Kindergarten/Lower Elementary Teacher

American Montessori Society Inc; Natick (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative educational institution in Natick is seeking a passionate Kindergarten/Lower Elementary teacher. In this role, you will create a nurturing Montessori environment for young learners, guiding them through their academic and social development. You will be responsible for fostering a diverse and inclusive classroom, preparing engaging lessons, and building strong relationships with students and parents alike. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the educational journey of children while working collaboratively with a dedicated team. If you are committed to Montessori principles and eager to inspire young minds, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 2 years Montessori classroom experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree required, Montessori certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design a Montessori environment and prepare students for academic success.
• Build relationships with parents and collaborate with faculty.
• Attend meetings and events, maintaining student progress reports.

Skills

Effective communication

Classroom material manipulation

Montessori philosophy and methods

Cultural diversity commitment

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Montessori certification (preferred)

Tools

Renweb

Job description

Riverbend School is an innovative Toddler-8th Grade Montessori community located in Natick, MA. Riverbend prides itself on its diverse and gender-inclusive staff and student population, and welcomes candidates from a variety of races, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations.

The Kindergarten/Lower Elementary teacher will start in the first year by teaching a group of 12-16 students who are all either Kindergarten or 1st grade (5 and 6 years old). The following year, this classroom would become a 1st and 2nd grade classroom. In the third year, it would be a full Montessori classroom with all three grades together in one room.

Reports to: Director of Elementary and Middle School

Classification: Exempt

Supervises: None

Scope of work: Classroom teacher for Grades K and 1 (growing into a Lower Elementary, grades 1-3)

Experience Requirements:

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to manipulate classroom materials
• 2 years Montessori classroom experience preferred
• Must be comfortable working in a culturally diverse environment and committed to embracing differences and valuing multiple perspectives

Education/Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Clear CORI and MA fingerprinting

Preferred Certification:

• Elementary 1 (Grades 1-3/ages 6-9) Montessori certification
• Willingness to obtain Montessori certification for Elementary I, with experience in Primary

General Responsibilities:

Design and prepare an inviting and challenging Montessori environment using a full complement of Montessori materials as well as supplemental materials. Prepare for the academic, organizational, and social achievement of children as well as for their safety and well being.

Specific Responsibilities:

Educational Program & Student Services:

• Demonstrate competency with Montessori philosophy and methods
• Prepare an environment in which furnishings and materials are complete and correspond to the needs of the class
• Set clear expectations for academic responsibilities and class routines
• Help each child to develop a daily work plan
• Give lessons to students in groups and to individual students
• Prepare students for school events such as the Academic and Science Fairs, International Festival, assemblies, etc.
• Give input on curriculum planning and implementation
• Lead and supervise students on field trips
• Recognize when students are not progressing as expected and communicate this to administration for collaboration and follow-up
• Follow recommendations for students with an IEP, 504 or neuropsych evaluation and insure that they have the supports in place to be successful
• Support students with individual behavioral plans
• Train and supervise children regarding emergency practices such as fire drills

Constituent Relations:

• Build productive relationships with parents through parent education events, Parent/Teacher conferences (twice a year), additional parent meetings if concerns arise, and parent volunteer opportunities in the classroom.
• Build collaborative relationships with other faculty and administrative staff
• Build positive relations with community organizations to support specific classroom curriculum and service learning

Administration:

• Prepare written progress reports for each child (twice yearly) regarding academic, organizational, developmental and social growth. Submit progress reports to administration
• Maintain daily attendance in Renweb
• Work collaboratively with administration to address concerns regarding students, parents and staff
• Report all accidents/ incidents to administration and complete accident forms as needed
• Attend weekly level and faculty meetings
• Attend all mandatory events
• Perform duties related to arrival/dismissal of school
• Perform lunch duties

School Culture

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to professional ethics
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Montessori Education by modeling the Montessori values of grace and courtesy, respect and responsibility in visible daily actions
• Demonstrate commitment to competent communications and conflict resolution efforts across the school community
• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of each student and colleague
• Consistently give input on teacher leadership
• Assist in planning school events

Professional Development

• Attend in-service training as provided by Riverbend School
• Attend one goal related conference per year to further professional development

Other

• Take on duties as assigned

It is expected that all staff will function as self-directed members in a team effort. All performances should meet appropriate professional standards and adhere to the philosophy and mission of Riverbend School.