Organisation: Department of Education
Job Title: Music Teacher
To whom it may concern
In response to your advertisement for the position of Classroom Music Teacher, I would like to submit my application. After reading the description for this opportunity, I am sure that I have the music curriculum knowledge, drive and pedagogical expertise required.
I believe that my passion for teaching and learning, coupled with my strong interpersonal skills, gives me a desirable blend of proficiencies that would greatly benefit this position. I am eager to utilise my abilities where I will be further challenged. Furthermore, as I am currently teaching grades 7 – 10 and assisting with assessments for grades 11 and 12, I believe I have the appropriate experience for this position. I also have a strong desire to move back to south east Queensland for family commitments, however, will only do so for a school with the appropriate values, teaching excellence and the right cultural fit for me. I believe St Hilda’s School has all of these elements.
As a dedicated and experienced music teacher, I am committed to excellence in my pedagogical practice, and to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for children and young people. Having attended a school for girls myself, I have a strong understanding of the culture, benefits and challenges that are presented in a teaching environment such as St Hilda’s School.
I have a significant belief in the importance of upholding and modelling the values of the school. In my current employment with Townsville Grammar School, I ensure that I represent the school appropriately through my teaching, behaviour, and interactions with others at all times. Through supporting and modelling the principles and behaviours outlined in the code of conduct and school values, I maintain a challenge to students always strive to improve, to be their best selves, and promote the school professionally and with integrity. Many of the values that I model are aligned with those of St Hilda’s School, which I would continue to uphold if employed in this position.
A key focus at Townsville Grammar School, is academic achievement. My pedagogical approach enables me to promote, foster and reinforce this value in each lesson, by encouraging and motivating students to engage in and apply themselves to their academic advancement. With my teaching based on informed practice and individual needs, I enjoy facilitating the improvements and achievements of my students, and exposing them to new experiences, musical genres and styles.
My aptitude for motivating, engaging and inspiring students, their families and my peers is driven by my strong interpersonal skills, and ability to develop and maintain productive and positive relationships. My professional ethos is centred on the belief that quality relationships are at the heart of what a teacher does. We teach people, not just a subject, and in music – engaging parents plays a large part in achieving student academic outcomes. One of my greatest pleasures as a teacher, is getting to know my students as people and assisting in shaping their future based upon their own interests, desires and talents.
As an accomplished cello player, an active member in my school, and wider community, I enjoy contributing to a number of school co-curricular activities, often outside of school hours. These include directing the chamber orchestra and cello ensemble, assisting with the symphony orchestra, the grammar singer’s choir (years 10 – 12), the grammar mezzo choir (years 7 – 9), and providing specialist cello lessons.
I am committed to maintaining and enhancing my professional competence and knowledge throughout my career, and continually developing my pedagogy. This includes attending relevant seminars and workshops, and seeking advice from other teaching professionals on topics such as enhancing student engagement, building productive relationships with parents, student safety and other music curriculum best practice approaches and techniques.
The professional attributes I can bring to the school include:
- Demonstrated experience in understanding and responding to the needs of people with a diverse range of abilities/disabilities
- Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills, easily relating to people of all ages and backgrounds
- Ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and personal professional development
- I work well autonomously, and am a productive contributor in a team environment
- Ability to engage with, inspire, challenge and motivate students
- Accomplished cello player with a passion for music
- Effective written communication skills
- Highly developed analytical skills
- Sound computer skills
I am confident in my own ability, and enjoy working with like-minded people. I know that I have the skills and aptitude to succeed. I would be grateful to gain the opportunity to outline the benefits I could bring to this position in a formal interview setting. Thank you for your time and effort in considering my application.
