Montessori Classroom Assistant

Shining Stars Montessori Academy • Washington, DC

124d

About The Position

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School's mission is to offer a quality Montessori education infused with culturally inclusive principles to guide children to develop to their fullest potential. The school is seeking Classroom Teaching Assistants for Primary through Upper Elementary grade levels, which include The Children's House/Primary (3-6 years old), Lower Elementary (6-9 years old), and Upper Elementary (9-12 years old). This position provides integral support to the Lead Guide to ensure that children have an authentic Montessori teaching and learning experience. Individuals working on their Montessori Guide certification and seeking a mentored internship opportunity under an SSMA Lead Guide are encouraged to apply. This position requires love, patience, and respect for children. The Classroom Assistant will encourage the children to be independent and model for them appropriate manners and behaviors, helping the lead guide teacher facilitate a classroom environment designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth and learning excellence by following the philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Requirements

• Possess a minimum of an Associate's degree (required) or Bachelor's degree (preferred).
• At least 3 years of prior working experience, preferably in a Montessori school and/or a diverse public, private, or charter elementary school required.
• Prior classroom assistant and/or lead teaching experience preferred.
• Possess a current First Aid and CPR Certificate.
• Bilingualism in Spanish, French, or Amharic a plus (though not required).
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S.
• Willingness to attend and complete classroom assistant training provided in August and during the school year, and/or willingness to become a Guide after one year of successful employment.
• Have a sense of humor and a love of children.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingualism in Spanish, French, or Amharic.

Responsibilities

• Manage the classroom in such a way that protects the lessons that the lead teacher is giving.
• Encourage the children to be independent and model for them appropriate manners and behaviors.
• Work with individual children or small groups as directed by the lead guide/teacher.
• Prepare the Montessori classroom environment to meet the students' needs and interests.
• Take attendance daily for the Guide.
• Provide instruction or serve as Co-Teacher under the supervision of the Lead Guide.
• Clean the classroom and replenish materials and supplies in the morning and afternoon.
• Move throughout the classroom during work periods to ensure the classroom continues to be clean, lively, and inviting.
• Make materials as required by the lead guide/teacher.
• Participate in all training related to data collection and assessment, including taking daily attendance in PowerSchool.
• Gather written observations and input them in SSMA SIS and any other data-keeping systems as directed by the lead guide/teacher.
• Discuss observations with the lead guide/teacher and other teaching staff as appropriate.
• Assist with the administration of Teacher-developed or standardized assessments as directed.
• Provide supervision and enriching activities during nonacademic times including arrival, lunch, recess, dismissal, and before and aftercare.
• Provide communication about students' development during nonacademic times to the lead teacher.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance premiums subsidized by employer
• 401k Retirement Plan with employer match
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid sick and personal time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Associate degree