Montessori Lead Teacher: Glendale, AZ

Bezos Academy • Glendale, AZ

5d • $51,000 - $82,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Montessori Lead Teacher leads a classroom of up to 20 children ages three through five at Bezos Academy, a multi-state network of schools in under-resourced communities providing Montessori-inspired preschool at no cost to families. The teacher plans and delivers active Montessori learning experiences and supports each child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development. The role builds relationships and communicates regularly with families, supports one or more assistant teachers, and reports directly to the Head of School.

The position is based at the Sahuaro Glenn preschool in Glendale, Arizona. Relocation support is available. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, salaried position with a salary range of $51,000–$82,000 per year. Starting salary varies based on qualifications and prior experience; the upper third of the range is typically reserved for experienced employees with strong performance over time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or four years of Montessori Primary Lead Teacher experience in lieu of a four-year degree.
• At least two years of experience as a lead teacher or guide, teaching children from infancy through third grade with strong outcomes.
• Demonstrated Montessori knowledge and skills for the primary age group (ages 3–6).
• Ability to meet all credentialing criteria for lead early childhood teacher-caregivers in Arizona.
• Ability to meet state-required training and eligibility requirements, including fingerprint clearance, background checks, and tuberculosis testing, and to submit required eligibility and training documentation to Bezos Academy before starting employment.
• Experience monitoring and maintaining accurate records on individual students’ progress.
• Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and safely care for young children.
• Ability to lift at least 40 pounds.
• Demonstrated personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and experience working across lines of difference.

Nice To Haves

• Primary diploma from an AMI, AMS, or other MACTE-accredited institute.
• Experience teaching or guiding students in a child-led learning environment, such as Montessori or Reggio.
• Experience working with children and families in low-income communities in the United States.
• Experience working with children with special needs.
• Proficiency in a language other than English, particularly Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences.
• Use the Bezos Academy curriculum and current research-based instructional practices to develop integrated units that meet group and individual student needs.
• Prepare and maintain a clean, orderly, attractive Montessori environment with instructional resources that meet children’s developmental needs.
• Create an environment characterized by rapport, respect, and kindness between the teacher and students and among students.
• Use Bezos Academy assessment tools and strategies, such as observations, work samples, developmental continuums, and portfolios, to inform individual instructional decisions.
• Monitor and maintain accurate records of individual students’ progress and use school-approved screening and evaluation tools.
• Use relevant, approved technology to support instruction.
• Regularly communicate information about student progress and needs to students, colleagues, and families.
• Establish positive relationships with families and students and regularly communicate with families about their children.
• Maintain teaching skills and participate in professional development activities.
• Engage in ongoing self-assessment and refinement of practice, as well as collaborative professional growth.
• Participate in collegial activities and meetings that support the school as a professional learning community.
• Support the learning and development of assistant teachers.
• If applicable, supervise teachers enrolled in Bezos Academy’s in-house Montessori credentialing program by providing feedback and completing progress evaluations.
• Assume low-level postures, including 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, plus 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.
• Relocation support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level