Lower Elementary Associate Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Teacher assists the Head Teacher in preparing and maintaining the classroom environment and supports students' learning and well-being throughout the school day. This position is directly accountable to the Head Teacher and works closely with them to ensure a safe, organized, and nurturing Montessori environment. Time during school hours is spent working with students.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Head Teacher in the preparation, maintenance, and repair of the prepared environment and educational materials.

• Follow a checklist of routine duties for the class, such as dusting and cleaning, refilling supplies, and keeping storage organized, as planned with the Head Teacher.

• Share responsibility for the safety and well-being of students at all times.

• Use respectful, affirming language with students at all times, whether in conversation, teaching, or redirecting them.

• Refer parent inquiries to the Head Teacher and support the relationship between the parent and Head Teacher.

• Supervise the running of the classroom as directed and take charge of the classroom when the Head Teacher is not present.

• Work with individual students or small groups during the school day as directed.

• Fulfill lunch and recess duty as assigned.

• Attend staff meetings and other events as required.

• Plan annual professional development goals with the Head Teacher.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• 8:00 am arrival, 3:45 pm dismissal, except for full staff meetings on Tuesdays (5:00 pm) or Flex Days (1:00 pm).

• Uses sick days judiciously; takes no more than 2 personal days, only if essential, and by advance request.

• Is a positive team player and contributes ideas, expertise, and time to the overall mission of the school. Respects and reinforces productive channels of communication, avoiding sharing gossip, rumor, or complaints with parents in the school.

• Works well with all colleagues and actively seeks to resolve conflicts or problems when they arise.

• Listens thoughtfully to other viewpoints and responds constructively to suggestions and criticism.

• Demonstrates professional demeanor and maintains appropriate boundaries with colleagues, students, and parents.

• Is ethical and forthright, uses good judgment, and maintains confidentiality with student information.

• Demonstrates calm, flexibility, focus, an even temper, and social appropriateness in ways that help others.

• Maintains and demonstrates a strong sense of ethics.

• Completes online or in-person Montessori Associate training as directed by the Director of Education.

Other duties as assigned by the Head Teacher, Director of Education and Head of School.

QUALIFICATIONS

Skills & Competencies

• Experience working with children in an educational or childcare setting preferred.

• Genuine enthusiasm for working with children and a patient, nurturing approach.

• Ability to follow direction and work collaboratively as part of a classroom team.

• Reliable and punctual, with strong attention to the needs of the classroom and students.

• Willingness to pursue Montessori Associate training and grow professionally over time.

• Commitment to the school’s mission and the well-being of every student.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a full-time, in-person position. The Associate Teacher is expected to be on campus during regular school hours and to participate in all required staff meetings and school events. Occasional evening availability may be required.