Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher

American Montessori Society Inc; Newtown (CT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

American Montessori Society Inc is seeking a caring Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher to join our community in Newtown, Connecticut. The role emphasizes a genuine love for children and a collaborative approach to support individual growth and development.

The ideal candidate will prepare a rich learning environment, uphold classroom decorum, and interact with grace and courtesy. This role offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully in a supportive Montessori framework.

Qualifications

• A warm, patient presence with children.
• Genuine appreciation for working with young children (ages 6–9).
• Strong observational skills and awareness of the classroom environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and protect the learning environment for children.
• Enable teachers to focus on instruction without interruption.
• Model grace and courtesy in interactions with students and faculty.

Skills

Warm presence with children

Professional attitude

Appreciation for young children

Strong observational skills

Collaborative work within Montessori framework

Education

Experience in Montessori or early childhood setting

Job description

Montessori Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher

About the Role

We are seeking a warm, caring Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher to join our Montessori community. You bring a genuine love of children, a respectful and collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to honoring each child's individual growth and development.

In our Montessori environment, the Assistant Teacher is not a background presence. You are a vital and active partner in creating the conditions for learning. Your role is one of intention, attentiveness, and care.

What You'll Do

• Prepare and Protect the Environment: You are vital to ensuring the complex learning environment is prepared for children each day. From materials to physical space, your attentiveness ensures everything is in order and ready to support independent, purposeful work.
• Enable Deep Instruction: You enable teachers to focus on instruction without interruption. By managing the flow of the classroom with quiet competence, you allow lessons to unfold fully and meaningfully.
• Maintain Continuous Awareness: Your broad awareness and active scanning of the environment protect ongoing lessons and ensure that observational data are gathered continuously, that students navigate the environment appropriately, and that concentration is honored for every child.
• Model Grace and Courtesy: Our interactions offer a constant model of grace and courtesy for students to emulate. In every exchange with children, colleagues, and families, you embody the respect and care that define our community culture.

What We're Looking For

• A warm, patient, and nurturing presence with children
• A respectful, professional attitude toward students and faculty alike
• Genuine appreciation for working with young children (ages 6–9)
• A commitment to fostering children's individual growth and independence
• Strong observational skills and the ability to hold the whole room in awareness
• Comfort working collaboratively within a Montessori framework
• Prior experience in a Montessori or early childhood setting preferred; training or coursework a plus

Why Join Us

Working in a Montessori Lower Elementary classroom means being part of something meaningful — a community where children are trusted, respected, and celebrated as capable individuals. If you believe in the dignity of childhood and the power of a prepared environment, we'd love to meet you.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and résumé to the Head of School, David Newman, at [e-mail].