Job Description: Primary Montessori School Lead Teacher
School History:
Founded in 1968 by Barbara R. Spitzer as a private, non-profit school, CMS has served as a model for the education community in Birmingham for over 50 years. CMS enrolls 250 students at the toddler, primary, elementary, and adolescent levels (18 months through 8th Grade) on a two-acre campus located in the center of Homewood. The campus houses four modern buildings surrounding a central, spacious outdoor environment. The classroom environments themselves are large, well-lit, well equipped with Montessori materials, and open to the outdoors. The school is supported by a vested not-for-profit board and an operating budget of over 2.5 million dollars.
Convenient to both downtown Birmingham and over-the-mountain suburbs, CMS draws from 21 zip codes throughout the metropolitan area. CMS offers its students an unparalleled private school education in a warm, safe, and loving atmosphere where the focus is on the individual child.
CMS faithfully endorses and follows the Montessori Method to fulfill its mission and is accredited with the American Montessori Society. Their mission, coupled with a tradition of encouraging and sustaining diversity and equity, has long been a source of pride and strength.
Mission Statement:
Creative Montessori School provides an authentic Montessori environment that empowers children to discover their own unique potential to shape their future and transform the world around them.
Position Overview: We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Primary Montessori School Teacher (for ages 2.5 to 6 years old) to join our dynamic team at Creative Montessori School in Homewood, AL. As a Primary Montessori School Teacher, you will play a vital role in fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment. Your commitment to the Montessori philosophy, combined with your innovative teaching techniques, will help guide our students towards becoming independent, confident, and lifelong learners.
Responsibilities:
1. Curriculum Implementation:
- Create and implement a comprehensive Montessori curriculum that aligns with the developmental needs of primary-aged children (ages 3-6).
- Prepare and maintain a well-organized classroom environment that encourages exploration, hands-on learning, and creativity.
- Utilize a wide range of Montessori materials to facilitate learning in areas such as practical life, sensorial experiences, language arts, mathematics, cultural studies, and more.
2. Individualized Instruction:
- Observe and assess each child's progress, strengths, and areas for growth, tailoring lessons to meet their individual needs and learning styles.
- Foster a growth mindset in students, encouraging them to embrace challenges and develop problem-solving skills.
- Provide consistent and constructive feedback to students to support their development and self-confidence.
3. Classroom Management:
- Establish and maintain a positive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel safe, respected, and valued.
- Implement effective behavior management techniques that promote self-discipline, conflict resolution, and empathy.
- Collaborate with students to establish classroom rules and routines that encourage independence and responsibility.
4. Parent Communication:
- Maintain open and proactive communication with parents and guardians, providing regular updates on their child's progress, achievements, and areas of focus.
- Conduct parent-teacher conferences and meetings to discuss student development, academic performance, and strategies for home support.
5. Professional Development:
- Stay current with Montessori pedagogy, educational trends, and best practices through ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Collaborate with colleagues to share insights, strategies, and resources that enhance the overall educational experience at the school.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Montessori Education, or a related field (Master's preferred).
- Montessori teaching certification (AMS, AMI, or MACTE equivalent) for primary/early childhood age group.
- Previous experience teaching in a Montessori environment is highly preferred.
- Strong understanding of child development, especially within the primary age range.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Patience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for guiding children's growth and development.
- Ability to create a stimulating and organized classroom environment conducive
Benefits:
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Tuition discount for your children
- Free lunch for staff members
- Percentage towards Health and dental insurance, 401k match, short-term/long-term disability, paid time off
- Opportunities for growth within a well-established Montessori program.
Application Process:
If you are an enthusiastic and dedicated educator with a passion for Montessori education, we invite you to apply for this position at Creative Montessori School. Please submit your resume and cover letter to Dave DeHarde at ddeharde@cmskids.org.
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to the Executive Director, Dave DeHarde at ddeharde@cmskids.org.