Washington, D.C.
Posted: 20-May-26
Location: Henrico, Virginia
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Preferred Education:
Additional Information:
Apply using link, https://forms.veracross.com/Forms/richmont/ApplicationforEmployment/Applicants.aspx
Purpose: The Assistant Teacher is responsible for all aspects related to supporting the teacher in her/his efforts to advance the education of the students under the teacher’s charge, utilizing the best principles and practices based on the Montessori Method of education. The assistant teacher supports the lead teacher in delivering the core Montessori curriculum, preparing the environment, fostering independence, order, and concentration in students, and honoring the
Montessori philosophy of respect for the individual learner, sensitive periods, intrinsic motivation, and the absorbent mind. Takes direction from the Lead Teacher and collaborates with her and the classroom assistant to support the well-being of the students in her care.
The assistant teacher reports directly to the Lead (Montessori) Teacher and receives day-to-day support and guidance from the lead teacher.
Essential Job Functions :
1. Montessori Classroom: Prepares and maintains a well-ordered classroom environment under the direction of the Lead Montessori Teacher. Cares for all materials and furnishings purchased by RMS for use in the class. Ensures materials are attractive, clean, complete, and in good repair. Takes direction from the classroom teacher regarding the preparation of class materials, manages student behavior using Positive Discipline and/or individual behavior
plans, and assists students with individual self-care needs. Assists the teacher with monitoring daily schedules and supervising students during recess, lunch, and nap, as well as during specialty classes as necessary, while allowing for independence and autonomy whenever possible. Communicates effectively with students to develop language, conceptual, and behavioral skills, using various methods tailored to each student's ability.
2. Student, Safety, Supervision, and Care: The safety, supervision, and care of students are the top priorities for both the Lead Teacher and the Assistant Teacher while students are indoors, during transitions, and outside. Students should be supervised at all times. When playing outside, students should always be in age-appropriate, designated
fenced play spaces.
3. Student instruction, assessment & progress: Assists the classroom teacher with record keeping, progress report preparation, and classroom communication. The Assistant Teacher shall make no evaluative comments to parents except under the supervision of the classroom teacher. The Assistant Teacher may assist the Teacher in evaluating each child's progress, but all parent-teacher conferences, including informal ones, are the sole responsibility of the
Lead Teacher.
4. Parent Relations: Directs parental concerns and questions to the Lead Montessori Teacher or the appropriate administrative team member. Relays pertinent information and observation to the Lead Montessori Teacher. Maintains positive relations with parents but does not engage in problem-solving specific situations.
5. Personal Growth & Development: Keeps informed and supports the Montessori approach to education in their classroom. The Assistant Teacher also shall attend other workshops, classes, or conferences, as mutually agreed to with the Head, in support of the Assistant Teacher’s continuing education or professional development as part of the annual evaluation process. Attends pertinent staff meetings, as set by the Head, and other school meetings/functions and lectures directly related to the Assistant Teacher’s class/responsibilities.
6. Administrative Responsibilities: Completes various forms such as accident report forms, peer observation and self-evaluation forms, etc., in a specified and timely fashion. Notifies the Level Director and the Lead Teacher (at least 2 – 12 hours in advance, if possible) if they are ill and unable to come to school, and contacts a substitute from the Substitute List.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong oral & written communication, ability to use basic Google apps, email and calendaring, and, ability to use tact when dealing with difficult parent and/or student situations, attention to detail and accuracy, ability to recognize classroom situations with students and bring in support for observation as needed, able to make decisions and work independently, able to solve problems, strong interpersonal skills, exemplary work ethic, high
energy and consistent follow through, understands and demonstrates confidentiality regarding parent and family situations, and treats co-workers with respect and dignity. Responsible for the safety and well-being of students in your care at all times, and following state licensing regulations and safety guidelines.
Education, Training, and/or Experience: Minimum of two years of classroom experience with students at the class level assignment. A bachelor’s degree and experience in a Montessori setting are desirable.
Certifications, Licenses, or Registrations: First Aid, CPR, and any other certifications as dictated by VDOE. Physical Factors: Primarily a classroom environment, with the exception of carpool or recess duty, and other needs as assigned. This is an active position requiring adults to sit on the floor and bend down to the child’s level. Assistant teachers will be asked to supervise students playing outside for 30 to 60 minutes per day. The ability to lift 35 pounds isrequired.
Working conditions: On an as-needed basis, employees are required to attend classroom-specific and after-school functions, community meetings, parent meetings, and other activities outside the normal schedule.
This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, as needed by Richmond Montessori School. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the job holder’s
responsibility.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong oral & written communication, ability to use basic Google apps, email and calendaring, and, ability to use tact when dealing with difficult parent and/or student situations, attention to detail and accuracy, ability to recognize classroom situations with students and bring in support for observation as needed, able to make decisions and work independently, able to solve problems, strong interpersonal skills, exemplary work ethic, high
energy and consistent follow through, understands and demonstrates confidentiality regarding parent and family situations, and treats co-workers with respect and dignity. Responsible for the safety and well-being of students in your care at all times, and following state licensing regulations and safety guidelines.
Education, Training, and/or Experience: Minimum of two years of classroom experience with students at the class level assignment. A bachelor’s degree and experience in a Montessori setting are desirable.
Certifications, Licenses, or Registrations: First Aid, CPR, and any other certifications as dictated by VDOE. Physical Factors: Primarily a classroom environment, with the exception of carpool or recess duty, and other needs as assigned. This is an active position requiring adults to sit on the floor and bend down to the child’s level. Assistant teachers will be asked to supervise students playing outside for 30 to 60 minutes per day. The ability to lift 35 pounds isrequired.
