Job Title: Primary Lead Teacher
Department: Lower Division
Reports To: Lower Division Director
Employee Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000 per year
Daily Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:15pm (this includes a 45 minute lunch break and 45 minutes of planning time)
Job Summary
MAC is seeking an experienced, patient, and compassionate individual to serve as a Primary Lead Teacher for our school. We are seeking someone able to start in March 2024 with some flexibility on start date depending on what is best for the classroom. The Lead Teacher oversees all aspects of classroom operation by providing an environment that meets the primary needs physically, socially and emotionally. The Lead Teacher must be excellent in planning and implementing curriculum and maintaining an open, loving and cooperative environment for primary students. The Lead Teacher oversees the observation of children’s development and collects records to assess each child’s progress, which in turn encourages families to be actively involved in their child's education. An understanding of, respect for and love of children at this stage of development and the ability to assist students with a wide range of developmental needs is essential in our school’s environment. In addition, a deep understanding of Montessori philosophy and child development are critical components, along with the ability to be a strong model for assistants and others who work in the class and community. Candidates who are Primary Montessori certified (AMI or AMS accredited programs only), have a Bachelor’s degree, and experience working in Early Childhood Education are most often considered for this position.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Create a beautiful, clean, orderly prepared environment designed for children.
- Follow the Montessori curriculum scope and sequence to make certain all children receive developmentally appropriate lessons.
- Conduct formal and informal observations to inform planning and teaching. In addition, conduct informal and formal assessments to make certain all children are thriving and meeting age appropriate standards.
- Utilize planning time to meet with families, create lesson plans, rotate materials, observe after school in order to support all children, meet with primary leads to discuss best practices and update Transparent Classroom.
- Ensure that children are equipped to successfully transition to first grade by the time they leave IK (Integrated Kindergarten).
- Partner and communicate proactively and effectively with the families, discussing the progress of their children via day-to-day interactions, class email updates, Transparent Classroom, and bi-annual conferences.
- Assume significant responsibility in retaining a child until the conclusion of the Kindergarten year with the intention they stay for Elementary.
- Communicate with the children using language and tone of voice that is authentic, natural, patient and, most importantly, kind.
- Promote feelings of security and trust in primary by encouraging and supporting the children when necessary through activities and practical life skills.
- Oversee and engage primary children during outside time; ensure that activities are stimulating, age-appropriate, and safe.
- Maintain a positive work environment among all staff that is professional, kind, and inclusive.
- Guide assistant teachers in understanding the nuances of primary development, the prepared environment, and how to partner with colleagues and parents.
- Collaborate with primary teaching team and MAC teaching team to ensure smooth transitions and gather/share ideas with one another
- Embrace continuous learning by utilizing professional development days and funds to enrich practice.
- Embody the MAC Characteristics of Excellence daily.
Required Qualifications
- AMS or AMI Primary Certified
- Bachelor’s degree (related degree preferred)
- Experience working with Primary Aged children (2.5-6 years old)
- Ability to effectively interface with the students, families, faculty, and staff
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to commit to the position for a minimum of three years
- Criminal background check required upon hire
MAC is committed to caring for and investing in our employees by offering a generous benefit package, including the potential for paid Montessori training, 35 paid holidays annually, 11 Paid Time Off days, 3 Paid Professional Development days, health, dental and vision insurance, a 403b retirement plan with match, employer paid life insurance plan, and voluntary life insurance, critical illness and short term disability plans, and RTD EcoPass.
MAC is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment, free of discrimination or harassment, for its community. MAC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, immigration/citizen status, age, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, disability, socio-economic status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit fact. Any person with a concern or allegation of discrimination or harassment shall report it to MAC’s Compliance Coordinator. More information is available on our website.