Primary Lead Teacher

Little City Montessori (https://www.littlecitymontessori.com/) is expanding to a second location and is excited to welcome another Primary Lead Teacher to our wonderful faculty. We have built a team of dedicated, passionate, caring teachers in a community of supportive families. This second location will be in the heart of Northern Liberties, in a new construction building with dedicated outdoor space! Little City believes children should be nurtured and celebrated as individuals in order for them to unlock their love for learning and build on their natural curiosity.  Little City values the diverse backgrounds of our staff and recognizes the importance of teaching the children in an inclusive environment. This role is a wonderful opportunity for an experienced teacher who is ready to take on an exciting, new challenge!

Little City Montessori is located in Philadelphia, PA. The school is licensed by both the State Board of Private Academic Schools and the Department of Human Services, and is a member of the American Montessori Society.

Lead Teacher Responsibilities:

Curriculum

• Plan whole group, small group and individual lessons for all students in the classroom. 
• Utilize Montessori albums and teacher training to ensure that the classroom is following the scope and sequence that is developmentally appropriate for the age group.
• Establish and maintain the classroom true to the Montessori philosophy. 
• Implement and update curriculum based on students specific needs which are assessed through ongoing observation. Ensure the daily care of every child by following all licensing guidelines and implementing all school standards.
• Plan, prepare and maintain all units of study – including Montessori materials, thematic units, library books, Amazon wishlist, etc.
• Create a steady schedule for guest presenters and parent volunteers. 
• Actively collaborate with the primary program teaching team to create a cohesive primary curriculum, by partnering closely with the Program Coordinator to plan and implement the curriculum and pedagogy

Communication

• Provide a setting in which children feel confident to express independence, authentic emotions, and creative expression responsive to changing needs of the children.
• Facilitate a respectful environment for children and adults by advocating conflict resolution and Grace and Courtesy lessons through role-play
• Establish family partnerships and maintain respectful and open lines of communication with parents and caregivers.
• Communicate via newsletters with parents about their children’s school lives once a month 
• Educate parents and caregivers in Montessori philosophy through scheduled workshops.
• Write formal progress reports twice a year and prepare to lead parent-teacher conferences (one in the fall and one in the spring).
• Schedule and work with other faculty for any joint Parent Nights, programs/performances, etc.
• Maintain a professional self-image and project the values of the school at all times.
• Utilize the Brightwheel application to communicate daily updates to parents and staff members. This includes photo updates as outlined by the school’s expectations.
• Organize notes for and write all reports requested by outside agencies and ongoing schools, as requested, in a timely manner.

Record Keeping

• Carefully observe and keep daily records on each student’s individual progression
  through the classroom.
• Maintain record keeping through the use of Transparent Classroom.
• Keep a school calendar of classroom events visible in the classroom for administration and teaching team.

Mentorship of Classroom Assistants

• Supervise the classroom assistant, aide, interns, substitutes, and volunteers; provide necessary instruction and training for those assisting in the classroom environment.
• Establish a harmonious relationship with classroom support staff.
• Mentor teaching team by providing opportunities of growth and development through increased responsibilities as the teacher matures in their capabilities. 
• Conduct bi-weekly meetings with the teaching team.
• Participate in staff evaluation.

Administration

• Comply with all continuing education requirements by state. 
• Attend professional development, faculty meetings, scheduled staff events and school sponsored events.
• Plan, prepare, and organize all materials for volunteers.
• Assess the quality and safety of spaces which children occupy and report any maintenance issue to the Head of School. 
• Maintain a clean, clutter-free, and organized environment on a daily basis.
• Organize planning time for changing out material, cleaning and reorganizing works.
• Be responsible and flexible for all other duties as assigned, especially when team members are out.

Qualifications

• Early Childhood AMS certification 
• A four year college degree, preferably in Early Childhood Education
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Strong personal communication skills and written communication skills
• All mandated clearances and trainings as required
• References and a proven track record of caring and nurturing children
• Ability to lift 30 lbs

Desired Characteristics

• Engages enthusiastically with peers as members of the same team
• Strong interpersonal skills: The teacher should have the ability to work with children, parents, caregivers and other faculty members 
• Experience with technology platforms used for children record keeping and/or platforms used to communicate with caregivers on a daily basis. 

This is an 11-month position, Monday – Friday, 7:45 - 3:45. There is the opportunity to work additional summer weeks. We offer a highly competitive salary and healthcare benefits, in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender identity), national origin, disability, or genetic information (including family medical history) is illegal and will not be tolerated. Little City Montessori will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees who need them for medical or religious reasons, as required by law.

Interested candidates should send resumes to Kaitlin@littlecitymontessori.com with “Primary Lead Teacher application” in the subject line of the email.

Thank you!