Elementary Classroom Guide (Lead Teacher)

About Compass: Compass Montessori is one of only a handful of public Montessori schools in the nation that offers a program from preschool through high school.  This unique and revolutionary school is on the forefront of education and is recognized as a model for how to successfully implement a Montessori program from the Children's House all the way through to adulthood. Although Compass is a school that is recognized for its innovation, the teachers and staff live the school's mission to provide an "authentic Montessori education" and so anchors its program on the writings and vision of Maria Montessori. For this reason, our school is sought after both by parents and by staff for the opportunity to be a part of a community that anchors its work in Montessori-directed best practices.

Position Purpose: Under the general supervision of the School Principal, Elementary Guides facilitate student success and growth in a Montessori public school setting. This includes: documenting teaching, observation, and student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students; creating a flexible, safe and optimal learning environment; providing feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, goals, etc. The school is structured so that the position would either be for a Lower Elementary classroom (grades 1-3) or for an Upper Elementary classroom (grades 4-6).

Essential Functions

• Develop and administer an authentic Montessori elementary curriculum consistent with accredited Montessori training

• Promote a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning

• Develop Montessori materials and give Montessori lessons that speak to the interests of individual students

• Conduct ongoing assessment of student learning, and modify instructional methods to fit individual student needs, including students with special needs. Conducts individual and small group instruction as needed

• Instruct students in the principles of grace and courtesy

• Continue to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in Montessori education by participating in professional development and attending seminars

• Organize and maintain a system for accurate and complete record-keeping/reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws

• Encourage parent involvement in a students' education and provide effective communication with students and parents

• Coordinate with other Montessori elementary staff members to evaluate and assess curriculum. Participate in faculty meetings and committees

• Participate in reflective Montessori practice in conjunction with a Montessori Instructional Coach  

• Supervise students in activities that take place out of the classroom during the school day, including activities involving school transportation

• Administer standardized tests in accordance with District testing programs

  
  Additional Duties

  Perform other related tasks as assigned by the campus-based Principal or school Executive Director

   

  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to organize and coordinate work to ensure all students are being served in a high-quality environment every day

• Training as a Montessori elementary teacher and knowledge of Montessori methods and educational pedagogy

• Familiarity with use of educational information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students

• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents

• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

  
  Qualifications

• Montessori trained at the Elementary level of opening

• State Certification as an Elementary Teacher or willing to seek certification

  
  Education Requirements

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in Elementary Education or related discipline applicable to teaching assignment.

• Masters Degree in related area preferred.

  
  Travel Requirements

  Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.  Participation in school-led trips, to include overnight trips for 3rd grade students through 6th grade.

  
  Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

  Works in standard office and school building environments.               

  
  Experience

  Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade levels a plus.

  
  FLSA Status:       Exempt