Are you an enthusiastic and responsible collaborator who loves working with middle school students (grades 7-8)? Do you find passion in guiding students to be their best selves socially, emotionally, and academically in a collaborative and progressive educational community? Cedar River Montessori is excited to announce an opening for an assistant teacher in our middle school program for the 2024-2025 academic year, starting August 15, 2024. Our school community values the rich cultures, traditions, and ethnicities our families come from, and we are looking for diverse applicants who represent these backgrounds.

About us:

Located on 12 acres of forested wetland and pasture, Cedar River Montessori is an American Montessori Society accredited, independent, non-profit school for students ages 3 through 14 in Renton, WA. Cedar River Montessori students follow their natural interests as they explore their world, discovering the interconnectedness of personal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Students learn how to work independently and collaboratively, experiencing a transformative education as they grow into the next generation of engaged, global thinkers who compassionately challenge the status quo. Founded in 1981, we strive to be a diverse and inclusive community.

This job is for you if you:

• Are inspired by our mission and values
• Embrace outdoor experiences in all kinds of conditions
• Love children and supporting their development
• Have a commitment to high quality education and whole child learning
• Are a skilled classroom manager, inspiring children to be their best selves and patiently coaching them through solution-finding processes
• Delight in the details of maintaining a classroom space (both physical space and virtual space) for children to thrive
• Are a highly relational and effective communicator
• Are able to multi-task and manage a variety of responsibilities
• Have a positive attitude and are able to roll with a dynamic and creative organization
• Care deeply about equity, diversity, and social and environmental justice
• Enjoy working in a progressive, relational, collaborative, and nature-loving team of dedicated and talented individuals

Principal Responsibilities:

• Create and maintain a healthy, safe, and positive environment for children
• Support social-emotional learning and solution-finding opportunities using the Positive Discipline framework
• Communicate with teachers about the child’s development and daily experiences
• Collaborate with Cedar River Montessori staff to foster a sense of community and belonging
• Implement daily practices and routines within the classroom and throughout the campus
• Observe, document, and facilitate children’s progress in the areas of their social, emotional, physical, creative, and cognitive skills
• Organize classroom materials and clean, disinfect, and sanitize the workspace to facilitating the learning process for each child
• Facilitate online learning experiences as needed and support the students, families, and school community through excellent communication
• Model safe and responsible behavior during outdoor activities, and motivate students to participate in all types of weather
• Help guide students through self-directed activities, allowing each student to develop at their own pace
• Foster a nurturing and stimulating non-competitive environment
• Chaperone and guide students during 2-3 overnight experiences during the year, two of which are outdoor camping (1-2 nights), one of which is a 5-7 day experience out of state.

Education/Experience:

• Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree or actively working toward degree completion
• Student teachers working toward Montessori certification or Montessori teachers who already have AMI, AMS, or MACTE certification are also invited to apply to this position for a paid practicum
• Experience working with adolescent aged children and families in a group setting
• CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens certified or be willing to obtain
• Positive Discipline training, or willing to take
• Anti-biased/Anti-racist training, or willing to take

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills with children, parents, and colleagues
• Strong decision-making skills to respond to risk management, emergencies, or difficult situations
• Ability and desire to support the classroom teacher and students
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally
• Ability to make impartial observations and reflect upon them

Desired Behavioral Traits and Attitudes:

Leader, team player, fun, outgoing, passionate, organized, flexible, creative, resourceful, critical thinker, results-oriented, and self-motivated. Aligned with Cedar River Montessori’s mission and values and environmentally and socially conscientious.

Benefits and Compensation:

$20-24/hour, 8:00-4:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits. Matching retirement, paid professional development, tuition discount, and paid time off and vacation. This is a full-time commitment to working for the 10-month school year, with option to continue in the summer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Grade levels:

• Middle school

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

School type:

• Montessori
• Private school

Ability to Commute:

• Renton, WA 98058 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Renton, WA 98058: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person