Job Title: Primary Assistant Teacher
Department: Lower School
Reports To: Lower School Director
Employee Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $19.00-$22.00 per hour
Daily Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:45am-5:30pm (with a 45 minute break)
Job Summary
The Primary Assistant Teacher works in the Primary environment with the classroom Lead Teacher and another Assistant Teacher with up to 25 children. The Assistant supports Lead during the work cycle, redirecting children to work and aiding children who need support. The Assistant works with the Lead Teacher to prepare and maintain order and cleanliness of the environment daily. As a Primary Assistant Teacher, one must maintain an open, loving and cooperative environment for all children. The ideal candidate for this position has to have an inherent love for this stage of development and can meet a child’s needs physically, socially and emotionally. Assistant Teachers must possess the ability to support the Lead Teacher in implementing lessons to meet the varying needs of the students. The Assistant Teachers will step in as acting lead for Lead Teachers in cases of illness or absence.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintain the prepared environment by implementing the Montessori primary curriculum according to the specifics provided by the school and Lead Teacher.
- Follow lesson plans created by the lead teacher; engage with the students during the work cycle to meet the needs of each child enrolled in the classroom.
- Give lessons as directed by the Lead Teacher on a one-on-one or group basis and assist children who may have trouble with lesson concepts.
- Communicate professionally with the parents, discussing their child's day-to-day interactions with the materials, peers, and adults.
- Communicate with the children using language and tone of voice that is authentic, natural and most importantly, kind.
- Promote feelings of security and trust in children by encouraging and supporting them when necessary through activities and practical life skills.
- Respond quickly and in a soothing fashion to distressed children and ensure that they are comforted immediately.
- Follow the children and the energy of the classroom to determine the needs of the students.
- Oversee and engage during playground time; ensure that activities are stimulating, age-appropriate, and safe.
- Be available, present, and focused on the children during daily transitions (i.e., work cycle, walks, playground time, lunch, and naps).
- Perform cleaning and maintenance necessary to keep the classroom and common spaces clean, beautiful, and safe.
- Maintain a positive work environment among all staff that is professional, kind, and inclusive.
- Engage in weekly team meetings by sharing observations and asking questions about child development and how to best support each child.
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 and have one of the following:
- A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- A 2 year college degree in child development or early childhood education from an accredited college or university or actively pursuing a degree
- A current certification as a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) or other Department-approved credential
- Qualify as a professional child care assistant through a combination of hours and verifiable experience in a professional child care setting
- Experience working with Primary aged children (2.5-6 years old) in a classroom setting
- Professionalism, including attendance, positivity, and flexibility.
- Strong communication skills and ability to effectively interface with students, parents, faculty, and staff
- High-energy and enthusiastic about working in a fast-paced environment.
- Criminal background check required upon hire.
MAC is committed to caring for and investing in our employees by offering a generous benefit package, including the potential for paid Montessori training, 35 paid holidays annually, 9 Paid Time Off days, 1 Paid Professional Development days, health, dental and vision insurance, a 403b retirement plan with match, employer paid life insurance plan, and voluntary life insurance, critical illness and short term disability plans, and RTD EcoPass.
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.
