Chicago, Illinois
Posted: 15-Jan-26
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Type: Full Time
Salary: $53,000-$79,480
Categories:
Salary Details:
Nestled in the Bowmanville neighborhood just 10 miles north of Downtown Chicago,
Rogers Park Montessori School, established in 1966, serves children ages 2-14. We
have a proud tradition of teacher collaboration and support. The students, teaching
faculty, and parents of our toddler classrooms, 3-6 classrooms, 6-9 classrooms, 9-12
classrooms, and Middle School classrooms comprise a close-knit school community.
Currently, we are seeking a motivated Head Teacher for a Lower Elementary Montessori classroom with strong organization and communication skills who values working as part of a dynamic, creative team to join our school community. This role is for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Position Summary
The Head Teacher is a teacher and guide who helps direct the children’s activities academically, emotionally, and physically in a prepared Montessori environment that challenges each child to reach his/her fullest potential. The Head Teacher is union bargaining member who is responsible for upholding the purpose, standards, and policies of RPMS as outlined in the Parent and Employee Handbooks under the supervision and evaluation of the Principal and Program Directors. The Head Teacher is expected to conduct himself/herself in an ethical and professional manner at all times. The Head Teacher must maintain all personal information about children, families, organizational issues and other school matters as confidential.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities:
Teaching
- Direct the children’s activities academically, emotionally, and physically in a prepared Montessori environment that challenges each child to reach his/her fullest potential.
- Develop a positive rapport with children.
- Oversee the safety and physical well-being of the children at all times.
- Demonstrate realistic expectations of children based on age and abilities.
- Protect the privacy and working atmosphere of the class at all times.
- Participate in the development and implementation of new curricula.
- Train and supervise children in the execution of fire drills, including the routing and building exits.
Classroom
- Prepare an environment where furnishings and materials are complete and correspond to the needs of the group.
- Oversee, care, and maintain classroom materials and yearly inventory.
- Maintain an orderly environment, keeping it safe, clean, and sanitary allowing the children to share this responsibility when possible.
Supervisory
- Supervise the classroom Assistant/Intern.
- Provide guidance, training, and coaching to the Assistant/Intern by meeting with the Assistant/Intern as necessary and conducting regular performance evaluations.
- Assist the Program Director in interviewing for the assistant position as needed.
Record Keeping and Reporting
- Maintain curriculum planning, observational and academic records, including progress reports.
- Plan, prepare, submit and share lesson plans as required by Program Directors, which may vary depending on Elementary, Middle School and Extended Day, or Children’s House requirements.
- Maintain written record of all parent meetings, phone calls and emails.
- Maintain current attendance reports.
- Submit academic records and other required records during the year.
- Report all accidents immediately including preparing a written report and notifying parents.
- Report all unusual or significant incidents immediately, including preparing a written report stating the date, time and nature of incident, including action taken.
- Complete monthly class summary reports.
Communication
- Prepare monthly newsletter for parents.
- Hold two parent conferences during the school year, and provide on-going communication to parents as needed.
- Proactively initiate discussions with parents in the early stages of issues.
- Communicate and cooperate with the Administration on program changes.
- Communicate effectively with children.
- Communicate effectively with parents.
Child Assessment
- Work with Principal and Program Director on difficulties with children, parents and staff.
- Provide input to the Admissions Director or Program Director on recommendations regarding re-enrollment, rejection or dismissal of any child as required.
- Make recommendations for testing or special needs services to the Principal and/or Program Director.
General Administration
- Assist the Principal and Program Director in developing and implementing school policies and procedures, adult orientation and educational design as requested.
- Attend staff meetings and other school meetings as required.
- Prepare annual goals, participate in peer consultations and self-evaluations, and consult with the Principal and Program Director regarding professional growth and development.
- Assist with other projects, programs and planning as assigned.
- Comply with all policies and procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook.
- Adhere to AMS guidelines and professional standards.
Competencies
- Strong communication skills.
- High ethical standards.
- Professional and courteous.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member.
- Flexibility and openness to new ideas.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and Montessori certification.
- Experience with and understanding of the development of children.
- Ability to fulfill requirements of all state and local licensing agencies affecting RPMS.