Montessori Assistant Teacher: Glendale, AZ

Bezos Academy•Glendale, AZ

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Bezos Academy is hiring a Montessori Assistant Teacher, internally titled Assistant Teacher II, for its preschool in Glendale – Sahuaro Glenn, Arizona. The role supports lead teachers in developing and implementing a program that promotes each child’s cognitive, language, emotional, social, and physical development. Teachers work in a child-initiated Montessori learning process at a school in a multi-state network that provides Montessori-inspired preschool at no cost to families in under-resourced communities. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-exempt hourly position of 40 hours per week. School schedules generally range from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with staggered start and end times totaling no more than eight hours per day. The specific schedule is determined with the school leader based on staff, classroom, and community needs. Compensation is $19–$27 per hour (approximately $39,000–$56,000 annually); starting compensation is estimated at $22–$25 per hour and varies with experience and qualifications. The upper third of the range is typically reserved for experienced employees with strong performance over time. The role requires a Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution. Candidates who do not already have one may be hired provisionally and must obtain it within two years of their start date. They may pursue the credential through Bezos Academy’s voluntary, unpaid Montessori Credential Program at no cost or through another MACTE-accredited program at their own expense. MCP activities overlapping regular work hours are paid, and eligible scheduled breaks remain paid if participation overlaps with them. Responsibilities include supporting Montessori instruction, observing children and assisting with their development, maintaining classroom materials and routines, supporting children with diverse learning needs, communicating with families, and participating in team and staff-development activities. Depending on school needs, some assistants may support the entire school rather than a single classroom.

Requirements

Meet one of the following: four years of professional experience as an aide, assistant, or lead teacher of children from infancy through third grade; two years of such experience plus an associate’s degree in a relevant field; a bachelor’s degree; or a Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution or be on track to obtain one within two years of hire.
Obtain a Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution within two years of the start date if not already credentialed; employment is provisional until the credential is obtained.
Pass background checks, tuberculosis screenings, and Arizona-required trainings to supervise children independently.
Be able to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and safely care for young children.
Be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds.
Have reliable transportation to and from work and consistently attend work as scheduled to ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios and smooth school operations.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or higher in education or a related field.
Experience teaching in a Montessori preschool.
Professional experience working with young children with special needs.
Experience working with children and families in low-income areas.

Responsibilities

Support lead teachers in preparing and delivering instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences.
Assist in presenting individual and small-group Montessori lessons, adapting activities to each child’s developmental stage and interests.
Observe each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs, and use this information to facilitate learning and growth.
Encourage early literacy, math, and problem-solving skills through hands-on, purposeful work that supports kindergarten readiness.
Prepare and maintain a well-organized, safe, and attractive classroom environment.
Organize materials and clean the workspace to facilitate children’s learning.
Support children’s increasing independence with daily living skills, including washing hands, using the bathroom, eating meals and snacks, and cleaning up.
Assist teachers in maintaining records on each child’s progress and development.
Develop positive relationships with children and promote self-esteem and self-discipline.
Support children with diverse learning needs, including occasional or short-term small-group support for classroom participation, emotional regulation, or routines.
Partner with lead teachers to implement student support and behavior plans as needed.
Assist teachers with implementing Bezos Academy performance standards, policies, and procedures.
Follow regulations and guidelines in day-to-day classroom operations, including cleaning materials, meal preparation, and nap-time transitions.
Obtain a MACTE-accredited Primary Montessori teaching credential within two years if not already credentialed.
Independently supervise children as needed throughout the day, including during arrival and departure, transitions, outside time, rest or nap time, and extended hours if offered.
Participate in team meetings, center activities, and staff development.
Assist lead teachers in conducting staff and family conferences.
Build positive relationships with children’s families and share information about each child’s day at preschool.
Assume low postures, such as kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor, as needed to communicate effectively with children.

Benefits

32 paid days of scheduled breaks.
3 paid days of personal time off.
9 paid days of sick (care) time.
10 paid holidays.
Additional time off if required by applicable law.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Disability insurance.
401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match.
Paid parental leave.
Employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care.
Montessori Primary teacher coursework through Bezos Academy at no cost for eligible employees without a credential.