Primary Lead Teacher

Job Title: Primary Lead Teacher
Department: Primary
Program Supervisor’s Title: Primary Program Director
Employee Classification: Exempt
Daily Schedule: Monday-Friday; 7:30-4:30 (1 hour break)
Salary: $37,000 - $41,000

As a Primary teacher, one has to be patient and compassionate. It is up to the teacher to provide an environment that meets the primary needs physically, socially and emotionally. Maintaining an open, loving and cooperative environment for primary and encouraging families to be actively involved in their education, are all part of the job of a primary teacher. The teacher has to have an inherent love for this stage of development, and the ability to assist the students with a wide range of developmental needs. The teacher must possess the ability to create and implement specific lessons to meet the varying needs of the student and be a strong model for assistants and others who work in the class and community. Candidates who are primary Montessori certified (AMI or AMS), have a Bachelor’s degree, and experience working in Early Childhood Education are most often considered for this position.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Create, design, and develop the prepared environment implementing Montessori primary curriculum according to the specifics provided by the school.
• Develop and implement lesson plans to meet the needs of each child enrolled in the classroom.
• Give lessons on a one-on-one or group basis and assist primary students who may have trouble grasping concepts.
• Conduct observations and assessments on primary to determine academic needs and provide a rich and challenging environment.
• Utilize provided planning time to meet with parents, create lesson plans, change materials, observe after school in order to support class children, meet with other primary leads to discuss best practices, update transparent classroom.
• Ensure that children are equipped to successfully transition to first grade by the time they leave IK (Integrated Kindergarten).
• Partner and communicate effectively with the parents, discussing the progress of their children via day-to-day interactions, class email updates, Transparent Classroom, and conferences.
• Assume significant responsibility to maintaining a child until the conclusion of the IK year.
• Communicate with the children using language and tone of voice that is authentic, natural, patient and, most importantly, kind.
• Promote feelings of security and trust in primary by encouraging and supporting them when necessary through activities and practical life skills.
• Respond quickly and in a soothing fashion to the distressed primary student and ensure that they are comforted immediately.
• Follow the children and the energy of the classroom rather than conforming to a strict schedule as designed by the adult.
• Oversee and engage primary during recess time; ensure that activities are stimulating, age-appropriate, and safe.
• Maintain a positive work environment among all staff that is professional, kind, and inclusive.
• Guide assistant teachers in understanding the nuances of primary development, the prepared environment, and how to partner with colleagues and parents.
• Host team meetings every week that follow an agenda of school/class updates, child-specific information, discussion of materials and/or rotating materials, and additional training or resources for class assistants.
• Act as a resource for the Primary Community.
• Embrace continuous learning by utilizing professional development days and monies to enrich practice.
• Embody the MAC Characteristics of Excellence daily.

Qualifications:

• AMS or AMI Primary Certified Required
• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience working with Primary Aged children (2.5-6 years old)
• Spanish language proficiency encouraged
• Ability to effectively interface with the students, families, faculty, and staff
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Willingness to submit to a background check
• Ability to commit to the position for a minimum of three years

ONLINE APPLICATION

The Montessori Academy of Colorado (MAC) is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment, free of discrimination or harassment, for its community. MAC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, immigration/citizen status, age, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, disability, socio-economic status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit fact. Any person with a concern or allegation of discrimination or harassment shall report it to MAC’s Compliance Coordinator. More information is available on our website.