Elementary Support Guide

Job Description: Elementary Support Guide

Magnolia Montessori School (MMS) aims to foster in each child a sense of respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness for themselves, their community, and for our connected and global society. By encouraging curiosity and innovative thinking, our students maintain a life-long love of learning and sense of duty towards stewardship and ethical responsibility. Every MMS student undergoes a self-construction that allows for the development of their fullest academic, social, and emotional potential. Our families and staff work together to create a foundation upon which an authentic Montessori education can grow and have a positive impact in our community.

Assistant Teachers or Support Guides are under the supervision and leadership of the Lead Guide in the Elementary classroom and report directly to their lead guide and Director of Curriculum. 

A Support Guide at Magnolia Montessori School must meet the following qualifications:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Have a high school degree or equivalent education
• Have at least 3 years of experience working with children and/or a certificate in elementary education or currently working towards the completion of one
• Submit to various background checks including those completed through the Mississippi Department of Human Services
• Be CPR, First Aid certified or obtain certification upon hire
• Provide up-to-date physician’s documentation of state-required immunizations
• Be mentally and physically capable of caring for a large group of children ages 6 to 12 years
• Possess a strong work ethic and attention to punctuality
• Have an awareness of the unique needs of elementary-aged children and have appropriate expectations of their developmental abilities
• Be available for full time employment and available to work some evenings/weekends
• Have dependable transportation
• Exercise dependability in attendance and punctuality

The following requirements are expected of a Support Guide at Magnolia Montessori School:

• Ensure the safety and well-being of each child by responding to their emotional, social, and physical needs as well as their educational needs
• Utilize Montessori-aligned, developmentally appropriate practice and best practice methods at all times
• Be warm and nurturing with children
• Be a positive role model for all caregiving staff and children
• Maintain a high standard of professionalism

The responsibilities and duties of a Support Guide at Magnolia Montessori School include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist the Lead Guide and fellow colleagues in implementing Montessori-aligned curriculum and planning daily activities that are developmentally appropriate for students
• Engage children in Montessori-aligned activities and play to best stimulate their development
• Maintain the "prepared environment:" an environment that is clean, organized, and safe for all children to enjoy; where “everything has a place and everything is in its place”
• Assist with daily student observations (looking out for and noting learning and social/emotional progress, needs, etc.)
• Appropriately supervise children while keeping them safe at all times
• Prepare children to independently carry out activities of daily life 
• Establish a professional level of rapport with each family in order to provide quality care and friendly service
• Attend and engage in occasional community participation events and other events that may be on nights and/or weekends
• Communicate with the Lead Guide and Director of Curriculum regarding all aspects of the children’s care as well as classroom management
• Maintain a professional self-image and project the values of the organization at all times
• Understand and fulfill your role as ambassador of Magnolia Montessori School and our organization’s core beliefs, goals, mission, and vision

To best apply for this position, please email your most recent resume and a cover letter addressing why you're interested in the position to the Curriculum Director at emily@magnoliamontessorischool.com.