About the Role
As Lead Teacher, you will lead a classroom of up to 20 children ages three through five. As lead teacher, you will plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities facilitating active Montessori learning experiences. You will create learning opportunities that support every child's cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development. In addition, you will build relationships and communicate regularly with families to support each child's development. In this role, you will support one -two assistant teachers and report directly to the Head of School.
You share our passion for the Montessori method. You have honed your skills as an early childhood practitioner with expertise in child development, strong communication skills, and experience working with students and families from diverse backgrounds. Above all, you demonstrate a passion for serving the whole child through utilizing the Montessori curriculum, play, abundant activities, learning outside, and integrating the arts in the classroom.
As the lead teacher, you will create and maintain a beautiful, cozy space for children to learn and grow.
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Two or more years of experience as a lead teacher or guide, teaching children from infancy through third grade with strong outcomes
• Primary diploma from an AMI, AMS, or other MACTE-accredited institute
• Ability to meet all credentialing criteria for lead early childhood teachers in Massachusetts.
• Ability to meet all additional training and eligibility requirements of Massachusetts, including clearing background checks, with required documentation eligibility and training completion submitted through each state's respective childcare regulatory agency before the start of employment
• Experience monitoring and maintaining accurate records on the progress of individual students
• Ability to supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely
• Demonstrated personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and experience working across lines of difference
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience teaching or guiding students in a child-led learning environment (i.e., Montessori, Reggio, etc.)
• Experience working with children and families
• Experience working with children with special needs
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
• This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, salaried position.
• The full salary range for this position is $62,000 for 12 months and $50,400. For ten months per year.
• Hours are 7:30-3:30 daily and 1 hour daily for on- or off-site prep time
• This role includes paid days off for federal and Massachusetts State holidays and vacation weeks that follow the New Public Schools( Thanksgiving, Winter break, February vacation week, April vacation week)
• scheduled breaks, seven paid days of floating holidays, seven paid days of sick (care) time, and additional time off if applicable law requires.
• Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match, flexible spending account for dependent care, and more.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences
• Use the Montessori curriculum and current research-based instructional practices to develop integrated units of instruction that meet both the group and individual needs of students
• Prepare and maintain a clean, orderly, and attractive Montessori environment with the instructional resources needed to meet the development needs of every child in the classroom
• Create an environment that demonstrates rapport with respect, and kindness for all students as well as between students
• Use approved assessment tools/strategies such as observations, children's work samples, continuums of development, portfolios, etc., to help make instructional decisions for individual students
• Monitor and maintain accurate records on the progress of individual students; use school-approved screening and evaluation tools
• Use relevant, approved technology to support instruction
• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues, and families regarding student progress and student needs
• Establish a positive relationship with families and students, providing regular communication with families about their children
• Maintain teaching skills and participate in professional development activities
• Engage in ongoing self-assessment and refinement of practice as well as in collaborative professional growth
• Participate in collegial activities and meetings designed to make the entire school a productive professional learning community
• Support the learning and development of assistant teachers
• Lift to 20 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally to care for young children safely
• Assume postures at low levels (e.g., kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children
Attended school evening events, including a fall and spring parent evening.
Create a presentation for the fall and spring parent meetings ( in your classroom)
Attend school events with prior notice.
DESIRED, DEMONSTRABLE QUALITIES:
• A positive, child-centered mentality
• Ownership philosophy
• Ability to invent new ways to address the needs of children while simplifying at every turn
• Strong judgment and instincts
• Lifelong desire to learn
• Ability to think big and see things that are not apparent
• A bias to get things done
• Focus on investing time and resources in things that help children
• Ability to operate at all levels
• Fearless pursuit of doing what is suitable for children
• Character, competence, personal integrity, and actions that build trust
• High level of passion and energy applied to delivering results
• Ability to execute and take action to accomplish goals along an unchartered path
• Willingness to change and adapt when presented with new information or data
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness
Represent the school professionally.
FOCUS & DELIVERABLES
• Plan, prepare, and execute a prepare Montessori environment and instructional activities for students
• Implement and execute curriculum, assessment, and improvement tools
• Support with initial and ongoing communication with families as approved by school leadership
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment for all students and families, including the setup of all necessary school and classroom materials
About the Company
Kindernest Montessori Early Childhood Center is committed to the well-being of not only to the children and their parents but to the teachers and administrative staff as well. With the goal of creating a positive environment for teachers conducive to job success and work-life balance, Firouzeh Shiranian began her journey of creating a new school with that mission in mind.