Montessori Assistant Toddler Teacher

WLPS; Whitmore Lake (MI); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition discount

Professional development

Job summary

Whitmore Lake Public Schools (Go Like the Wind Montessori School) is seeking a caring, qualified assistant Montessori teacher to support the Lead Teacher in a Montessori classroom. You will foster curiosity, independence, and respectful interactions among children aged 12 months to 3 years, both indoors and outdoors.

Join a dedicated team providing a nurturing environment, with responsibilities including classroom setup, daily routines, and ongoing observations.

Qualifications

• Nurturing, calm and respectful with an open attitude towards all children and families.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Background check completed as part of employment.
• Certification in Montessori education preferred within first year.

Responsibilities

• Support Lead Teacher in implementing age-appropriate Montessori curriculum for children 12 months to 3 years old.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and inviting classroom environment.
• Assist with daily routines including snack, lunch, dressing, and nap times.
• Observe and share classroom observations with Lead Teacher and Director.
• Ensure safety, handwashing, and safe food handling procedures.

Skills

Nurturing

Calm demeanor

Open attitude

18+ years old

Background check

Education

Assistant Montessori Teacher Certification (AMS or AMI)

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development or related field

Job description

WHO WE ARE:

Whitmore Lake Public Schools' Montessori Magnet Program, Go Like the Wind Montessori School, is a diverse community of learners and compassionate educators. Our dedicated team provides an authentic Montessori education, where children from birth to 6th grade can develop into independent thinkers, collaborative learners, creative problem solvers, and compassionate citizens. Since its founding in 1987, GLTW has been a not-for-profit, tuition-based school. In 2022, it merged with Whitmore Lake Public Schools to become a public Montessori school. The program remains tuition-based for infants, toddlers, and young primary students (3 and 4-year-olds) with a tuition-free Magnet program for grades K-6. We are eager to grow our program to include Middle School and beyond.

The Whitmore Lake Public School District is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized education to all students. Beyond the classroom, we are committed to serving the needs of families in Whitmore Lake and the surrounding communities. At the heart of everything we do is our tight-knit Trojan community, including our students, families, and staff. We work hard and take pride in making every day a great day to be a Trojan, whether with a traditional or Montessori approach. #TrojanPride

Come join our community as we inspire a lifelong love of learning.

COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE DETAILS:

Full-Time

Monday through Friday, year-round

9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Starting at $18.00/hr, depending on certification and experience

WORK LOCATION:

Go Like the Wind Montessori School

Whitmore Lake Public School Main Street Campus

8845 Main Street

Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

WHO WE NEED:

We are seeking a qualified, enthusiastic, and nurturing individual to fulfill a critical role in an authentic Montessori classroom. Under the direction of the Lead Teacher, you will be responsible for supporting an environment that fosters curiosity and learning, helping children to think creatively, solve problems independently, and respect themselves and others. We are seeking someone who is/has:

• Nurturing, calm, and respectful with an open attitude towards all children and families


• Kind, thoughtful, and strong at guiding children in self-motivated learning,


• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive


• At least 18 years of age


• Successfully completed a background check

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds regularly (e.g., assisting or lifting toddlers, moving classroom materials)


• Frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and getting up from the floor


• Ability to see and hear to supervise children and respond to their needs quickly


• Frequent reaching, pushing, pulling, and grasping to interact with children and maintain the classroom environment


• Ability to move quickly and respond calmly in emergency situations


• Ability to speak clearly to communicate with children, parents, and staff


• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions during recess, arrival, and dismissal

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

WHAT YOU NEED:

Education

Assistant Montessori Teacher Certification (AMS or AMI) within the first year of employment preferred

A four-year degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field is preferred

IN THIS ROLE:

• Planning, Preparation, and Instruction:
  
  
  
  • Support the Lead teacher in the implementation of age-appropriate Montessori curriculum in the classroom and outdoors for children 12 months to 3 years old
  
  
  • Follow the Lead Teacher’s direction in maintaining an attractive, well-kept classroom
  
  
  • Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, caring environment that implements the practices of hand washing and safe food handling procedures, and assures the well-being and safety of all of the children in that environment
  
  
  
  


• Assist the Lead Teacher in setting up and cleaning the classroom at the beginning/end of the school year, as well as implementing a daily cleaning throughout the day


• In addition to the daily Montessori work cycle, ensuring the Montessori philosophy is the undercurrent of daily routine, including snack and lunch set up and clean up, dressing and undressing, toileting needs, nap time, practical life activities, sensorial work and cooking projects, and outdoor play


• Share daily classroom observations with the Lead Teacher


• Adhere to licensing safety procedures and ration requirements


• Capture photos and videos of class activities and submit to the Lead Teacher and Director for use in parent and marketing communication.


• Professional Responsibility:
  
  
  
  • Facilitate a respectful environment for children and adults by advocating conflict resolution and Grace and Courtesy lessons
  
  
  • Participate in professional development activities
  
  
  • Comply with all continuing education requirements
  
  
  • Attend staff meetings, professional days, and other activities designed to make the school a productive learning community
  
  
  • Adhere to all school policies and guidelines established by the employee handbook
  
  
  • Establish a harmonious, respectful relationship with all school staff
  
  
  • Assist in the development of and participate in school functions, including Open Houses, Orientations, whole school events, parent education events, etc.
  
  
  
  

WHAT WE PROVIDE:

• Competitive salary depending on experience and certification


• Paid time off


• Customized retirement plan options


• Compensation package including full-family health coverage with long-term disability, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance


• Health insurance opt-out cash bonus


• Childcare tuition discount


• Professional development, career growth, and promotion opportunities


• Whitmore Lake Public Schools, 8845 Main Street, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, physical handicap, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, political belief or age in admission, treatment or participation in its programs, services and activities or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact the Superintendent's Office, 8845 Main St., Whitmore Lake, MI 734-449-4464