Carlthorp School | Employment

Carlthorp School is a fun and fulfilling environment — not just for our students! Join our kind, diverse, and dedicated team of faculty and staff.

Thank you for your interest in Carlthorp School!

In creating our community of dedicated and highly qualified faculty and staff, we carefully review prospective employees’ applications. Carlthorp seeks candidates who are experts in their fields; who are passionate about education and working with children; who have superb communication and technology skills; and who have a demonstrated commitment to the Code of Conduct values that we model for our students.

Carlthorp School offers competitive salaries, a generous benefits package, and numerous opportunities for professional growth.

Please scroll down to see our current openings. In addition, Carlthorp is always looking for dedicated and experienced professionals to join our team; prospective employees are welcome to submit application materials to resume@carlthorp.org.

Our Location

Santa Monica, California

Four blocks from the beach

Situated in a residential neighborhood with convenient access to the Montana Avenue business district

Accessible from throughout Greater Los Angeles

Beautiful weather year-round

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

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Health Care Coverage

Carlthorp School covers 100% of health care premiums for employees and also offers vision, dental, and life insurance coverage.
Retirement Matching Contributions

Carlthorp School supports employees' retirement savings through a generous matching program.
Vacation Time

Carlthorp School employees receive ample vacation time as well as allotments for sick time, bereavement, and personal days.
Discounted Tuition

Children of Carlthorp School employees are eligible to receive discounted tuition.
Professional Development

Professional development at Carlthorp includes on-campus workshops throughout the year, a coaching and mentoring program, access to virtual and in-person workshops and conferences, and generous support for the pursuit of advanced degrees and licensing.
Employee Appreciation

We show our gratitude for our amazing faculty and staff in myriad ways, including school apparel and accessories, free lunch on Fridays, and raffle giveaways as well as Sunshine Committee events such as holiday gatherings, happy hours, an annual chili cook-off, and more!
Community Grants

Carlthorp School supports employees' professional and personal growth through the CS Community Grants program, which provides funding for writing projects, passion projects, humanitarian projects, and travel.

"After working as a public school teacher for many years, transitioning to Carlthorp School was a pleasant experience. From expert colleagues who enjoy collaboration to a supportive administration that allows autonomy in creative lesson planning, Carlthorp School is a very special place to work. It is the place where I found my voice as a teacher, and I’m so thankful to have a career within this uniquely loving community."
—Ron Burwick, 4th Grade Homeroom Teacher

"Carlthorp is a second family to me. After working here for 24 years, it’s safe to say I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. The Carlthorp community is one of warmth, love, and support. As an independent school, it sets itself apart through long-standing traditions and upholds a strong emphasis on values that have not only made me a better teacher but a better person."

—Janeth Zavaleta, 5th Grade Homeroom Teacher

Employment Opportunities

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Music Teacher
Carlthorp School seeks a passionate and engaging music educator who brings together the joy, wonder, and fun of music with technical skill development in a developmentally appropriate way. We seek a teacher who fosters a love of music while building foundational skills in instrumental technique, musical literacy, movement, and creative expression.
About Carlthorp School
Carlthorp School is a co-educational elementary school in Santa Monica, California, serving approximately 280 students in grades K-6. At its core, Carlthorp provides a strong academic foundation within a diverse and nurturing school community that emphasizes respect, responsibility, and excellence.
Position Overview
The Music Teacher will create a dynamic and engaging classroom environment where students experience music as an expressive art form and a structured discipline. This role includes teaching a comprehensive K-6 music curriculum, incorporating singing, movement, instrumental instruction (violin, recorder, xylophone, keyboard, ukulele, and percussion), music literacy, composition, and performance. The ideal candidate will spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and guide students in developing confidence as musicians and performers.
Qualifications
- Degree in Music Education, Elementary Education, or a related field
- 3-5 years of experience teaching general music to students in grades K–6
- Strong foundation in instrumental instruction and music literacy
- Experience directing choral and instrumental performances
- Familiarity with Orff and Kodály methodologies, with an emphasis on active, student-centered learning
- Knowledge of child development and the ability to differentiate instruction
- Excellent classroom management skills
Core Responsibilities
- Cultivate a Joyful Learning Experience: Balance technical music instruction with opportunities for creativity, exploration, and play
- Instrumental & Vocal Instruction: Teach students how to read, interpret, and perform music using various instruments and their voices
- Music Literacy: Develop students’ understanding of rhythm, notation, ear training, and ensemble performance
- Movement & Creativity: Incorporate creative movement, structured improvisation, and dramatization into music lessons
- Collaborate & Perform: Work closely with colleagues to produce grade-level musical performances, direct after-school choral group, and support school-wide events such as the talent show, Flag Line performances, and Grandparents & Special Friends Day
- Reflect & Grow: Engage in ongoing professional development, curriculum planning, and collaborative discussions to continuously refine the music program
Why Join Carlthorp?
This is an exciting opportunity to inspire young musicians and shape a music program that blends technical skill development with joy and creativity. If you believe in the power of music to engage, connect, and uplift students, we would love to hear from you!

Start Date: August 2025

Salary: $80,000-$120,000, commensurate with experience

This position follows a 10-month academic calendar, with occasional evening and weekend commitments for performances and events.

We look forward to welcoming an enthusiastic, dedicated, and imaginative music educator to our team!

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to resume@carlthorp.org.
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Submitting an Application

Alongside a resume, candidates should submit a cover letter that answers the following question:

“What makes you uniquely qualified for a position at Carlthorp School?”

Please keep your response limited to one page and submit your application (PDF) to resume@carlthorp.org.

Carlthorp School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.