Senior Lead Teacher: Deerfield Beach, FL

Bezos Academy•Deerfield Beach, FL

4d•$61,000 - $98,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Lead Teacher leads a classroom of up to 20 children ages three through five at a Bezos Academy preschool and provides instructional coaching and support to the school’s teaching staff. Bezos Academy operates a multi-state network of Montessori-inspired preschools in under-resourced communities and offers preschool at no cost to families. The Senior Lead Teacher plans, prepares, and delivers active Montessori learning experiences; uses child-level assessment and growth data to adapt instruction; and supports each child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development. The role also involves building relationships and communicating regularly with families. The position calls for deep knowledge of Montessori principles and practices, as well as complementary early childhood philosophies and pedagogies. The Senior Lead Teacher coaches teachers in developing thriving classrooms and reflecting on their practice, facilitates teacher learning opportunities, and mentors participants in Bezos Academy’s Montessori Credential Program. The teacher collaborates directly with an Assistant Teacher and reports to the Head of School. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, salaried position at the Deerfield Beach, Florida preschool. Relocation support is available. The salary range is $61,000–$98,000 per year; starting salary depends on qualifications and prior experience. The upper third of the range is typically reserved for existing employees with multiple years in the role and a record of strong performance.

Requirements

At least three years of experience as a Lead Teacher or Lead Guide in a Montessori primary classroom serving children ages 3–6.
A bachelor’s degree, or four additional years of relevant classroom experience in lieu of a degree.
A primary diploma from an AMI, AMS, or other MACTE-accredited institute.
A track record of driving strong child outcomes as a teacher.
Strong adult coaching skills and mindsets.
Ability to meet Florida credentialing criteria for lead early childhood teachers.
Ability and willingness to serve as designated person in charge, responsible for overall on-site supervision of staff.
Ability to meet Florida training and eligibility requirements, including background checks and tuberculosis tests, and to submit required documentation and training completion through the state child care regulatory agency before employment begins.
Experience monitoring and maintaining accurate records on individual students’ progress.
Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and safely care for young children, including the ability to lift at least 40 pounds.
Experience working effectively across lines of difference.

Nice To Haves

At least five years of experience as a Montessori primary Lead Teacher, including at least three years post-certification.
A track record of generating positive outcomes through coaching and training educators.
Comfort and confidence using various child, classroom-efficacy, and adult-learning assessment methods.
Experience working with children and families in low-income areas.
Experience working with children with special needs.
Experience applying diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices in educator development programs and/or teacher training.
Active VPK Instructor Endorsement, previous experience in a VPK program, and/or previous experience with CLASS observations.

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 support children’s developmental needs.
Create an environment demonstrating rapport, respect, and kindness among teachers and students.
Use approved assessment tools and strategies—including observations, work samples, developmental continuums, and portfolios—to inform individual instructional decisions.
Monitor and maintain accurate records of individual student progress and use school-approved screening and evaluation tools.
Use relevant, approved technology to support instruction.
Communicate regularly with students, colleagues, and families about student progress and needs; establish positive relationships with families and students.
Maintain teaching skills and participate in professional development, self-assessment, refinement of practice, and collaborative professional growth.
Participate in collegial activities and meetings that support a productive professional learning community.
Assume low-level postures, such as kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor, as needed to communicate effectively with children.
Observe, model, and coach other teachers to improve instruction, record-keeping, planning, and other processes.
Facilitate formal and informal learning and development opportunities for teachers.
Use child-level assessment and growth data to evaluate child progress and plan teacher professional learning and day-to-day instructional coaching.
Serve as the school’s Licensing Designee when the Head of School is not in the building, as needed.
Contribute to school leadership and administration, as needed.
Serve as designated person in charge, responsible for overall on-site supervision of staff.