Montessori Assistant Teacher: Louisville, KY

Bezos Academy•Louisville, KY

4d•$18 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

As Montessori Assistant Teacher (internally titled Assistant Teacher II) 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 teachers in high-quality, tuition-free, Montessori-inspired programs in our growing network of preschools in under-resourced communities.

Requirements

Meet one of the following criteria:
Four years of professional experience as an aide, assistant, or lead teacher of children from infancy through third grade
Two years of professional experience as an aide, assistant, or lead teacher of children from infancy through third grade AND an associate’s degree in a relevant field (i.e., child development, early childhood education etc.)
Bachelor’s degree
Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution or on track to obtain one within two years of hire
If you do not hold a Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution, you will be eligible to complete the Bezos Academy Montessori Primary teacher coursework, provided at no cost
Ability to pass background checks, tuberculosis screenings, and trainings required by the state of Kentucky required to supervise children independently
Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely, including ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs
Access to reliable transportation to and from work and ability to consistently attend work as scheduled to ensure proper staff-to-child classroom ratios and support smooth school operations
This role requires a Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution. If you do not currently have this credential, your employment in this role is provisional until you successfully obtain one. You must obtain this credential within two years of your start date to remain in this role. Upon hire, you may elect to obtain a credential through the Bezos Academy Montessori Credential Program (MCP), offered at no cost, or through any other MACTE-accredited program at your own expense.
Participation in MCP is voluntary and unpaid. MCP activities may occur during periods that overlap with scheduled working hours or scheduled breaks, including summer break. To the extent that participation in MCP overlaps with your regular working hours, those working hours will be paid. To the extent participation overlaps with scheduled breaks for which you are eligible, those scheduled breaks will remain paid.

Nice To Haves

Associates degree or higher in education or 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 the lead teacher in preparing and delivering instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences
Assist in presenting individual and small-group Montessori lessons, adapting activities to meet 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 the development of 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 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.)
Assist teachers in maintaining records on each child’s progress and development
Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem and self-discipline
Provide support for children with diverse learning needs, including occasional or short-term support in small group settings when helpful for classroom participation, emotional regulation, or routines
Partner with lead teachers to implement student support and/or behavior plans as needed
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.)
Maintain eligibility and professional growth by obtaining a MACTE-accredited Primary Montessori teacher credential within two years (if not already credentialed)
As needed, independently supervise children throughout the day in classrooms and a variety of other situations, including but not limited to arrival/departure, transitions, outside time, rest/nap time, and (if offered) extended hours
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