Lead Teacher - Primary Level

Position: Lead Teacher

Summary:

The Lead Teacher position at Ithaca Montessori School (IMS) requires love, patience, and respect for children. Lead Teachers must have the ability to encourage children to be independent and model appropriate manners and behaviors. Lead Teachers instruct children in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth following the philosophies of Maria Montessori by performing the duties described below. Lead Teachers model the IMS Mission and Values and Montessori principles for their Assistant Teachers as well as the children and families of the children in their classroom.

Lead Teachers in the Primary Level care for children aged three to six years. At this level, Lead Teachers must be able to support the children in their care in their social development, continued fine and gross motor development, and development of literacy and other academic skills.

Basic Qualifications:

• AMS, AMI or MACTE Accredited Montessori Early Childhood Certification
• Education and Experience to meet the New York State Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) Lead of Group Requirements as follows:
• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field OR
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with a minimum of one year of direct experience caring for children OR
• Nine college credits in Early Childhood, Child Development, or a related field with a plan of study leading to a CDA credential or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or a related field with a minimum of two years of direct experience working with children.
• Pass all background checks required by OCFS
• Meets school/state health requirements, including TB test, immunizations, and physical.
• Able to lift 50 pounds.
• Able to squat, stand, and sit for 2 hours or more at a time.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• General:
• Arrive promptly on a daily basis to prepare the classroom for children’s arrival.
• Be responsible for the daily supervision of assistant teachers in the classroom.
• Be responsible for any school keys assigned, reporting their loss immediately to administration.
• Understand and promote the school’s mission, purposes, objectives, and policies to families in a positive and supportive manner.
• Be responsible for the welfare, safety, and educational achievements of students.
• Attend appropriate Staff, Level, and Classroom Meetings, Professional Development Sessions, Community Events, and Parent Education Nights.
• Maintaining an ongoing 30 hours of professional development every two years in accordance with OCFS regulations.
• Attend and participate in the All Staff Retreat and Set-Up Week
• Complete and maintain all records, reports, evaluations, and student records in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Application Information

Please send cover letters, resumes, and references to Pamela Weatherby at pam@ithacamontessori.org

Salary based on education and experience.  The position starts on 12/14/2020.  All paperwork must be completed by this date.