Montessori Assistant - Elementary (FY 24-25)

Position: Montessori Elementary Assistant

Location: Washington, DC 20012

Position Type: Full-time

Reports to: Montessori Guide/Principal

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Principal and Montessori Guide, the Montessori Elementary Assistant works with the classroom Guide as they plan and provide appropriate learning experiences for students. They assist the Guide in preparing a structured, student-centered learning environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of all children; monitor and evaluate student development and outcomes; communicate and interact with students, parents, staff, and community; works within the Montessori pedagogical scheme to develop and modify instructional plans and materials to meet the needs of all students; maintains appropriate records; follows required procedures and practices and monitors proper use and care of equipment, materials, and facilities.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

The Montessori Elementary Assistant is a 10-month position. Typical working hours are Monday 8:00 am-4:30 pm and Tuesday-Friday from 8:00 am-4:00 pm.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Assist in the planning, implementation, and coordination of the Montessori classroom
• Maintain a prepared learning environment according to the developmental and curricular specifications outlined in the Montessori Scope & Sequence
• Knowledge of the nomenclature associated with Montessori materials and an understanding of how to support children with their use
• Set limits and boundaries and maintain appropriately high standards for child behavior in the Montessori context
• Observe student activity and base lesson support on observed needs and interests as well as knowledge of previous lessons given
• Participate in weekly group coaching meetings
• Ability to complete record-keeping tasks for the needs of the individual child as well as the group
• Knowledge of literacy programming and the ability to support reading growth through multiple methods as needed, including working with students individually or in small groups, assessing the reading level, and reinforcing skills or concepts presented by the guide
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and the school leadership team
• Communicate effectively with parents/families, under the guidance of the classroom Guide, to help them understand the details and implementation of the Montessori approach
• Provide a spirit of hospitality at school gatherings, occasional public events, and ongoing family engagement events
• Participate in other school functions as requested by the Executive Director
• Exhibits:
  • self-discipline
  • independence
  • responsibility
  • grace and courtesy
  • respect for others
  • care of environment
  • care of self
  • community building

Required Competencies and Qualifications:

• Firmly committed to upholding the school’s mission and anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy.
• Commitment to upholding the confidentiality of students and parents
• Proven ability to work as a member of a diverse team of educators
• Enthusiasm and commitment to our vision and mission
• Creative, energetic, and nurturing personality
• Organizational and interpersonal skills
• Timeliness and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Education and Experience:

• Experience working with diverse populations of students, parents, and families.
• Bachelor‘s degree required
• Classroom assisting experience, preferably in a Montessori environment and/or with young children
• Experience collaborating and working as an assistant