna Central School District is to empower each individual to make responsible choices,
meet challenges, achieve personal success and contribute to a global society.
NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT • DIRECTOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION
Position
THE
How to Apply
Directors of music education in Niskayuna through the years
have helped lead and develop an exciting program that makes an
immeasurable contribution to the lives of our students and the
culture of our district and the broader community. The director
is charged with
leading, supporting,
and coordinating
the efforts of an
exceptional music
faculty working
across eight
buildings, and
providing direction
for the music
curriculum and
program offerings.
General music instruction
begins in kindergarten.
Instrumental and choral study
begin in grade 4. Middle school
students can participate in
chorus and grade-level string orchestras and bands. At the High
School, there are more than a dozen music courses, including
opportunities for honors and advanced study, student lessons, and
11 ensembles. All performing groups present multiple concerts
each year, which draw crowds of parents, teachers and staff, and
community members to see the accomplishments of our students.
The Selection Process
Applications and related
materials will be accepted
until May 27, 2016.
Applications will be screened
and initial interviews will
be held in early June. The
first interview includes a
performance component.
Applications for this position and
accompanying materials should
be submitted through the OLAS
system, www.olasjobs.org/capital.
Inquiries or requests for more
information can be directed to
Mark A. Treanor
Human Resources Office:
(518) 377-4666, ext. 50740,
mtreanor@niskyschools.org
Final interviews will be held
in late June.
A 4-year probationary appointment along with salary and fringe
benefits will be offered to the desired finalist.
It is anticipated that the successful candidate will begin work in
July of 2016.
Applications will be considered complete when the
following information is submitted to OLAS:
Letter of intent, including a cogent explanation of your interest in
and aptitude for this career opportunity;
A sample of your professional writing (e.g., a letter to parents or
a memo to faculty);
Employment application;
An official placement file, including at least three current, written
references;
The director will work closely with Niskayuna Friends of
A copy of teaching and administrative certificate(s); and
Music, which plays a critical support role for such a vibrant
A resume, including the names, telephone and successful program. Among
numbers and email addresses of persons the organization’s many activities,
Qualifications
who are prepared to speak to your Friends of Music organizes a two
personal character and professional New
York
State
School
District
Leader
Certification;
week “Summer Sonata” music camp
achievements.
for students.
Five years of teaching experience;
The Board of Education is dedicated
to finding the right individual to lead
the music program into the future and
build on past successes to reach even
greater heights.
The position includes a 0.4 fulltime equivalent teaching assignment.
The salary range for this position
will be commensurate with previous
experiences, the enthusiasm of
references, and the effectiveness of
interviews. An attractive package of
fringe benefits will also be offered.
A strong instructional background and
excellent musical skills demonstrated through
performance;
Demonstration of dynamic leadership with vision;
Ability to communicate effectively in both
written and spoken language;
Ability to effectively listen, lead, and
demonstrate teamwork at a building and
district level; and
Supervisory skills and a record of motivating
all employees.