Pre Kindergarten Teacher

Riverbend School 

Job Description 

Position: Toddler Teacher 

Reports to: Children’s House Director

Classification: Exempt

Supervises: None

Annual Salary Range: $45,000 - $65,000 per year 

Scope of Work: Classroom teacher for ages 18 months - 3 years

Experience Requirements:

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to manipulate classroom materials
• 2 years Montessori classroom experience preferred
• Must be comfortable working in a culturally diverse environment and committed to embracing differences and valuing multiple perspectives

Education/Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree (required for Lead Teacher); Associate’s with equivalent experience (for non-lead Toddler Teacher)
• Infant/Toddler Montessori certification from an AMS or AMI accredited training center (required for Lead Teachers)
• Clear CORI and MA fingerprinting
• EEC Licensing Preferred

General Responsibilities:

Design and prepare an inviting Montessori environment using a full complement of Montessori materials as well as supplemental materials. Prepare for the social/emotional, cognitive, and physical achievement of children as well as for their safety and well being.

Specific Responsibilities:

Educational Program & Student Services:

• Demonstrate competency with Montessori philosophy and methods
• Prepare an environment in which furnishings and materials are complete and correspond to the needs of the class.  Careful monitoring of the rotation of materials throughout the school year to continually meet the social/emotional, cognitive and physical needs of children.
• Set clear/consistent expectations for class routines and classroom community goals
• Assist children with personal care independence (toileting, hand washing,  teeth brushing, etc.) 
• Recognize when students are not progressing as expected and communicate this to HoS for collaboration and follow-up
• Follow recommendations for students who receive support through a specialist (Early Intervention, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, etc.) 
• Support students with individual behavioral plans
• Train and supervise children regarding emergency practices such as fire drills
• Give input on curriculum planning and implementation
• Inventory, replace or repair materials once a year to ensure full spectrum of complete materials that are in very good to excellent condition
• Maintain the daily cleanliness and overall preparation of common areas in classroom and throughout the school (student lockers, entrance ways, classroom furniture counters, etc.)

Constituent Relations:

• Build productive relationships with parents through parent education events, Parent/Teacher conferences (twice a year),  additional parent meetings if concerns arise, and parent volunteer opportunities in the classroom.
• Build positive relations with community organizations to support specific classroom curriculum and service learning

Administration:

• Prepare written progress reports for each child (twice yearly) regarding academic, organizational, developmental and social growth.  Submit progress reports to Assistant Head of School
• Maintain daily attendance in FACTS
• Work collaboratively with Assistant Head of School to address concerns regarding  students, parents and staff
• Report all accidents/ incidents to the school nurse and complete accident forms as needed
• Attend weekly level and faculty meetings
• Attend all mandatory events
• Perform duties related to arrival/dismissal of school
• Update Student online portfolios weekly  with photos and description of work
• Write weekly classroom emails
• Conduct home visits and support families and children through phase - in, including making one phone call per NEW family during the first 2 weeks of school
• Participate in Goal Setting process with HoS
• Plan for extensions to curriculum as outlined each year
• Direct Assistant Teacher or Intern in supporting the needs of the students and the classroom environment
• Provide opportunities for the Assistant Teacher or Intern to share questions and observations

School Culture

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to professional ethics
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Montessori Education by modeling the Montessori values of grace and courtesy, respect and responsibility in visible daily actions
• Demonstrate commitment to competent communications and conflict resolution efforts across the school community
• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of each student and colleague
• Consistently give input on teacher leadership
• Assist in planning school events

Professional Development

• Attend in-service training as provided by Riverbend School
• Attend workshops/conferences  or other opportunities approved by HoS to further educational advancement 

Other

• Take on duties as assigned

It is expected that all staff will function as self-directed members in a team effort.  All performances should meet appropriate professional standards and adhere to the philosophy and mission of Riverbend School.

Work Environment & Physical Capabilities Riverbend School is a vibrant, active learning community. To successfully support our students, the individual in this role must be able to navigate a dynamic school environment. This includes:

• Mobility & Engagement: Frequently moving about the campus to follow the school schedule,
• including ascending/descending stairs and transitioning between indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Student Interaction: The ability to position oneself at a child’s level (e.g., kneeling, sitting, or crouching) and assist students with daily tasks like zipping jackets, tying shoes, or managing materials.
• Supervision: Effectively monitoring students during recess and outdoor activities in various weather conditions.
• Physical Assistance: Occasionally moving or lifting classroom materials or equipment weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Sensory & Focus: Maintaining focus and safety in a moderately noisy environment with frequent interruptions; specific vision capabilities are required to ensure student safety and accurate record-keeping.

Accommodations: Riverbend School is committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, provided such accommodations do not impose an undue hardship on the school’s operations.

Commitment to DEIJ:

Riverbend School is committed to becoming an anti-bias and anti-racist community. All candidates must be committed to furthering this work by embracing differences; exploring and affirming the identities and intersections of all which include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomics, social class, family structures, learning differences, and differences in ability. Candidates must be comfortable working in a culturally diverse environment. 

We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQIA educators, or educators from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools. 

EEO Statement:

Riverbend School is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment. Riverbend strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, veteran status, or any other class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.