Montessori Lead Teacher: Kent, WA

Montessori Lead TeacherAs Montessori Lead Teacher, you will lead a classroom of up to 20 children ages three through five within a multi-state network of schools in under-resourced communities, offering quality Montessori-inspired preschool at no cost to families. You will plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences. You will create learning opportunities that support the cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development of every child. You will build relationships and communicate regularly with families to support each child's development. In this role, you will support one or more assistant teachers and report directly to the Head of School.You share our passion for the Montessori method and have honed your skills as an early childhood practitioner with expertise in child development, strong communication skills, and experience working with students and families from diverse backgrounds in low-income communities. Above all, you demonstrate passion for our mission to expand access to high quality preschool in under-resourced communities.LocationWe are actively hiring for a Montessori Lead Teacher for our location in Kent Valley (317 4th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032). Relocation support is available for this role.Compensation and BenefitsThis is a full-time, benefits-eligible, salaried position. The full salary range for this position is $71,000 - $114,000 per year. The upper third of the salary range is typically reserved for existing employees who have been in the role for multiple years and demonstrate strong performance over time. Starting salary will vary by qualifications and prior experience. This role includes 32 paid days of scheduled breaks, 3 paid days of personal time off, 9 paid days of sick (care) time, 10 paid holidays, and additional time off if required by applicable law. Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match, paid parental leave, an employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care, and more. Please see here for details.Minimum QualificationsOne or more of the following: Bachelor's degree (Note: If you do not hold a Bachelor's degree, please list "Other" in the education section below) 4+ years of prior experience as an Assistant Teacher or equivalent Associate's degree plus 2+ years of prior experience as an Assistant Teacher or equivalent6+ months of experience with strong results with children as an Assistant Teacher at Bezos AcademyPrimary Montessori credential from an AMI, AMS, or other MACTE-accredited instituteAbility to meet all credentialing criteria for lead early childhood teachers in Washington state: 30 college quarter credits in Early Childhood Education OR hold a valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Special EducationAbility to meet all additional training and eligibility requirements of Washington state, with required documentation uploaded into the MERIT system prior to start of employmentExperience monitoring and maintaining accurate records on the progress of individual studentsAbility to supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safelyDemonstrated personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and experience working across lines of differencePreferred QualificationsTwo or more years of experience as a lead teacher or guide, teaching children from infancy through six years old with strong outcomesExperience working with children and families in low-income areasExperience working with children with special needsProficient in a language other than English (particularly Spanish)ResponsibilitiesPlan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiencesUse the Bezos Academy curriculum and current research-based instructional practices to develop integrated units of instruction that meet both the group and individual needs of studentsPrepare and maintain a clean, orderly, and attractive Montessori environment with the instructional resources needed to meet the development needs of every child in the classroomCreate an environment that demonstrates rapport with and respect and kindness for, all students as well as between studentsUse Bezos Academy assessment tools/strategies such as observations, children's work samples, continuums of development, portfolios, etc. to help make instructional decisions for individual studentsMonitor and maintain accurate records on the progress of individual students; use school-approved screening and evaluation toolsUse relevant, approved technology to support instructionCommunicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues, and families regarding student progress and student needsEstablish a positive relationship with families and students, providing regular communication with families about their childrenMaintain teaching skills and participate in professional development activitiesEngage in on-going self-assessment and refinement of practice as well as in collaborative professional growthParticipate in collegial activities and meetings designed to make the entire school a productive professional learning communitySupport the learning and development of assistant teachersIf applicable, serve as a supervising teacher for teachers enrolled in Bezos Academy's in-house Montessori credentialing program, including providing feedback and completing progress evaluationsAssume postures at low levels (e.g. kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children