CE Montessori Pre-K Teacher, Interim - Community Education
Location: Desert Shadows Elementary School
Interim Position
FTE: 1.0
Start Date: 8-2-2021
Purpose Statement
The Montessori teacher is a guide who helps direct his/her students’ activities academically, emotionally, and physically in a prepared Montessori environment that challenges each child to reach fullest potential in these developmental areas, in accordance with Montessori philosophy and procedures for the age group in which the Montessori certification is held. The Montessori teacher fosters independent growth and assists children to learn at their own pace through self-correcting lessons. For the purposes of this position, the Montessori teacher will demonstrate innovation and experimentation as s/he works in partnership with the Childcare office staff to develop the pre-school Montessori program. In addition, the Montessori teacher must meet the professional requirements as outlined by district policy including but not limited to developing lesson plans; delivering group and individual instruction; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing classroom issues; responding to a wide range of inquiries from students’ parents or guardians regarding instructional programs and student progress; and ensuring the program, facility, and staff conform to Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Child Care Licensure regulations.
Essential Functions
Initially, the candidate will help purchase materials for and set up the classroom, define procedures specific to Montessori instruction, respond to inquiries from interested families, conduct tours of the facilities, and such duties as necessary for start up of the program. The candidate must demonstrate experimentation and innovation as the new program is developed and sustained.
Responsible for preparation of the classroom environment, materials, and equipment; ensure that all materials are in good repair and all sets complete. Develops and makes materials when needed.
Plan and implement the Montessori curriculum. Give appropriate presentations and establish a recordkeeping system to track the students’ progress.
Supervise the classroom assistant, aide, interns, substitutes, and parent volunteers. Provide necessary instruction and training for those assisting in the classroom environment.
Promote good communication among staff members.
Facilitate a respectful environment for children and adults by advocating conflict resolution and *Grace and *Courtesy lessons.
Stay within the classroom budget every year.
Ensure respectful and open lines of communication with parents. Be available to parents through written communication, setting up conferences, and educating parents in Montessori philosophy.
Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
Plan and host Parent Education events twice a year.
Assist in the planning and maintenance of the outdoor environment.
Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, nap times, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
Assess prospective children when they visit the school.
Provide first aid as needed and complete appropriate forms for parents.
Comply with all continuing education requirements.
Attend all faculty meetings and scheduled staff events.
Performs personnel functions (e.g. interviewing , evaluating, supervising, training, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing and ensuring that standards are achieved and performance is maximized.
Respond to inquires from a variety of sources (e.g.other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information, and/or direction.
Other Functions
Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; teaching Arizona state recognized standards within the framework of Montessori theory and practice; preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents; facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations, and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; behavioral management strategies; and Montessori theory and practice.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience adhering to all District policies and procedures; working flexible hours; and applying the theories and principles of Montessori instruction.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work units; utilization of resources from other work units may be required to perform the job’s functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 5% sitting, 85% walking, and 10% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with some exposure to risk or injury and/or illness.
Experience: Prior experience teaching in a Montessori primary classroom is desired.
Education: Bachelors degree in job-related areas and AMI or AMS certification.
Equivalency:
Required Testing: Certificates and Licenses
Bachelors Degree
AMI or AMS Certification
Continuing Education/Training Clearances
CPR Certificate
Criminal Background Clearance
First Aid Certificate
Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Card
(Or the ability to obtain district sponsored training)
FLSA Status - Exempt |