Senior Lead Teacher: Dallas, TX

Bezos Academy•Dallas, TX

20d•$74,000 - $118,000

About The Position

As Senior Lead Teacher, you will lead a classroom of up to 20 children ages three through five and provide instructional coaching and support to the rest of the teaching staff at a Bezos Academy school within our network of high quality, tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschools in under-resourced communities. You will plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences. You will use child-level assessment and growth data to modify instructional plans to ensure every child is ultimately ready for kindergarten. You will create learning opportunities that support the cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development of every child. You will build relationships and communicate regularly with families to support each child’s development. You will bring a deep knowledge of Montessori educational principles and practices, as well as complementary early childhood philosophies and pedagogies. You will coach teachers to create thriving classrooms and reflect on their practice. You will facilitate teacher learning opportunities and provide mentorship to those enrolled in Bezos Academy’s Montessori Credential Program. In this role, you will collaborate directly with an Assistant Teacher in your classroom and report directly to the Head of School.

Requirements

Three or more years of experience as a Lead Teacher or Guide leading a Montessori primary classroom (ages 3-6)
Bachelor’s degree OR an additional four years of additional relevant classroom experience in lieu of a degree
Primary diploma from an AMI, AMS, or other MACTE-accredited institute
Track record of driving strong child outcomes as a teacher
Strong adult coaching skills and mindsets
Ability to meet all credentialing criteria for lead early childhood teachers in Texas (please see here for a summary of credentialing criteria)
Ability and willingness to serve as designated person in charge to carry out the Head of School’s duties if the Head of School is not present in the child-care center during operating hours
Ability to meet all additional training and eligibility requirements of Texas including clearing background checks, tuberculosis tests, and so on, with required documentation eligibility and training completion submitted through each state’s respective child care regulatory agency prior to start of employment
Experience monitoring and maintaining accurate records on the progress of individual students
Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely, including ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs
Experience working effectively across lines of difference

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of experience as a Montessori primary Lead Teacher, including three or more years post-certification
Track record of generating positive outcomes from coaching and training educators
Comfort and confidence with 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 best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion across educator development programs and/or teacher training

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 of instruction that meet both the group and individual needs of students
Prepare and maintain a clean, orderly, and attractive Montessori environment with the instructional resources needed to meet the development needs of every child in the classroom
Create an environment that demonstrates rapport with and respect and kindness for, all students as well as between students
Use Bezos Academy assessment tools/strategies such as observations, children's work samples, continuums of development, portfolios, etc. to help make instructional decisions for individual students
Monitor and maintain accurate records on the progress of individual students; use school-approved screening and evaluation tools
Use relevant, approved technology to support instruction
Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues, and families regarding student progress and student needs
Establish a positive relationship with families and students, providing regular communication with families about their children
Maintain teaching skills and participate in professional development activities
Engage in on-going self-assessment and refinement of practice as well as in collaborative professional growth
Participate in collegial activities and meetings designed to make the entire school a productive professional learning community
Assume postures at low levels (e.g. kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children
Observe, model, and coach other teachers to improve their instruction, record-keeping, planning, and other processes
Facilitate learning and development opportunities for other teachers in formal and informal settings
Use child-level assessment and growth data to evaluate child progress and to plan professional learning for teachers in your school
Use child-level assessment and growth data in planning day-to-day instructional coaching
As needed, serve as the school’s Licensing Designee when the Head of School is not in the building
Generally contribute to the school’s leadership and administration, as needed