TITLE : Montessori Preschool Teacher
CLASSIFICATION : Certified
REPORTS TO : Director of Early Literacy and Early Childhood
SUMMARY :
Under the direction of the Director of Early Literacy and Early Childhood, the Montessori Preschool Teacher will create a safe and engaging learning space for young children and families.
Using Montessori methods, they will help children develop essential skills and prepare them for school.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES :
- Implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children 3, 4, and 5 years old.
- Implement Montessori curriculum principles and methodologies in the classroom, including hands-on, child-centered learning activities that promote independence, selfdirected learning, and exploration.
- Participates daily in team planning of curriculum with the teaching assistant and other staff, encouraging and using appropriate input from parents.
- Implements and follows federal regulations, state, and local licensing requirements, as well as health and safety policies and procedures.
- Establish open and effective communication with parents, including regular updates on children's progress, opportunities for parent involvement in the classroom, and resources for extending Montessori principles into the home environment.
- Use authentic assessment methods to track children's progress and development within the Montessori framework, and maintain accurate documentation of observations, anecdotal records, and assessment data.
- Coordinates activities of support staff and service providers.
- Works cooperatively with support staff in the provision of direct services and the development of goals for children with disabilities.
- Develop and maintain a prepared Montessori environment, including organizing and creating Montessori materials and activities that align with the developmental needs and interests of preschool-aged children.
- Pursue ongoing professional development opportunities related to Montessori education, including attending workshops, conferences, and training sessions to deepen understanding and refine instructional practices.
- Plans, organizes, and attends parent meetings and training as needed or required.
- Develop and maintain a relationship with each family to encourage meaningful participation.
- Works collaboratively with preschool staff and campus personnel.
- Foster a peaceful classroom community by teaching and modeling Montessori principles of conflict resolution, empathy, and respect for self and others.
- Provides incidental first aide as needed.
- Arranges the physical environment and daily curriculum to reflect a developmentally appropriate, anti-bias, multicultural approach.
- Participates in annual program assessments.
- Has knowledge of standard assessment tools.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.
- Engage with the broader community to promote awareness and understanding of Montessori education, including participating in outreach events, hosting parent education workshops, and collaborating with community partners.
- Adhere to Standards of Conduct and district policies and procedures.
- Attend all required and mandated meetings and trainings and seek out professional development opportunities.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION :
Bachelor Degree or Higher
LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES :
- Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate
- Arizona Endorsement Subject Specific
- Appropriately Certified
- Fingerprint clearance
- Negative TB clearance within last 12 months,
- Current immunizations
- First Aide certificates
- Food Handler's card.
SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / ABILITIES :
- Ability to relate to needs of low-income families.
- Willingness to pursue additional training in job-related areas.
- Must have reliable transportation.
- Ability to interpret local, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures related to the job.
- Ability to bend, carry and lift 50 pounds, kneels, push and pull 25 pounds.
- Physical examination required.
- Ability to maintain a safe learning environment.
WORKING CONDITIONS : The work environment is a normal school setting; the noise level ranges from quiet to loud, but is usually moderate.
The playground setting can include exposure to dirt, dust, and extreme seasonal temperatures.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT :
- Nine-month year, Certified Salary Schedule, employee benefits in accordance with Board policies.
- Willing to become Montessori certified during June-July of 2024.
EVALUATION :
- Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board policy on evaluation of classified staff.