Desert Montessori School seeks a Lower Elementary Teacher for a mixed-aged classroom with students ages 6-9. The ideal candidate will have a Montessori certification and classroom experience with this age range as well as the ability to work in collaboration with families, outside providers, and coworkers. We are looking for a kind and compassionate teacher who believes in each student’s potential, sees all behaviors as a student communicating a need, and can work with a wide array of students and neurodivergent learners. DMS is a teacher led school and this position comes with distinct and limited additional non-child facing responsibilities.
Job Description Overview
The Lead Teacher in the Elementary Program guides the Montessori curriculum for the classroom and works with the Facilitating Teacher to ensure that all students are being cared for, are kept safe, and have enriching experiences throughout the day. The Lead Teacher sets the tone for the classroom, leads parent communication, as well as establishes academic and social goals for the students. In the Montessori Classroom, we practice “one up, one down,” meaning that if the Lead Teacher is engaged in a lesson (focus being down), the Facilitating Teacher has eyes up and is tending to general classroom management. Each Teaching Team will find their own culture and way of sharing responsibilities, but it is important to note that the Facilitating and Lead positions have distinct roles, and boundaries should be maintained to ensure fair sharing of duties. All staff working with children must have a clear Background Check and completed required forms on file.
Duties (include but are not limited to)
Classroom, Materials, and Academics
-Establishes Montessori curriculum for the class and works with the Facilitating Teacher to implement.
-Create and implement appropriate learning pathways for each student, based on the Montessori scope and sequence, high academic expectations and individualized student need.
-Conduct formative and summative assessments of student learning to differentiate instruction.
-Rotate out materials regularly and thoughtfully.
-Work in tandem with Facilitating Teacher. Ensure clear communication and delegation of responsibilities as necessary.
-Arrive promptly daily to prepare for class.
-Plan and prepare materials during prep time.
-Prepare and present daily circle time lessons that correlate with the curriculum.
-Up to 9 students without an assistant.
-Create and maintain a consistent, reliable classroom workflow and a posted schedule.
-Perform tasks necessary to maintain a clean, orderly and attractive Montessori environment including upkeep and inventory of materials.
-Refill supplies as needed, i.e. paper supplies, cleaning supplies, art supplies, etc.
-Share in caring for the environment:
-Wipe surfaces
-Sweep and mop floor - when needed
-Vacuum rug - when needed
-Take out the trash - when needed
-Clean, dust and straighten shelves daily
-Maintain an inventory of the classroom and send orders to Facilitating Administrator.
-Collaborate with other classes to ensure Primary students are ready to move into Elementary and that Lower Elementary students are prepared for Upper Elementary.
-Coordinate curriculum implementation with the specialty teacher(s).
-If teacher produces materials for use in class without school funds, they are the possession of the teacher.
-Stays within the classroom budget.
Students
-Responsible for emotional wellbeing and education of all students while at school.
-Responsible for the safety, wellbeing, educational advancement, and personal development of students.
-Complete records, reports, evaluations, inventories and student records.
-Model quiet voice, calm manner and consistent redirection.
-Assist children in organizing materials, completing a task and returning materials properly.
-Escort all children under 6 to the restroom and guide and assist students with general hygiene needs.
-Train and supervise children in the execution of Fire Drills and Emergency Preparedness Drills.
-Discuss with the Facilitating Teacher any students with special difficulties or needs, taking care to never offer a diagnosis.
-Work with students of various abilities including those with learning differences.
-Familiarize yourself with the Allergy list to know which students have allergies.
-Complete and maintain student records in a timely manner.
-Demonstrate respect for the students.
-Foster a safe, welcoming and culturally responsive learning environment for all students.
-Inform the Leadership of any students with special difficulties or needs and prepare for a conference with parents.
-Contribute to additional screenings as needed.
-Study and research depending on individual student needs.
-Preparing appropriate material and lessons based on student needs.
-Make sure students are reaching academic benchmarks.
-Supervision during recess periods.
Parents
-Establish norms for parent-communication with Facilitating Teacher. Some communication may be best coming from the Lead, whereas general check-ins may be suitable for either position.
-Inform the Leadership Team of any concerns of the parents.
-Establish a positive relationship with parents.
-Engage with Transparent Classroom.
-Organize two Parent-Teacher conferences yearly to discuss progress and specific needs.
-Help with and submit newsletter articles monthly.
-Liaison for support and materials for Parents.
-Ensure students have enough personal material, communicating with parents if missing/need more.
-Communication with prospective and new families as needed to communicate about the program and the student’s needs.
Work Environment and Requirements
-Attend all staff meetings and in-service days.
-Maintain CPR certification every two years.
-Sign the Current Abuse Statement yearly.
-Report all accidents/incidents at once. File an “Accident/Incident” Report Form as appropriate.
-Read, work and conduct oneself within the guidelines of the Employee handbook.
-Attend and participate in school functions that relate to position or teaching level and attend parent functions in support of the school community.
-Conduct oneself professionally by: respecting student confidentiality, cooperating with staff members, working out differences in a mature and reasonable manner and communicating unresolved concerns in accordance with the HR Protocols
-Fill out and discuss self-evaluation and develop yearly professional goals.
-As necessary, work with the whole staff to solve problems that relate to school, families or staff.
-Support DMS mission and policies.
-Self awareness with respect to opportunities for growth and reflection.
-Sign in and out daily.
-Demonstrate commitment to participating in a teacher-led school, which means enthusiastically choosing to collaborate with each other, to value everyone’s voice, and to commit to the process of improving the school.
-Works to create a safe work environment for all co-workers.
-Makes an effort to curb gossip and work towards solving problems.
-Makes an effort to assume the best intent of all coworkers.
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three references.
Desert Montessori School does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and national or ethnic origin in its hiring practices.