Assistant Teacher

American Montessori Society Inc; Newburyport (MA); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

RVCS is seeking an Assistant Teacher to support a authentic Montessori classroom under the direction of the Lead Teacher. You will help maintain the prepared environment, supervise students, and provide tailored academic and language support to promote independence and growth.

You will assist with materials preparation, instructional follow-up, and collaboration with multiple instructional staff while upholding school policies and fostering Montessori practices.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, preferably in Montessori settings.
• Montessori training or coursework preferred (or willingness to pursue).
• High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to learn effective instructional strategies that support multilingual learners and students with diverse learning needs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain a Montessori prepared environment that is orderly and accessible to students.
• Supervise students during transitions, lunch, recess, arrival, and dismissal.
• Observe and provide targeted academic, behavioral, and language support under Lead Teacher guidance.
• Assist in preparing materials and activities that support student learning.
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and other staff to support student success.
• Ensure health and safety in classroom and school environments.

Skills

Experience working with children

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred

Montessori training or coursework preferred

CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

Job description

Position Title: Assistant Teacher

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Purpose: The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in creating and maintaining an authentic Montessori learning environment that promotes student independence, engagement, and growth. The Assistant plays a critical role in sustaining the prepared environment, supporting students during the work cycle, and ensuring smooth classroom operations aligned to Montessori principles.

Core Responsibilities:

Prepared Environment and Montessori Fidelity

• Support the maintenance of a prepared environment that is orderly, clean, complete, and accessible to students
• Ensure materials are organized, complete, and ready for student use at all times
• Reinforce classroom norms that support independence, concentration, and respect
• Protect the integrity of the uninterrupted work cycle by minimizing unnecessary interruptions
• Support students in using Montessori materials appropriately and independently

Student Support and Supervision

• Observe students and provide targeted academic, behavioral, and language support during independent and small-group work under the direction of the Lead Teacher.
• Encourage student independence by guiding rather than directing or over-helping
• Support students with behavior, redirection, and problem-solving in alignment with Montessori principles
• Supervise students during transitions, lunch, recess, arrival, and dismissal
• Share observations about student needs and progress with the Lead Teacher

Instructional Support

• Support lesson follow-up and reinforcement as directed by the Lead Teacher
• Work with individuals or small groups to reinforce previously taught concepts
• Assist in preparing materials and activities that support student learning
• Implement accommodations and supports for students as directed (IEPs, 504s, interventions)

Classroom Operations and Organization

• Maintain classroom organization, including materials, student work, and shared spaces
• Support smooth daily routines and transitions
• Assist with classroom setup, cleanup, and preparation
• Ensure student safety, including awareness of health and allergy needs
• Support record-keeping or classroom systems as directed by the Lead Teacher

Collaboration and Professional Practice

• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and other instructional support staff, including special education and English Learner staff, to support student success.
• Participate in meetings, coaching, and professional development as required
• Communicate professionally with colleagues, students, and families (as appropriate)
• Seek feedback and demonstrate willingness to grow in Montessori practice
• Uphold all school policies and procedures

Essential Functions

The essential functions of the Assistant Teacher position include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting implementation of an authentic Montessori classroom under the direction of the Lead Teacher
• Maintaining the prepared environment and classroom materials
• Supervising students in classrooms and throughout the school environment
• Supporting students' academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and developmental needs
• Reinforcing lessons and instructional activities with individuals and small groups
• Implementing accommodations and supports as directed, including instructional supports for English Learners and students with disabilities
• Building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Performing duties requiring frequent movement throughout classrooms and school facilities
• Regular and reliable attendance

Performance Expectations: Performance will be evaluated based on:

Environment and Classroom Support

• Prepared environment is consistently maintained
• Materials are complete, organized, and accessible

Student Support

• Students are supported while maintaining independence
• Effective supervision and behavior support

Collaboration and Professionalism

• Strong partnership with Lead Teacher
• Responsiveness to feedback and coaching

Qualifications:

• Experience working with children (required)
• Montessori training or coursework preferred (or willingness to pursue)
• High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Demonstrated ability or willingness to learn effective instructional strategies that support multilingual learners and students with diverse learning needs.

Key Competencies:

• Strong observation skills
• Patience and calm demeanor
• Ability to support independence rather than direct learning
• Attention to detail (especially environment and materials)
• Flexibility and teamwork

Equal Employment Opportunity: RVCS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military service or veteran status, citizenship status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer and compensation. RVCS prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind.

At-Will Employment: Employment with RVCS is at-will. This means that either the employee or RVCS may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Nothing in this job description or any other document shall be construed to create a contract of employment or alter the at-will nature of employment.

ADA Accommodation Statement: RVCS is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position. RVCS will engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations. Applicants or employees who require an accommodation should notify Human Resources.

Job Duties Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position. RVCS reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with business needs.