Montessori Assistant Teacher: Louisville, KY

Bezos Academy•Louisville, KY

1d•$37,000 - $52,000•Onsite

About The Position

Bezos Academy is hiring a Montessori Assistant Teacher (internally titled Assistant Teacher II) for its Louisville–Okolona preschool. The role supports lead teachers in developing and implementing a tuition-free, Montessori-inspired program that promotes children’s cognitive, language, emotional, social, and physical development. The school serves an under-resourced community, and the position draws on experience with young children and an interest in child-initiated learning. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-exempt hourly position scheduled for 40 hours per week. School schedules generally fall between 8 a.m. and 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 $18–$25 per hour (approximately $37,000–$52,000 annually). Starting compensation is estimated at $20–$22 per hour and varies with experience and qualifications. The upper third of the range is typically reserved for experienced employees who demonstrate strong performance over time. A Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution is required to remain in the role. Employees who do not already hold one must obtain it within two years of their start date; employment is provisional until the credential is earned. Employees may pursue the credential through Bezos Academy’s Montessori Credential Program at no cost or through another MACTE-accredited program at their own expense. Participation in the program is voluntary and unpaid, although overlapping regular work hours and eligible scheduled breaks remain paid as described in the posting. The role includes 32 paid days of scheduled breaks, three paid personal days, nine paid sick-care days, ten paid holidays, and additional time off where required by law. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match, paid parental leave, and an employer-matched dependent-care flexible spending account.

Requirements

Meet at least 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 degree in a relevant field; a bachelor’s degree; or a Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution or being 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 Kentucky-required training to supervise children independently.
Be able to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and safely care for young children.
Be able to lift at least 40 pounds.
Have reliable transportation to and from work and consistently attend work as scheduled.

Nice To Haves

An 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 the lead teacher 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 children daily, assess their skills, interests, and needs, and use that information to facilitate learning and growth.
Encourage early literacy, math, problem-solving, and kindergarten-readiness skills through hands-on, purposeful work.
Prepare and maintain a well-organized, safe, and attractive classroom environment.
Organize materials and clean the workspace to support learning.
Help children develop independence with daily living skills, including handwashing, toileting, meals and snacks, and cleanup.
Assist teachers in maintaining records of 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 short-term or occasional small-group support for classroom participation, emotional regulation, or routines.
Partner with lead teachers to implement student support or behavior plans as needed.
Help implement Bezos Academy performance standards, policies, procedures, regulations, and classroom operating guidelines.
Support classroom operations such as cleaning materials, meal preparation, and nap-time transitions.
Maintain eligibility and professional growth by obtaining 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 with staff and family conferences.
Build positive relationships with families and share information about each child’s day at preschool.
Assume low-level postures, such as kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor, to communicate effectively with children.