Lower Elementary Guide

Breakthrough Montessori PCS•Washington, DC

1d•$59,995 - $100,222

About The Position

Under the direction of the Principal and the Assistant Principal, the Lower Elementary Guide plans and provides appropriate learning experiences for students. They prepare a structured, student-centered high-fidelity Montessori learning environment conducive to all children's intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development. As a public school, our diverse population of students must have equitable access to instruction, social-emotional support, and opportunities for self-development. The guide plays the central role in creating a prepared environment in which this is possible.

Requirements

Have a firm commitment to Montessori pedagogy and implementation, and upholding the school’s mission and anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy.
Commitment to upholding the confidentiality of students and parents
Proven ability to work as a member of a diverse team of educators
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build meaningful relationships.
Excellent verbal and written skills.
Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
Time management skills (such as punctuality, timeliness, the time management skills to complete lesson plans, reports, record-keeping, assessments, emails, newsletters, and data collection in a timely manner).
Fulfill duties in accordance with the Elementary Guide appraisal
Openness to feedback, desire to continue development as a professional, and willingness to take responsibility for student outcomes and the classroom team.
Experience working with diverse populations of students, parents, and families.
Bachelor’s degree required
AMI or AMS Montessori Elementary diploma required

Nice To Haves

Experience in gardening/environmental education with youth
Experience collaborating and working as a teacher
Montessori experience preferred

Responsibilities

Plan, implement and coordinate the Montessori classroom
Maintain a prepared learning environment according to the developmental and curricular specifications outlined in the Montessori Scope & Sequence
Follow required procedures and practices and monitor appropriate use and care of equipment, materials and facilities
Attend weekly Elementary Assistant Principal meetings, level meetings, and PD sessions
Train classroom team to help maintain consistent standards, freedoms, and limits for children through use of the Montessori method
Set limits and boundaries and maintain appropriately high standards for child behavior in the Montessori context
self-discipline
independence
responsibility
grace and courtesy
respect for others
care of environment
care of self
community building
Observe student activity and base weekly lesson planning on observed needs and interests
Work within the Montessori pedagogical scheme to develop and modify weekly instructional plans to meet the needs of all students
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all students using Transparent Classroom
Monitor and evaluate student development and outcomes
Prepare and present progress reports on all students
In collaboration with Principal and Elementary Assistant Principal, prepare, administer and reflect on formative and summative assessments including iReady and DC CAPE
Use data from assessments to help inform lesson planning and schoolwide in-class interventions (such as Orton Gillingham)
Communicate effectively with students to ensure instruction and holistic development
Communicate effectively with colleagues and the school leadership team
Communicate effectively with parents/families to help them understand the details and implementation of the Montessori approach (including newsletters, phone calls, etc. as directed by Elementary Assistant Principal)
Lead classroom team in working together to implement high-fidelity Montessori programming, through: conducting weekly classroom team meetings, collaborating with classroom team to draft a plan to manage varied student needs including behavior challenges, and creating weekly and daily cleaning/restocking schedule with classroom team to maintain the prepared environment.
Provide a spirit of hospitality at school gatherings, occasional public events, and ongoing family engagement events
Supervise Montessori assistant
Attend and participate in school events outside of regular school hours, including but not limited to conferences, Lesson Share Day, etc.
Must participate and contribute to IEP, eligibility meetings, Child Study Tier 1-3, and 504 plans
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Paid personal time off
Paid family leave (in addition to DC paid family leave)
Paid bereavement leave
Paid leave for the observation of a religious holiday
A weekly early release schedule with professional development and collaborative planning time from 1:30-4:30 pm every Monday
An individual professional development budget of $250/year to pursue additional PD opportunities
Conference participation
A Continuing Education grant application program that provides grantees up to $20,000 to complete Montessori teacher training, an advanced degree or other license.
Health, dental, vision
Retirement (Vanguard Retirement)
AFLAC
Educator wellness groups, facilitated by a clinical psychologist.