Job Opening for 2023-2024
Upper Elementary Lead Teacher in Bellingham, Washington, US
Montessori Upper Elementary Classroom Lead Teacher (Grades 4-6)
2023-24 school year
Contact: Carrie Bishop Cruz
Email: carrie.bishop-cruz@cedar-tree.
Name of School/Organization: Cedar Tree Montessori
School Website: http://www.cedar-tree.org
Rate of Pay: Salary Range $35-$50K, DOE
Hours/Schedule:
40 Hours Weekly, Monday – Friday
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Classroom Schedule: 8:45 – 3:15 pm
Benefits:
80 hours Paid personal/sick leave
$200 Monthly Medical Stipend or participation in medical benefits
Paid professional development
History: Cedar Tree Montessori was established in Bellingham, WA in 1999 and is composed of a staff of 12 compassionate, lifelong learners. As a school community we value educating the whole child (cognitive, physical, social, and emotional) in a nurturing community through collaboration, innovation, personal and professional development and we do so by building pertinent, culturally responsive curriculum, having conversations, and listening to new perspectives.
Those who are passionate about the process of learning and who have experience supporting the unique needs of all learners in a Montessori setting should apply. We value building and celebrating community and working together to meet the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional needs of each child.
Position Begins: There will be paid time to observe the classroom in the spring and for planning in the summer. August 21, 2023 is the first day of classroom preparation for all teaching staff. The week of June 17th, 2024 is the last week of school for students.
Qualifications:
Montessori Certification: AMS, MECR or MACTE for Upper Elementary, Ages: 9-12
Minimum 5 years’ experience working with grade levels 4-6th in a classroom setting.
Demonstrated use of Positive Discipline classroom strategies.
A desire to learn strategies that support neurodivergence in the classroom.
Compassionate spoken and written communication skills with both families and students.
Technical skills that support recordkeeping and communication (Google Classroom, Google Drive, Transparent Classroom).
Current certification in Pediatric First Aid/CPR (or willingness to become recertified).
Responsibilities:
Cultivate a peaceful and compassionate classroom culture.
Develop strong connections with students and families through written and spoken communication.
Commitment and experience using antiracism to inform teaching, unit studies and conversations.
Prepare a written progress report that reflects students’ growth and meet with parents twice annually.
Lead parent and student-led conferences.
Create materials, plan lessons and keep records to reflect Montessori pedagogy.
Attend school meetings and school related functions (parent conferences, staff meetings, grade-level meetings, parent education, potlucks etc.)
Transparency: share classroom information with families through meetings, informal communication, emails, and the use of a classroom newsletter.
Lead small-group and individual lessons.
Collaborate and problem solve together with colleagues.
Observe and track student learning.
Support students to learn at their own pace and help them discover their gifts.
Guide children towards autonomy, curiosity, and respect.
Support students to build self regulation and independence.
Share ideas in staff and grade level meetings.
Use a culturally responsive lens to inform teaching and learning.
Collaborate with and support assistant teachers to create an organized and harmonious classroom.