1. General Position Summary
As an Elementary After School Teacher, one has to be patient and compassionate. The after-school environment is designed to provide a calming and conducive space to end the school day with play and creative activity. It is up to the teacher to provide an environment that meets the early childhood student's needs- physically, socially, and emotionally. Maintaining an open, loving, and cooperative environment for each child and encouraging families to be actively involved in their education are all part of the job of an Elementary After School Teacher. In addition, they should communicate concerning issues in the child's best interest and in keeping with Montessori philosophy.

2. Qualifications
Minimum Education/Certification:

• Montessori 6-9 or 9-12 certification (AMS. MACTE or AMI) preferred
• High School Diploma or equivalent; Bachelor's Degree preferred; Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
• Pediatric First Aid/CPR

Essential Characteristics:

• Meet the children's needs physically, socially, and emotionally.
• Maintain an open, loving, and cooperative environment for all children.
• Have an inherent love for this stage of development.
• Possess the ability to create and implement specific lessons to meet the children's varying needs.
• Be a strong model for assistants and others in the classroom and school community.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in working effectively and positively with a variety of people.
• Ability to creatively problem solve.
• Ability to counsel children and parents.
• Ability to use a computer for record-keeping and communicating with stakeholders.
• Ability to organize materials and coordinate plans with assistants, teaching team, and administrators.

 
3. Working Conditions

Physical Demands:
Ability to think clearly and respectfully with children, parents, and coworkers. Must be able to sit on the floor, walk, reach, climb, stoop, kneel, and lift to 30 pounds. 
Environment:
Work in a school environment while dealing daily with children, coworkers, administration, parents, volunteers, and parents.

4. Terms of Employment
Number of Days for Position: 169 days 2:30 pm-5:30 pm (up to 5 days professional development and classroom preparation to be determined)
Salary is based on experience and qualifications.

5. Essential Responsibilities:

• Create, design, and develop the prepared environment implementing Montessori early childhood philosophy according to the specifics provided by the school.
• Develop and implement schedules and activities to meet the needs of each child enrolled in the classroom.
• Utilize provided planning time to communicate with parents, change materials, observe children in their morning classrooms to see how their needs are being met in that environment, meet with other after-school teachers to discuss best practices, and complete record keeping.
• Partner and communicate effectively with the parents, discussing their children's progress via class email updates and conferences. 
• Communicate with the children using language and tone of voice that is authentic, natural, patient, and, most importantly, kind.
• Promote feelings of security and trust in early childhood children by encouraging and supporting them when necessary through activities and practical life skills.
• Respond quickly and soothingly to distressed early childhood students and ensure they are immediately comforted.
• Oversee and engage children during recess; ensure that activities are stimulating, age-appropriate, and safe.
• Maintain a positive work environment among all staff that is professional, kind, and inclusive. 
• Guide assistant teachers in understanding the nuances of early childhood development, the prepared environment, and how to partner with colleagues and parents.
• Embrace continuous learning by utilizing professional development days and funds to enrich practice.
• Embody the Waco Montessori School mission.

6. Communication

• Facilitate a respectful environment for children and adults by advocating conflict resolution and Grace and Courtesy Lessons.
• Work to develop close and effective relationships with families, including opportunities to discuss and understand the child's progress.
• Schedule and work with other colleagues to facilitate parent and community events.

7. Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in professional activities designated by the school administration, including in-service training, parent events, committees, staff meetings, etc.
• Maintain a neat, well-organized, attractive prepared environment consistent with Montessori pedagogy.
• Other duties as assigned.

8. Confidentiality
This position will have access to and knowledge of personal information for students and their families.