Montessori Assistant Teacher: Louisville, KY

Bezos Academy•Louisville, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Bezos Academy is hiring a full-time Montessori Assistant Teacher (internally titled Assistant Teacher II) for its Louisville–Okolona preschool in Louisville, Kentucky. The role supports lead teachers in developing and implementing a program that promotes each child’s cognitive, language, emotional, social, and physical development. Teachers support high-quality, tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschool programs in under-resourced communities. The position is benefits-eligible, non-exempt, and hourly, with a schedule totaling 40 hours per week and no more than eight hours per day. School schedules generally fall between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; start and end times vary and are determined with the school leader according to staffing, classroom, and community needs. Compensation is $18–$25 per hour (approximately $37,000–$52,000 annually), with starting compensation estimated at $20–$22 per hour. The upper third of the range is typically reserved for experienced employees with sustained strong performance. The role requires a Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution. Employees who do not already hold one may obtain it within two years of their start date; employment without the credential is provisional. A credential may be pursued through Bezos Academy’s voluntary Montessori Credential Program at no cost or through another MACTE-accredited program at the employee’s expense. Participation in the program is unpaid, except that regular work hours overlapping with program activities are paid, and eligible scheduled breaks remain paid. The assistant supports instruction and classroom operations, observes and supports children’s development and learning, helps create a safe and organized learning environment, and promotes children’s independence and well-being. Depending on school needs, the assistant may support a whole school rather than a single classroom and may independently supervise children in a variety of settings.

Requirements

Meet one of the following experience or education criteria: four years of professional experience as an aide, assistant, or lead teacher working with children from infancy through third grade; two years of such professional experience and an associate degree in a relevant field; or a bachelor’s degree.
A Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution is required, or the ability to obtain one within two years of the start date. Employment without the credential is provisional.
Ability to pass background checks, tuberculosis screenings, and Kentucky-required trainings to supervise children independently.
Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and safely care for young children.
Ability to lift a minimum of 40 pounds.
Reliable transportation to and from work and ability to consistently attend work as scheduled to maintain classroom staff-to-child ratios and support school operations.

Nice To Haves

Associate 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.
Assist with individual and small-group Montessori lessons, adapting activities to children’s developmental stages and interests.
Observe each child daily and use information about skills, interests, and needs to facilitate learning and growth.
Encourage early literacy, math, and problem-solving through hands-on, purposeful work that supports kindergarten readiness.
Prepare and maintain a well-organized, safe, and attractive classroom environment.
Organize materials and clean workspaces to facilitate learning.
Support children’s independence with daily living skills, including handwashing, bathroom use, meals and snacks, and cleanup.
Assist teachers in maintaining records on each child’s progress and development.
Build 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 or behavior plans as needed.
Assist teachers in 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 and maintain 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, outdoor 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.
Use low-level postures, such as kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor, as needed to communicate effectively with children.