Montessori Teaching Fellow

Program Summary

The first step in creating a truly great classroom environment is finding a strong teacher to lead it. Bring your passion for ‘greenhousing’ and and supporting our youth at  Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public School

Selected applicants will spend the summer training with AMS , AMI , IMC and/or a MACTE approved teacher training program  and a year in the classroom at SSMA --  working on certification as a Montessori Guide.  Your tuition will be paid in full by Shining Stars Montessori Academy. Upon completion of your training program, you will have the opportunity to continue to work with a Montessori trainer and become a Montessori Co- Guide/Teaching Fellow  in one of our Children’s House  or Elementary (Lower or Upper)  classrooms. 

During this training period, you will be working alongside a certified Montessori teacher in our multi aged and multi- graded classrooms:

Grade Level(s) -:  PreK3-PreK4, Kindergarten, 1-3  and/or 4-6

Time Frame: Training Program begins in June 2023 or June 2024 ( or as is determined by the Teacher Education Program). 

About Us: Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS (SSMA) is a fully accredited Montessori public charter school. Additionally, SSMA is also accredited by the Middle States Association/Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools(MSA/CES.   Located in Washington, DC, we  are committed to our mission of  "challenging each child to achieve..." and we pride ourselves on our students' ability to achieve high results in their  middle schoolsbased on the foundations gained in grades PreK 3 -6  at SSMA.. 

In our school you will find smiling faces, and opportunity. While working at SSMA  you  will make a difference in the lives of our over 300+ students. You will gain invaluable experience and have fun along the way.  In this position, a cohesive leadership team of directors , staff and consultants  will be there to support you every step of the way. Along with our result-driven Montessori curriculum and commitment to educating the whole child - academically, morally, and socially - you and your students will be set up for success. 

Required Competencies & Qualifications:

• Experience helping students achieve academic , developmental, social/emotional goals

• Proven ability to work as a member of a diverse team of educators 

• Willingness to support and ‘grow’ students with exceptional needs in the inquiry-based Montessori environment and learning model

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Excellent written and communication, and problem solving skills

• Ability to write reports, correspondence, and classroom newsletters for parents

• Demonstrate the capacity for independent work, flexibility

• Ability to provide services to all children and families with respect and dignity

• Ability to understand and willingness to work with a range of learning styles 

• Commitment to upholding the school’s mission, and confidentiality of students and parents

Minimum Education Qualifications: 

Must minimally possess  a Bachelor’s Degree in ECE, Elementary Education and/or related discipline and/or hold a valid teacher license in the subject and/or grade level for which you are applying . Only Children’s House classes may have a Guide who is still pursuing a degree.

Minimum Experience (number of years), Knowledge and/or Abilities

• Candidates must possess a love of children and a sense of humor -definitely required 

• Candidates with 1-3 prior years experience working with diverse student populations - preferred

• Candidates with 1-3 years  prior experience working in a private, public or public charter Montessori preferred but not required 

• Experience working with diverse student populations - preferred.

• Candidates who enjoy working in a diverse environment and who are themselves bilingual are encouraged to apply. 

• Candidates with an appreciation for Montessori principles and philosophy are encouraged to apply.

• Working knowledge of Google Docs suite of applications and virtual learning  and videoconferencing platforms such as Google Classroom, Zoom, Seesaw, Canvas etc.

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

• CPR and First Aid License preferred but not required.at employment

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter

2. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Transcripts (if a recent college graduate)

2. Teaching License

How to Apply

1. Submit a cover letter and resume, in one document, to careers@shiningstarspcs.org and include the position title (i.e., Montessori Teaching Fellow)  in the subject line.THEN

2. Go to the Careers page at http://www.shining starspcs.org to complete the employment application.

Compensation:

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included while in training..