YOLA Teaching Artist

Camino Nuevo Charter Academy (CNCA) is a network of charter schools serving students across the TK-Post Secondary continuum in the Greater MacArthur Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.  Pueblo Nuevo Education Development Group (PNEDG) is CNCA’s resource development and capacity building arm. PNEDG invests in young people to foster personal transformation and generational social change.  PNEDG staff support and build capacity for CNCA schools in achieving their vision.  The organizations are grounded in the beliefs that public education is a civil right and all students deserve an excellent education that will prepare them for success in life. At CNCA/PNEDG, we recognize that lower income and immigrant communities often face institutional and cultural barriers that create impediments to students’ success, and that an excellent education must eliminate these barriers. We integrate a strong focus on progressive, research-based academics with a holistic, place-based approach to serving our students. Currently, CNCA has six campuses that serve approximately 3,500 students from TK through 12th grade. Our goal is for CNCA graduates to be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and worldview necessary to be literate, critical thinkers and independent problem solvers.

Organizational Leadership Capacities

We believe that every individual who works at the Camino Nuevo Charter Academy Home Support Office must embody key mindsets and possess foundational skills to contribute to the organizational leadership of the organization.

Mindsets

• Commitment to and belief in CNCA’s mission and vision
• Belief in and embodiment the CNCA Anchors in all aspects of the work 
• Commitment to the vision of a progressive, socially-just education and is able to inspire others towards that vision
• Solution orientation and belief in supporting others to be the same
• Commitment to an asset-based, capacity-building approach
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Skills

• Ability to support an inclusive, positive and high performing culture
• Ability to take ownership in the day-to-day and overall success of the organization
• Ability to think critically, use sound judgment and problem solve
• Ability to work independently and proactively and to seek support and guidance when appropriate
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with an ability to prioritize competing projects in a fast-paced, fluid environment
• Effective collaboration with individuals at all levels of the organization
• Respect, humility and discretion to work effectively with all stakeholders, including colleagues, families and members of the community
• Strong self-awareness and ability to reflect

CNCA Anchors

• EXCELLENCE: We take responsibility for our students and staff achieving consistently outstanding results.
• EQUITY: We recognize and value the individuality and experiences of all students and respond to their unique academic, emotional, psychological, and social needs.
• COMMUNITY: We are rooted in our community's richness and in the cultural and environmental context where our students and families live.
• INNOVATION: We continuously learn, are curious, and implement new ideas, perspectives, and evidence-based methods in our work. 
• JOY: We build and maintain positive relationships that foster happiness and fulfillment among students, staff and families.
• BELONGING: We cultivate a culture in which all Camino students, staff, parents, and stakeholders feel welcomed, heard, included, respected, and appreciated.

The Opportunity

Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA) is the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s initiative to establish youth orchestras in underserved communities throughout Los Angeles, with YOLA at Camino Nuevo marking YOLA’s fourth youth orchestra endeavor.  Through YOLA, the LA Phil and its community partners provide free instruments, intensive music training, and academic support to students from underserved neighborhoods, empowering them to become vital citizens, leaders, and agents of change. As a member of the Camino Nuevo Charter Academy team, reporting directly to Director of YOLA, the YOLA Teaching Artist is a core member of YOLA’s faculty, delivering exceptional, culturally responsive music instruction that aligns with YOLA’s mission for transformative and equitable music education. This role focuses on teaching private lessons, sectionals, and large ensemble rehearsals while contributing to a vibrant, inclusive musical community.

The YOLA Teaching Artist combines high-level artistic excellence with strong pedagogical skills, teaching multiple skill levels through a culturally responsive lens. Instruction is provided primarily after school (2:30–6:30pm) during the academic year, with some weekend commitments.

YOLA’s educational outcomes are guided by three core pillars:

1. Artistic Formation

2. Community & Life Skills

3. Opportunity & Access

Responsibilities

• Instruct students in group classes, sectionals, ensemble coaching, and private lessons with emphasis on tone development, technique, and musical expression specific to your instrument.
• Deliver sequential, culturally responsive instruction in alignment with YOLA’s curriculum, benchmarks, and values.
• Coach students toward measurable growth through juries, ensemble preparation, and technical fluency.
• Assist in full orchestra rehearsals by playing, modeling, and coaching within the section specific to the instrument while maintaining appropriate professional conduct.
• Collaborate regularly with YOLA faculty, conductors, and curriculum leads on lesson planning, repertoire, and rehearsal strategy.
• Create inclusive and respectful classroom environments that foster trust, leadership, and artistic identity.
• Promote student agency, community connection, and life skills through value-based teaching and mentorship.
• Maintain proactive communication with families, site staff, academic tutors, and LA Phil leadership to support holistic student development.
• Prepare students for external opportunities such as auditions, honor ensembles, scholarship programs, and summer music festivals.
• Identify and address barriers to learning, including equitable access to resources and instruments.
• Actively participate in professional development, peer feedback sessions, and pedagogical training
• Uphold professional behavior and the YOLA Code of Conduct in all settings, including rehearsals and large group environments.
• Support YOLA-wide programs and performances, including cultural celebrations and special events.

Evaluation & Professional Growth

• Set and track individualized goals in alignment with evaluations and professional growth plans.
• Participate in coaching, peer-to-peer feedback, cross-site learning communities, and professional development.
• Receive interventions and clear benchmarks if outcomes fall below expectations.
• Engage in structured review cycles, incorporating student and family feedback, classroom observations, and reflective practice.

Current Vacancies 

• Double Bass
• Percussion
• Choir/Voice
• Music Theory
• Instrumental Teaching Artist

Location:   Kayne Siart, Sandra Cisneros

Supervisor: Director of YOLA

Position:   Part Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly

Work Periods: 183 Student Service Days

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Camino Nuevo Charter Academy (CNCA) prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying in educational programs, activities, or employment on the basis of actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, parental, pregnancy, family or marital status, military status or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Camino Nuevo Charter Academy requires that school personnel take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so when he or she witnesses an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Questions or complaints of alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying, equity or Title IX equity and compliance concerns should be directed to Margarita Domingo, Vice President of Human Resources. She can be reached at (213) 417-3410 or by mail at 3435 W Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in music performance, music education, or equivalent professional experience 
• Deep understanding of music/instrument pedagogy
• Minimum 2 years of experience teaching percussion in private or group settings
• Experience working with students from diverse racial, cultural, economic, and linguistic backgrounds.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and student-centered teaching
• Strong classroom and behavior management skills with adaptability to various learning needs
• Excellent collaboration, time management, communication, and organizational skills
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred