Description
St. Bernard Catholic School serves as a vital component of the multicultural St. Bernard Parish community. We believe we are called by God to continue the mission of Jesus Christ by nurturing and developing each child’s unique talents. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to making Christ visible through our daily actions by respecting all people, serving as positive examples, and sharing responsibility for the needs of others.
St. Bernard Catholic School is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and faith-filled Part-Time Music Teacher to provide music instruction for students in Transitional Kindergarten through eighth grade.
The Music Teacher will develop students’ musical knowledge, skills, confidence, creativity, and appreciation for sacred and secular music. The successful candidate will provide age-appropriate instruction in singing, rhythm, movement, music theory, music history, performance, and the proper use of classroom instruments.
The Music Teacher will also support the Catholic identity of the school by preparing students to participate reverently and confidently in school Masses, prayer services, religious celebrations, concerts, and other school programs.
Primary Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate music instruction for students in TK–8.
- Develop students’ skills in singing, rhythm, movement, listening, musical expression, and performance.
- Introduce students to basic music theory, notation, vocabulary, and music history.
- Teach students to recognize and maintain steady beat, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics, and musical form.
- Provide opportunities for students to explore classroom instruments and other age-appropriate musical resources.
- Select music that is appropriate for students’ ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, and the Catholic identity of the school.
- Differentiate instruction to meet students’ varying abilities, learning needs, and levels of musical experience.
- Establish clear classroom routines and behavior expectations.
- Maintain a positive, structured, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.
- Assess student participation, progress, effort, and achievement using developmentally appropriate measures.
- Maintain accurate attendance, lesson plans, grades, and other required records.
- Prepare students for school concerts, assemblies, prayer services, and special events.
- Coordinate with teachers and administration regarding schedules, performances, rehearsals, and school programs.
- Organize, maintain, and properly store musical instruments, equipment, and instructional materials.
- Communicate professionally with students, families, faculty, and administration.
- Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, school events, and faith-formation activities when applicable to the position.
- Perform other duties reasonably related to the position as assigned by the principal.
Liturgical Music Responsibilities
- Prepare students to participate in school Masses and other liturgical celebrations.
- Teach students appropriate Catholic hymns, Mass responses, and seasonal liturgical music.
- Coordinate music selections with the principal, pastor, campus ministry personnel, and liturgy planners.
- Help students understand that sacred music is a form of prayer and active participation in the liturgy.
- Support student cantors, choir members, instrumentalists, or other student music ministers when applicable.
- Ensure that liturgical music is consistent with Catholic teaching and appropriate for the celebration.
Catholic Identity and Mission
The Music Teacher is expected to:
- Support and uphold the mission, teachings, and values of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Model Christian behavior through professionalism, kindness, patience, integrity, and respect.
- Create a classroom environment that recognizes the dignity and God-given gifts of every student.
- Integrate Catholic values and sacred music into the instructional program.
- Participate appropriately in school Masses, prayer services, religious celebrations, and Catholic school events.
- Promote reverence, service, responsibility, cooperation, and appreciation for the role of music in the life of the Church.
- Work collaboratively with school and parish personnel to strengthen the school’s Catholic identity.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s / AA degree in Music, Music Education, Education, or a related field preferred.
- Previous experience teaching music to elementary or middle school students preferred.
- Knowledge of age-appropriate vocal music, rhythm, movement, music theory, and classroom music instruction.
- Knowledge of Catholic liturgical music and the structure of the Mass strongly preferred.
- Ability to play piano, keyboard, guitar, or another accompaniment instrument preferred.
- Experience directing student performances, choirs, concerts, or liturgical music preferred.
- Strong classroom management, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to engage and motivate students across multiple grade levels.
- Ability to differentiate instruction for students with varying musical abilities and learning needs.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with teachers, administrators, and parish personnel.
- Practicing Catholic preferred; all candidates must respect and support the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church.
- Successful completion of fingerprinting, background clearance, Safe Environment training, and all Archdiocese of Los Angeles employment requirements.
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:
- Stand, sit, walk, bend, and move throughout the classroom and campus.
- Demonstrate musical movement and participate in age-appropriate classroom activities.
- Lift, carry, arrange, and store musical instruments and equipment weighing up to approximately 25 pounds.
- Supervise students safely during classes, rehearsals, performances, and school events.
Professional Expectations
The Music Teacher must:
- Maintain student and family confidentiality.
- Demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students and families.
- Follow school policies, safety procedures, administrative directives, and instructional expectations.
- Accept feedback and demonstrate a commitment to professional growth.
- Communicate respectfully and professionally with all members of the school and parish community.
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Position Start: September 14, 2026
Application Instructions
Qualified applicants should submit:
- Cover letter
- Current résumé
- Three professional references
- Copies of relevant degrees, credentials, or certifications
Please submit application materials to:
Vanessa Rivas, Principal
St. Bernard Catholic School
9626 Park Street
Bellflower, CA 90706
Email: mrsvanrivas@stbernardcatholicschool.com
Wage Range
The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. We consider a number of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training and other department needs.
Information/Application Contact
St. Bernard School (Bellflower)
9626 Park St.
Bellflower, CA 90706
mrsvanrivas@stbernardcatholicschool.com