Elementary Co-Teacher beginning 2025-26

Fernwood Montessori is seeking an Elementary I-II trained Montessorian for the 2025-26 school year. This person will co-teach with the current lead teacher and lead the elementary classroom for 6 – 12-year-old students.

The co-teacher will help direct the student’s activities academically, emotionally, and physically in a prepared Montessori environment that challenges each child to reach their full potential. The co-teacher will be responsible for presenting the curriculum to students, participating in parent education and conferences, record-keeping, and assessment. Both co-teachers will maintain a classroom and instructional program that supports the individual needs of the children in accordance with the mission and vision and Montessori philosophy and methods.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or 120 semester hours of approved college credit or a Bachelor’s degree equivalence as determined by an independent agency authorized to evaluate foreign credentials.
• Certification from AMS or AMI, MACTE-accredited training facility appropriate for the Elementary Certification.
• Desire to further the understanding and practice of Montessori philosophy.
• Committed to supporting children’s development with the authentic Montessori approach.
• Excellent management and leadership skills.
• Strong interpersonal and mentorship skills.
• Effective organizational, time management and problem-solving skills.
• Must be a self-motivated, self-directed team player that can establish and maintain wonderful relationships with staff, parents, and children.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Evidence of continuing education and professional growth to include meeting all necessary requirements as established by state law and regulatory agencies.
• Experience working in a Montessori setting preferred.
• Must be able to meet all necessary requirements in accordance with state law and regulatory agencies, including all required training courses.
• Authorized to work in the United States and able to pass background checks as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Curriculum, Materials, and Classroom Management

• Maintains a neat, well-organized and attractively prepared environment consistent with Montessori pedagogy.
• Presents consistent and individual group lessons to the students while supporting each child’s direction and success.
• Works with students of varying abilities assigned to the classroom, including those with learning exceptionalities, as well as attending meetings to support children who require it.
• Prepares the Montessori classroom environment to meet the students’ needs and interests.

Parent Education, Meetings, and Conferences

• Works to develop close and effective relationships with parents, including opportunities to discuss and understand the child’s individual progress.
• Assists in the development of and participates in school functions, including but not limited to open houses, orientation meetings, parent education, and school-wide activities.
• Prepares documents and reports necessary to facilitate parent teacher conferences or other meetings requested by parents or school administration.
• Oversees and participates in school-wide and parent communication as required by administration.

Record-Keeping and Data Assessment

• Follows the school’s policies and procedures for student evaluation, report preparation and record keeping, meeting all due dates as required by administration.
• Maintains student records, reports, and evaluations.
• Completes all progress monitoring and benchmark assessments on time as scheduled by administration.
• Participates in all assessment-related trainings.
• Prepares student progress reports and assessment reports as required by administration.

Professional Responsibility

• Participates in all required professional development.
• Participates in the establishment and maintenance of a school-wide atmosphere of collegial support and adherence to professional standards.
• Has a firm commitment to uphold the school’s mission.
• Required attendance and participation in all staff meetings.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand, bend, lift and work in an outdoor playground environment for extended periods of time while supervising children.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.