Secondary Science Teacher

Position: Teacher-Leader

Primary Content Area: Science

Secondary Content Area: Mathematics

Open Date: January 25, 2025

Close Date: Ongoing until filled

Start Date: July 1, 2025

Type: Full-Time

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision

Projected Salary Range: $40k - $50k

(salary dependent on qualifications)

River Montessori High School (RMHS) of Indiana is seeking an innovative, equity-minded, entrepreneurial Montessori high school teacher with broad expertise in Spanish and a capacity to support other world languages to join its school team. At maturity, RMHS will operate as an urban, 60 - 70 student high school in downtown South Bend, Indiana where ⅓ of students attend from low-income households. For more information about RMHS, visit www.rivermontessorihs.org.

STEM Guide Job Description

• Develop curriculum frameworks for science (specifically Integrated Chemistry/Physics and Environmental Science) learning experiences that are faithful to Montessori educational philosophy and align with Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) course descriptions.
• Collaborate with 6 teacher-leaders to support the development of an authentic Montessori high school serving the diversity of the South Bend community.
• Prepare the high school environment in alignment with the mission of RMHS.
• Communicate clearly with adolescents, parents, and co-teachers when engaged in dialog.
• Inspire confidence in stakeholders by consistently adhering to professional behavioral norms while representing RMHS both within the school and while operating within the wider community.
• Function within a shared administrative structure (e.g., a “Teal” organizational structure as described in Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux).
• Manage school fleet of 30 Macbooks and iMacs and assist with other technology needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Level Teaching License/Certification in Physical Science and/or a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field
• At least one year of teaching experience
• Experience/interest in managing technology and social media (Apple, remote management, Meta Business Suite, Squarespace)

School Mission

We exist to meet the developmental needs of adolescents by educating high school students through the Montessori Method in a mixed-income, community-oriented environment.

We accomplish this through our commitment to the following core values:

• Montessori
• Equity
• Service
• Self
• Community

School Description

RMHS is an urban, community-oriented, micro (60 - 70 student) high school that opened in Fall 2020 with a 14-student 9th grade class. Each successive year, the school has added an additional grade with our first full graduating class in 2024. Working within the Montessori method, students will develop the dispositions of self-motivation and self-discipline while engaged in cross-curricular learning experiences – some teacher-directed, some student-generated – where the city of South Bend is a core classroom. Through participation in Indiana’s School Choice and Tax Credit Scholarship programs, low- and middle-income families will be able to access this high-quality educational experience that would otherwise be unaffordable.

The target outcome of a RMHS education is to orient students toward successfully taking the next step in pursuing their life’s calling while practicing the school’s core values. The teacher’s role in supporting this outcome is to:

• help students discover whether college, trade school, or something else is the next natural step,
• facilitate educational experiences which adequately prepare students to advance, and
• practice RMHS core values on a day-to-day basis.

RMHS Core Values

Montessori

I seek independence.

I nurture my spiritual self.

I embrace failure within learning.

Equity

I acknowledge differences.

I respond to individual needs.

I take action against injustice.

Service

I help when needed.

I practice civic responsibility.

I engage in service opportunities.

Self

I learn for joy.

I do before asked.

I have the power of choice.

Community

I use my voice.

I disagree respectfully.

I pursue universal flourishing.

Your Contribution To RMHS

A deep commitment to authentic Montessori - You possess a growth mindset and use your Montessori expertise – whatever level it is at – to be a highly effective facilitator of adolescent learning and to employ Montessori principles in working with coworkers and parents.

Entrepreneurial leadership - You are flexible, open-minded, see opportunity in obstacles, and are energized by using creativity and resourcefulness to anticipate challenges and solve problems.

Commitment to serving diverse and multifaceted communities - You are eager to increase access to Montessori education in racially and socioeconomically diverse communities and are deeply committed to supporting the development of intersectional environments. You seek to understand the roles that race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and sexual orientation have played – and continue to play – in contributing to persistent inequity.

Generosity of spirit - You build authentic relationships in diverse settings, practice gratitude, and lead with love. You seek advice openly and are comfortable working in a non-hierarchical organization with well-defined roles and responsibilities.

Willingness to work hard - You have the aptitude, stamina, time, and appetite to raise yourself to the challenge of developing a curriculum and expanding your knowledge of the Montessori method through training. (Training is offered during the summer.)

A desire to learn and grow - You are eager to stretch beyond your current experience, to develop new skills and expertise, and to more deeply explore your purpose and potential.

Insights from working in adolescent communities (a plus) - You have experience working with 15-18 year old adolescents, either as a trained Montessorian or in another progressive educational model.

Application Process

“Fit” is of utmost importance for initial employees of RMHS. If you would like to explore a position at River Montessori High School, the process will have the following stages:

• Stage One: Initial employment application submitted on really
• Stage Two: 30-Minute Phone/Video interview
• Stage Three: Submission of contact information for 2-3 professional references to be contacted by RMHS Teacher/Leaders
• Stage Four: Extended video or in-person interview (travel distance permitting)

For questions about the interview process, please contact info@rivermontessorihs.org.

River Montessori High School (RMHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Private school

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Why are you interested in joining the team at RMHS?
• In addition to your primary content area, what expertise from formal training or experience do you see yourself bringing to RMHS?
• Please describe your previous experience with Montessori education. (e.g., parent, teacher, school support staff, read a book, no experience, etc...)
• Please indicate any credentials you hold (teaching credentials, AMS or AMI Montessori credentials, extracurricular credentials, etc.)

Ability to Relocate:

• South Bend, IN 46601: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $50,000