AMI Elementary Lead Teacher

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF JOB

The Montessori Lead Teacher plays a crucial role as a guide in a Montessori school, facilitating effective communication with children, parents, and staff, and providing nurturing care to infants. The teacher addresses the developmental needs of children, guiding them through activities that support their academic, emotional, and physical growth in a prepared Montessori environment. The teacher must adapt to the needs of students and the community, foster positive interactions with teacher assistants, students, and parents, assist in Montessori teacher training, and ensure the maintenance of a safe and clean environment. Participation in special events and collaboration with the administration to maintain school safety and upkeep are also key responsibilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1. Employee Policies/ Parent Handbook:

• Full knowledge and understanding of St. Mary’s Montessori School parent and employee policies, handbooks, and procedures. Full knowledge and understanding of State of California: Department of Social Services Title 22 regulations.

2. Student:

• Strive to meet all responsibilities of customer service, guiding and nurturing infant and toddler students.
• Provide a prepared environment and facilitate activity transitions, constantly observing the students.
• Apply Montessori principles and philosophy.
• Use a daily schedule based on Montessori ideals.
• Create an environment that showcases Montessori learning.
• Maintain knowledge of local primary/elementary expectations for kindergarten readiness.

3. Parent Relations:

• Maintain appropriate parent/student confidentiality.
• Conduct Parent-Teacher conferences twice a year, or as needed.
• Interact with parents positively and provide basic daily feedback.
• Encourage parental involvement and support the student's relationship with their family.
• Incorporate families’ culture into students' experiences.

4. Care :

• Supervise students constantly, ensuring their safety and participation.
• Use positive Montessori discipline techniques.
• Interact with students in a friendly and supportive manner.
• Follow policies and procedures for student activities and adhere to regulatory standards.
• Report signs of illness, injury, or abuse and take appropriate action in emergencies.
• Maintain sanitary standards for self and students.

5. Other Staff Duties:

• Collaborate with assistant teachers during sanitizing and prep time.
• Meet monthly with assistant and other teachers to discuss child progress.
• Ensure a safe, clean caregiving environment.
• Maintain a positive, calm attitude and a soothing voice.
• Replace broken materials within 48 hours and maintain an inventory.
• Request missing materials from the Head of School and discuss appropriate times to order.
• Attend training opportunities and staff meetings.
• Maintain an organized, attractive environment consistent with Montessori pedagogy.
• Participate in professional development activities.
• Develop effective relationships with parents, tracking student progress.
• Regularly attend work as scheduled.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director and Head of Schools.
• Assist with facility clean-up and maintenance.

Employees may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities beyond their job description as needed. These duties may vary from time to time. Such assignments are expected to be within the employee's skills and capabilities and contribute to their professional development.

REQUIREMENTS

Salaried employees are required to maintain a valid, one-year, employment agreement with St. Mary’s Montessori School.

1. EDUCATION / WORK EXPERIENCE:

The MINIMUM required to qualify for this position.

• Minimum of 12 ECE (Early Childhood Education) units.
• AMI (Association Montessori International) diploma.
• Coursework in child development.
• One year of experience in an early childhood program.

1. SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND/OR LICENSING:

• Required licenses, certificates, or training as per state law or regulatory agencies (e.g., CPR, ECE units, law enforcement clearance).
• Training and experience to develop stable, supportive relationships with young children.

1. ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

Special abilities the position requires.

• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Adapt to constant change.
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy with students, parents, and staff.
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Develop and maintain communication and relationships with parents.
• Knowledge and application of Montessori instructional principles and techniques.
• Manage the classroom and handle student discipline.
• Serve as a role model, treating students professionally.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships in a diverse setting.
• Participate fully as a team member in a professional learning community.
• Embrace and incorporate Montessori philosophy.

1. MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The mental discipline and physical requirements that occur regularly in performing the job duties.

• Reading/interpreting • Customer service • Hearing/Talking/Seeing

instructions • Reasoning/judgment • Pushing/pulling

• Language skills • Carrying • Repetitive motion

• Detailed work • Standing • Reaching

• Training • Driving • Walking

• Confidentiality • Kneeling/Crouching/Crawl • Sitting

• Math • Attendance • Lifting 10-40 lbs.

• Problem-solving • Squatting • Speaking

1. EXPOSURE TO:

• Moderate hazards

• Childhood illnesses

• Heat/cold

• Noise

1. SUPERVISION:

The amount of supervision this position requires: Limited supervision

SCOPE

1. ANALYSIS & DECISION MAKING:

Examples of typical decisions and/or recommendations this position makes.

1. Determine responses to parental inquiries.
2. Recommend staffing needs and performance reviews.
3. Communicate issues and problems with administration and HR.

1. IMPACT:

• Positive interaction with parents enhances the school's reputation; negative interactions could result in loss of trust and enrollment.
• Good decisions benefit students’ well-being and education; poor decisions could negatively impact students and concern parents.
• Appropriate training and orientation can facilitate a good start for infant community; poor interaction can result in Staff problems and poor supervision of students.

1. CONTACT WITH OTHERS:

External Contacts Frequency

Parents Regularly

Government/state Agencies Rarely

Internal Contacts Frequency

Management Regularly

Staff Regularly

Students Regularly

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Lead Teacher

Assistant Director

Head of School

Corporate Staff

Company President

This overview outlines the critical aspects and expectations of the Montessori Lead Teacher position, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Montessori philosophy while ensuring a nurturing, safe, and educational environment for students.