Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher

Riverbend School; Natick (MA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverbend School in Natick, MA is seeking a Montessori classroom assistant to support the Lead Teacher in grades 1–3 (ages 6–9). You will help design and maintain an inviting Montessori environment and work with other faculty to support cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development.

The role requires significant experience with children, a solid understanding of Montessori methods, and a commitment to diversity.

Qualifications

• Significant experience working with children in educational settings.
• Understanding and valuing Montessori principles and methods.
• Comfortable in a diverse environment and committed to multiple perspectives.
• Flexible, collaborative team player in a school setting.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Lead Teacher to establish class routines and community goals.
• Deliver lessons to groups and individuals, supporting Montessori instruction.
• Demonstrate Montessori philosophy in daily practice and materials usage.
• Assist in developing daily/weekly work plans for students.
• Support student agency and independence during work cycles.
• Help manage student transitions and behavior within lessons.
• Supervise students during field trips and emergency drills as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of classroom spaces and materials.
• Support with arrivals, dismissals, and daily school operations.
• Participate in parent communications and conferences as appropriate.

Skills

Montessori experience

Diversity & inclusion

Team collaboration

Child development

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Clear CORI/ MA fingerprinting

Job description

Reports to: Director of Upper School

Classification: Exempt

Oversees: N/A

Scope of Work: Classroom instruction and support for grades 1-3 (ages 6-9)

Experience Requirements

• Significant and meaningful experience working with children
• Understanding and value of Montessori setting
• Comfort and experience working in a culturally diverse environment and committed to embracing differences and valuing multiple perspectives
• Flexible and collaborative team player

Education/Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Clear CORI and MA fingerprinting

General Responsibilities

Support the Lead Teacher in the design and preparation of an inviting and challenging Montessori environment using a full complement of Montessori materials as well as supplemental materials. Work in partnership with the other faculty to prepare for the cognitive, social/emotional and physical achievement of children as well as for their safety and well being.

Specific Responsibilities

Educational Program & Student Services

• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to establish class routines and classroom community goals
• Give lessons to students in groups and to individual students
• Demonstrate a growing competency with Montessori philosophy and methods
• Help students to develop a daily/weekly work plan
• Help students with their daily work, such as behavior at lessons, assignments, organizing materials, using work plans, etc.
• Support student agency and independence during work cycle
• Support students with individual behavioral plans
• Help students with transitions in conjunction with the Lead Teacher
• Supervise children during emergency practices such as fire drills
• Assist and supervise students on field trips
• Maintain the daily cleanliness and overall preparation of common areas in the classroom and throughout the school (student cubbies, entrance ways, classroom furniture counters, etc.)

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.

Administration

• Support the Lead Teacher with progress reports for students in the areas of academic, organizational, development, and social growth, which includes sharing observations and writing
• Support the Lead Teacher with student visits and paperwork for Admissions
• Attend Team meetings with Administration when applicable
• Support with lunch and recess duties when applicable
• Perform duties related to arrival/dismissal of school when applicable
• Report all accidents/incidents to the School Nurse and complete accident forms as needed
• Attend all mandatory events for faculty (as specified in Employee Handbook)
• Participate in the goal-setting process with the Director of Elementary and Middle School

School Culture

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

Professional Development

• Attend in-service training as provided by Riverbend School
• Attend workshops/conferences or other opportunities approved by HoS to further educational advancement

Other

• Take on duties as assigned

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

Commitment to DEIJ

Riverbend School is committed to becoming an anti-bias and anti-racist community. All candidates must be committed to furthering this work by embracing differences; exploring and affirming the identities and intersections of all which include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomics, social class, family structures, learning differences, and differences in ability. Candidates must be comfortable working in a culturally diverse environment.

We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQIA+ educators, or educators from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools.

EEO Statement

Riverbend School is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment. Riverbend strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, veteran status, or any other class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.