Bambini/Nido Program Lead Directress
General Information
Full-Time (academic year) + flexibility to work in the summer
Permanent position
25-40 hours/week
Job Description
Montessori environments are completely unique in the educational landscape. The method is not only exciting and rewarding for children but also for the adults that work in the environment. Unlike other educational systems, Montessori allows for the teacher to work closely with each of her students and have the pleasure of seeing their learning discoveries every day. Given the remarkable nature of the Montessori method, a quite remarkable teacher is also required.
Above all, Montessori teachers must respect the child, other adults, their personal environment, and themselves. Montessori teachers are creative, humble, trustworthy, patient, and enterprising individuals who embrace an attitude of lifelong learning. They must possess excellent organization, observation, and communication skills in order to successfully manage a classroom and collaborate with other adults. This position requires a commitment to best Montessori practices and an ability to work collaboratively within a team. As the leader in Montessori education in Iowa, MSM promotes strong standards of excellence and integrity in all we do.
The lead teacher is responsible for:
Creating and maintaining a nurturing, peaceful, and clean educational environment to meet the needs of each child.
Observing, guiding, supervising, and assessing children while they learn in the classroom environment.
Creating lesson plans, curricula, and materials focused on developing social, physical, intellectual, and emotional skills.
Monitoring and assessing student progress and individual needs.
Thorough and detailed record keeping, writing weekly newsletter updates, completing bi-annual progress reports.
Leading bi-annual parent-teacher conference.
Leading sessions at quarterly parent-information nights.
Refraining from impeding upon the child’s independence or opportunities for his growth/discovery.
Establishing rapport and building relationships with students based on trust and mutual respect.
Setting an excellent example for students and instilling good values like integrity, accountability, understanding, respect, love, and cleanliness.
Ensuring classroom supplies and equipment are available and in excellent condition.
Participating in school activities and accompanying students on field trips.
Maintaining frequent positive and professional parent communication.
Leading one after-school club per week.
MSM is most interested in hearing from applicants who have an AMS credential but will consider an intern or adult learner. In such a case, MSM is keen to sponsor teachers for the full AMS Certified Teacher Training for the right candidate.
Requirements & Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree (in any field).
AMS Montessori credential from a MACTE accredited program.
2-3 years experience working within a Montessori toddler classroom.
Thorough understanding of the Montessori philosophy and child development.
An ability to manage groups of children of varying ages, needs, and abilities.
The capacity to multitask, keep calm under pressure, and treat everyone with respect.
Patience and excellent organization, observation, communication, and diagnostic skills.
Commitment to cleanliness and integrity.
Hardworking attitude and ability to take initiative.
Ability to work well with others and take direction.
Physically engage with children on their level- working on the floor with them, kneeling to speak one on one, etc.
Have a sincere love of children and a genuine interest in their welfare.
Be a happy and emotionally stable person.
Smile and show tasteful enthusiasm while working with young children.
Dress in neat and comfortable attire.
Have the ability to refrain from ‘over helping’ a child and give the minimum direction that is needed.
Aim to work with assistant directress as a coordinated team.
Compensation & Benefits
Paid wellness time and school holidays.
Generous tuition discounts for children enrolled at MSM.
Many opportunities for professional development.
Salary scale is competitive and based on an individual’s experience and qualifications.
Relocation stipend offered for out-of-state applicants