Part-Time Music Teacher | Quest Forward Santa Rosa

Part-Time Music Teacher | Quest Forward Santa Rosa

About Quest Forward Santa Rosa
Quest Forward is a private 9 - 12th-grade high school that opened in August 2017.  We are a fully accredited comprehensive high school that believes in academic excellence, offers  A-G University-approved courses, and is hyper-focused on college and career preparation.  Our small class sizes, no cell phone policy, and personal attention to students create a welcoming, authentic learning environment for students. As one of the flagship schools for Opportunity Education (www.opportunityeducation.org), Quest Forward aims to set a model for schools nationwide.

In August 2025, Quest Forward added 7th and 8th grade to its school community. This was a pivotal opportunity to offer a middle school option to families and students and begin building community amongst students who will matriculate to the Quest Forward High School. Middle school teachers are in the founding years of establishing cohesive middle school culture, launching special middle school traditions, and teaching middle school content in a personalized setting. 

About the Role: Part-Time Music Teacher

The Music Teacher will primarily focus on developing and delivering introductory band, choir, or orchestra courses that allow middle school students to gain a valuable foundation within music. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a growing arts program alongside a staff committed to creating immersive educational experiences for students. 

During an interview process, candidates will have a chance to talk more specifically about their personal music background, preferences (band, choir, orchestra), philosophy and vision for their  future classroom.

Responsibilities

Instruction Delivery & Curriculum Development (80%)

• Design and implement curriculum for introductory courses in band, choir, orchestra, or other areas of interest
• Develop engaging lesson plans that cultivate students' creativity and technical skills
• Assess student work, provide feedback, and maintain high expectations for artistic excellence
• Establish a welcoming, organized, and inspiring classroom environment

Student Engagement & Support (15%)

• Help design and expand a music program that evolves as the school grows
• Create opportunities to showcase student work within the school and community
• Provide input on future music programming
• Assist in establishing partnerships with local artists or organizations

Family & Community Engagement (5%)

• Communicate regularly with families about student progress, celebrating successes and addressing challenges proactively
• Participate in school events, family conferences, and outreach efforts to build strong relationships with families and the community
• Help students and families see the relevance of art & music in their everyday lives, future careers, and societal challenges

Ideal Candidate Experiences

• Valid teaching license ideal
• Experience teaching music, preferably in a secondary setting
• Strong understanding of a variety of music techniques
• Proven ability to build curriculum and instructional practices from the ground up
• Experience organizing student art exhibitions or collaborative music performances or projects

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Deep belief in all students’ potential and a commitment to holding high academic and behavioral expectations
• A growth mindset, constantly seeking to refine and improve instructional practice
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Readiness to go above and beyond, including putting in extra time in and outside of your role, to build Quest Forward’s college prep school

Compensation

Salary is currently budgeted in a range competitive with local district expectations.  

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Opportunity Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.