Assistant Guide

At the Sr. Thea Bowman Montessori School, we serve children and families through the Montessori Method and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, focusing on the development of the whole child within a welcoming prepared environment that uplifts the dignity and worth of all. Our mission aligns with that of the St. Patrick Catholic Community: to proclaim and live the Gospel message of unconditional love, healing, and reconciliation through prayer, celebration, and action on behalf of justice as a sign of hope for all God’s people. 

STBMS is seeking an Assistant Guide to join our team in June 2025. The Assistant Guide will work in cooperation with the Lead Guide to meet the individual and communal needs of twenty children in a 3-6 environment. Our unique approach combines the Montessori Method with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Please find a more detailed description of key responsibilities below. 

Key responsibilities of the Assistant Guide include but are not limited to the following:

• Establish a working relationship with the Lead Guide. The relationship between the Assistant Guide and Lead Guide is very important. The successful implementation of the Montessori Method depends upon this dynamic.  
• Prepare and maintain the environment. External order is essential to the young child. The Assistant Guide actively participates in the preparation and maintenance of the learning environment. In accordance with Montessori principles, this individual ensures that the materials are replenished and accessible, enabling the child to complete the cycle of activity independently. 
• Observation. Dr. Maria Montessori developed her educational method through scientific observation and methodical recordkeeping. Observation remains central to the successful implementation of this child-centered pedagogy. The Assistant Guide observes the children and records findings on a daily basis, sharing this information with the Lead Guide to better inform lesson plans and community procedures. 
• Model grace and courtesy. The Lead and Assistant Guides should model grace and courtesy through all interactions. This relationship should provide the children with regular examples of respectful communication. Additionally, all adults in the environment should model the careful movements and specific behaviors we hope to see from the children. 
• Protect concentration. Dr. Montessori called normalization the most important aim of this work. Normalization, the process by which a child becomes self-regulated, occurs through concentration on independently selected materials. The Lead and Assistant Guides work together to foster a peaceful environment conducive to long periods of deep concentration. It is the responsibility of both adults to protect the child who is concentrating. 
• Respect independence. In the prepared environment, we aim to foster independence. As Dr. Montessori writes, “never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” While always prioritizing safety, adults should pause and observe before intervening.   
• Embody the joyful and childlike spirit of our patron Sr. Thea Bowman.  
• Foster a love of learning. In the Montessori atrium environment, we hope to foster a love of learning and a sense of wonder within each child. For this reason, the Assistant Guide must possess an openness to and a desire for knowledge.
• Prioritize safety. Ultimately, caregivers entrust us with the wellbeing of their children. The Assistant Guide must prioritize safety at all times.
• Actively participate in the STBMS community, engaging families through regular conversations and school events. 

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Criminal Background Check
• Health Screening
• Current CPR / First Aid Training or willingness to obtain
• Commitment to our unique approach to education and spirituality

Preferred: 

• Montessori and/or Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Assistant Orientation Course 
• 1 years of experience working with children ages 3 - 6

Submit a detailed list of relevant experience as well as a personal statement explaining your qualifications to info@stbms.org.