Assistant Teacher: Louisville, KY

Bezos Academy•Louisville, KY

65d•$18 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

As an Assistant Teacher for Bezos Academy, you share our passion for early-childhood education and the Montessori method, drawing your energy from working in a child-initiated learning process. Your responsibilities will include assisting Lead Teachers in developing and implementing a program that promotes the cognitive, language, emotional, social, and physical development of each child. Drawing on your previous experience working with young children, you will support lead classroom teachers in high-quality, tuition-free, Montessori-inspired programs in our growing network of preschools in under-resourced communities.

Requirements

Experience working with children ages 3-5
Ability to pass background checks, tuberculosis screenings, and trainings required by the state of Kentucky
Age 18 with high school diploma or GED
Experience working across lines of difference and strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness
Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely, including ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs
Ability to consistently attend work as scheduled to ensure proper staff-to-child classroom ratios
Access to reliable transportation to and from work to ensure timely, effective instruction and to ensure proper staff-to-child classroom ratios

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience as an assistant teacher or aide in a preschool
Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or two years of post-secondary coursework in Early Childhood Education
Experience with Montessori pedagogy
Experience with children with special needs

Responsibilities

Work cohesively with the lead teacher's plans to prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences. Over time, lead some classroom instructional activities, such as group time or transitions
Support lead teacher with planning Montessori learning activities
Depending on experience and instructional readiness, give individual Montessori lessons to students in coordination with the lead teacher
Assist in guiding every child through self-directed activities, allowing them to develop at his or her own pace
Along with lead teachers, foster a nurturing, safe, and stimulating, non-competitive environment
Assist teachers in maintaining records on each child's progress and development
Observe each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and use this information to facilitate learning and growth
Assist teachers with the full implementation of Bezos Academy's performance standards, policies, and procedures
Support Bezos Academy classrooms by following regulations and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of the classroom (i.e., cleaning materials, meal prep, nap time transitions, etc.)
Prepare and maintain a well-organized, safe, and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children
Organize materials and clean the workspace to facilitate the learning process for each child
Support children's increasing independence with daily living skills (i.e., washing hands, using the bathroom, eating meals and snacks, cleaning up, etc.)
Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem and self-discipline
Provide 1:1 support for children who are experiencing big feelings
Provide 1:1 support for children who are at risk for developmental delays
Participate in team meetings, center activities, and staff development
Assist lead teachers in conducting staff/family conferences
Establish a positive relationship with each child's family and share information about the child's day at the preschool
Assume postures at low levels (e.g. kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children