Substitute/Assistant Teacher

Southwest Montessori Academy; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Positive Discipline training

Job summary

Southwest Montessori Academy in Fort Wayne, Indiana, seeks a substitute assistant teacher for its early childhood program serving ages 3-6. The role supports the lead teacher and fosters a nurturing, peaceful, non-competitive learning environment for about 20 students, with extended hours 7am–6pm if needed.

The position is part-time at first and may become full-time to cover maternity leave from March through May.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older with a minimum of a high school diploma.
• Montessori assistant training or CDA is helpful.
• Equitable compensation based on experience and education.

Responsibilities

• Keep children physically and emotionally safe.
• Assist with preparing or maintaining the learning environment.
• Observe children and communicate observations to the lead teacher.
• Support children in various contexts (classroom, outdoors, rest or meals, transitions).
• Use Positive Discipline philosophies and tools to support social/emotional learning and manage challenging behaviors.
• Light daily cleaning and occasional deeper cleaning.

Skills

Compassionate

Positive Discipline

Growth mindset

Patience

Education

High school diploma

Montessori assistant training or CDA (helpful)

Job description

Position Description : Southwest Montessori Academy is seeking a substitute assistant teacher for its early childhood program (3-6 year olds). Candidates are expected to work cohesively with the lead teacher and other staff. Together, the substitute classroom assistant and the lead teacher foster a nurturing, peaceful, stimulating, non-competitive learning environment for 20 students. Hours could be as early as 7am to as late as 6pm if coverage is requested for the extended care program.

The position will be part-time/intermittent at first and could convert to full-time to replace classroom assistant during maternity leave from March through May.

Job dutiesincludebut are not limited to:

• keeping children physically and emotionally safe
• assisting with preparing or maintain the learning environment
• observing children and communicating observations to the lead teacher
• supporting children in a variety of contexts (the classroom, outdoors, or during rest or meal times, during transitions, etc.)
• using Positive Discipline philosophies and tools to support social/emotional learning and challenging behaviors
• light daily cleaning and occasional deeper cleaning

Substitute assistants are also expected to offer support as children work with self-directed activities, allowing the child to develop at their own pace while allowing for independence. Classroom management skills are important as the lead teacher carries out the lesson plans for the day.

Professional development opportunities, including Positive Discipline, are provi ded and a minimum number of continuing education hours are required.

Education Requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older with a minimum of a high school diploma
• Montessori assistant training or Child Development Associate (CDA) is helpful
• Equitable compensation based on experience and education

Qualifications and Skills/Experience: Qualifying candidates need to be kind, compassionate, enthusiastic, promote a positive attitude, and have a love for working with children ages 3-6 years old. Having a growth mindset and self-awareness is important for learning positive/long-term ways to connect with children and redirect misbehavior using Positive Discipline philosophy and tools (training will be provided). A substitute assistant is also required to have the physical capacity to work with young children.

• Prior experience working with young children, preferably in a Montessori environment
• Annual or biannual certification of health and safety trainings, including Pediatric first aid/CPR/AED certification is required (if not certified already, it will be required as part of the training).
• Must pass a full background check and drug test
• Be willing to complete Positive Discipline training