Design and prepare an inviting and challenging Montessori environment using a full complement of Montessori materials as well as supplemental materials. Prepare for the cognitive, social/emotional and physical achievement of children as well as for their safety and well being.
Specific Responsibilities:
Educational Program & Student Services:
Demonstrate competency with Montessori philosophy and methods
Prepare an environment in which furnishings and materials are complete and correspond to the needs of the class. Careful monitoring of the rotation of materials throughout the school year to continually meet the cognitive, social/emotional and physical needs of children.
Set clear/consistent expectations for class routines and classroom community goals
Assist children with personal care independence when applicable (toileting, hand washing, teeth brushing, etc.)
Give lessons to students in groups and to individual students
Prepare students for school events such as the Academic and Science Fairs, International Festival, assemblies, etc.
Recognize when students are not progressing as expected and communicate this to HoS for collaboration and follow-up
Follow recommendations for students who receive support through a specialist (Early Intervention, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, etc.)
Support students with individual behavioral plans
Train and supervise children regarding emergency practices such as fire drills
Give input on curriculum planning and implementation
Inventory, replace or repair materials once a year to ensure full spectrum of complete materials that are in very good to excellent condition
Maintain the daily cleanliness and overall preparation of common areas in classroom and throughout the school (student lockers, entrance ways, classroom furniture counters, etc.)
Constituent Relations:
Build productive relationships with parents through parent education events, Parent/Teacher conferences (twice a year), additional parent meetings if concerns arise, and parent volunteer opportunities in the classroom.
Build positive relations with community organizations to support specific classroom curriculum and service learning
Administration:
Prepare written progress reports for each child (twice yearly) regarding academic, organizational, developmental and social growth. Submit progress reports to Director of Education or Head of School
Maintain daily attendance in Renweb
Work collaboratively with Assistant Head of School to address concerns regarding students, parents and staff
Report all accidents/ incidents to Director of Education and complete accident forms as needed
Attend weekly level and faculty meetings
Attend all mandatory events
Perform duties related to arrival/dismissal of school
Update Student Online Portfolios weekly with photos and description of work
Write weekly classroom emails
Conduct home visits and support families and children through phase - in, including making one phone call per NEW family during the first 2 weeks of school
Participate in Goal Setting process with HoS
Plan for field trips and extensions to curriculum as outlined each year
Personnel
Direct Intern in supporting the needs of the students and the classroom environment
Provide opportunities for the Intern to share questions and observations
Support Intern in training assignments
Provide training center necessary paperwork completed by mentoring teacher
School Culture
Demonstrate a strong commitment to professional ethics
Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Montessori Education by modeling the Montessori values of grace and courtesy, respect and responsibility in visible daily actions
Demonstrate commitment to competent communications and conflict resolution efforts across the school community
Protect the privacy and confidentiality of each student and colleague
Consistently give input on teacher leadership
Assist in planning school events
Professional Development
Attend in-service training as provided by Riverbend School
Attend workshops/conferences or other opportunities approved by HoS to further educational advancement
Other
Take on other duties as assigned.
It is expected that all administrators will function as self-directed members in a team effort. All activities and performances should meet appropriate professional standards and adhere to the philosophy and mission of the Riverbend School.
Commitment to DEIJ:
Riverbend School is committed to becoming an anti-bias and anti-racist community. All candidates must be committed to furthering this work by embracing differences; exploring and affirming the identities and intersections of all which include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomics, social class, family structures, learning differences, and differences in ability. Candidates must be comfortable working in a culturally diverse environment.
We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQIA+ educators, or educators from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools.
EEO Statement:
Riverbend School is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment. Riverbend strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, veteran status, or any other class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Experience Requirements:
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to manipulate classroom materials
2 years Montessori classroom experience preferred
Must be comfortable working in a culturally diverse environment and committed to embracing differences and valuing multiple perspectives
Education/Certification Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree (required for Lead Teacher); Associate’s with equivalent experience (for non-lead Primary Teacher)
3-6 (Primary) Montessori certification from an AMS or AMI accredited training center (required for Lead Teacher only)