Montessori Teacher (Buena Vista ES) Colorado Springs School District 11

Colorado Springs School District 11 • Colorado Springs, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Colorado Springs School District 11 is seeking a dedicated and student-centered Lower Elementary Teacher to join our Montessori community at Buena Vista Elementary School. This educator will serve as a Montessori guide, leading a multi-age classroom of students ages 6–9 and creating a prepared environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. The ideal candidate uses Montessori philosophy as the foundation for instruction while thoughtfully integrating district curriculum and standards. They design engaging, hands-on lessons and individualize instruction based on each student’s readiness, interests, and developmental needs to maximize growth and engagement. Teachers at Colorado Springs School District 11 are professional educators who ensure that every student has access to rigorous, engaging, and equitable learning opportunities. They embody the district’s values of innovation, inclusion, collaboration, and excellence, and are key contributors to creating a thriving school culture that supports academic and social-emotional success. Core expectations include designing and implementing standards-aligned instruction, maintaining an inclusive learning environment, integrating technology effectively, using data to inform teaching, collaborating with colleagues, and engaging families as partners in education. Teachers also serve as reflective practitioners who continuously seek to improve through professional learning and feedback.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field.
• Valid Colorado Teaching License appropriate for assigned subject/grade level.
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective instructional practices, assessment, and classroom management.
• Holds relevant experience working with elementary-aged students, ideally in a Montessori or student-centered environment.
• Possesses a strong understanding of child development, differentiated instruction, and social-emotional learning and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and meeting the needs of diverse learners.

Nice To Haves

• Montessori Lower Elementary (6–9) credential preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Master’s degree.
• Prior K-12 teaching experience.
• Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish or other district-identified languages).

Responsibilities

• Plan and Deliver Instruction: Design and implement engaging, standards-based lessons aligned with Colorado Academic Standards and District 11’s instructional vision. Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, technologies, and resources to promote student engagement, critical thinking, and creativity.
• Differentiate Instruction: Adapt teaching methods and materials to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. Provide appropriate interventions and supports to ensure all students have equitable access to learning opportunities.
• Assess and Monitor Student Learning: Use multiple assessment tools and data sources to evaluate student progress and inform instruction. Maintain accurate and timely student records, grades, and documentation in accordance with district policies.
• Create and Maintain a Positive Learning Environment: Establish and maintain a classroom culture that fosters respect, collaboration, and high academic expectations. Implement effective classroom management strategies to ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Collaborate and Communicate Effectively: Work collaboratively with colleagues, administrators, and support staff as part of professional learning communities. Communicate regularly with students, families, and caregivers to share progress, celebrate success, and address challenges.
• Engage in Professional Growth and School Improvement: Participate in professional development, reflective practice, and continuous learning to enhance instructional effectiveness. Contribute to school and district initiatives focused on improving teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
• Model Professionalism and Ethical Practice: Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, and equitable practices in all aspects of professional work. Demonstrate reliability, cultural competence, and commitment to the district’s mission of inspiring every mind.

Benefits

• Non-Recurring Pay: 6% of base salary in Non-Recurring Pay (distributed as 3% on November paycheck and 3% on May paycheck).
• Staffing Stability Incentive (Adams Elementary, Galileo Middle School and Mitchell High School): All Teachers/SSPs (regardless of FTE) will receive an additional $5,000 split over two payments ($2,500 in November and $2,500 in May).
• Teaching and SSP Staff qualify to receive an additional 10 extra days (beyond the District Calendar), paid at the per diem rate. Five (5) days for USIP design and five (5) days as “collaborative flex” days.
• Mitchell High School Only: Teachers/SSPs also receive a one-step increase (paid monthly).
• Pay for Performance (Mitchell High School): All Teachers/SSPs receive a Pay for Performance Bonus that is paid out in the fall (utilizing performance measures criteria from the previous year).
• Additional 10% to Base Pay for the following Hard to Fill positions: OT, PT, School Nurses, Audiologists, & School Psychologists
• Additional 15% to Base Pay for the following Hard to Fill position(s): SLP

What This Job Offers

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