Lower Elementary Lead Teacher in El Cerrito, California

Lower Elementary Head Teacher

2021 – 2022 School Year

The Lower Elementary Teacher works in one of the school’s mixed-age classrooms at our K-8 campus in El Cerrito. The Lower Elementary Head Teacher reports to the Head of School.

The Lower Elementary Head Teacher should be a positive role model with a strong work ethic who actively embraces life-long learning as well as a collaborative approach to education balanced with a strong sense of autonomy. A keen sense of humor helps. Please note that the title, duties, responsibilities, and compensation for the position are subject to change at any time at the School’s discretion.

Core Responsibilities and Duties

· Communicating, coordinating and collaborating with additional LE Teachers in assigned class pod

· Actively communicating with and promptly responding to the Head of School

· Participating in weekly staff meetings and occasional all staff meetings

· Participating in all site and all school events and projects as prescribed by school

· Participating in school admissions and parent education events as prescribed by school

· Participating in teaching team meetings and curriculum planning

· Creating and presenting age-appropriate Montessori-aligned activities and pedagogical materials for students, including art, music, movement, language, math, and cultural units

· Coordinating with the Head of School and other LE classrooms to organize holiday and other special celebrations

· Greeting students and parents each day and ensuring parents follow designated drop-off and pick-up procedures

· Conducting daily screenings and checks of students to determine health and well being

· Ensuring students and adults maintain recommended 6 feet of distance as much as possible

· Maintaining supervision of students in assigned class pod

· Caring for students and assisting them as needed such as applying first aid

· Organizing student birthday celebrations in your class pod

· Actively guiding student conflict resolution using positive discipline and age-appropriate tools

· Recording daily and weekly notes on students assigned to your class pod

· Actively communicating with parents via email, phone, video or in person

· Preparing and presenting student progress reports at biannual parent-teacher meetings

· Providing parent support for home learning, consistent guidance of children and understanding of Montessori philosophy and pedagogy

· Working both remotely and on campus as determined necessary by the Head of School

· Maintaining a tidy, clean and safe classroom environment by frequently cleaning and sanitizing high-use items

· Caring for all pets and plants both inside and outside of your class pod area

· Maintaining a clean space in your pod area’s break room, including refrigerator and dishes

· Practicing self-care through frequent temperature checks, symptom assessments, and wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE)

· Maintaining up-to-date Montessori continuing education, CPR, First Aid, mandated reporter, and other prescribed certificates as needed

Qualifications

· Bachelors’ degree preferred

· MACTE-approved Lower Elementary Montessori credential

· Current CPR and First Aid training

· Clear background screening as required by state licensing

· Significant experience working with Lower Elementary students

Skills and Abilities

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Solid computer skills

· Self-reflection and collaboration skills

· Ability to follow procedures

· Ability to multitask in a fast-paced work environment

Desirable Qualities

· A love of children and a deep respect for their capabilities

· Appreciation for Montessori education and willingness to promote the philosophy with the belief that by working in a small school you can change the world

· Flexible and resilient with a down-to-earth, hands-on style

· Take great satisfaction in making things work even when no one sees what you do

Compensation

· Salary commensurate with experience

· PTO for personal and sick days

· Health, dental, and vision benefits

· 403(b) retirement plan

To Apply: You must be authorized to work in the United States. Do not apply through Indeed. If you have interest and motivation for working at an established, dynamic Montessori school, send resume and cover letter to Alissa Stolz, Head of School, at jobs @montessorifamily.com.

If you are invited for an interview, you will be asked to bring something you create that will demonstrate your understanding of the Montessori philosophy.

Montessori Family School is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 – $35.00 per hour