Elementary Lead Teacher

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF JOB 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1. Employee Policies/ Parent Handbook:

• Full knowledge and understanding of St. Mary’s Montessori School parent and employee policies, handbooks, and procedures. Full knowledge and understanding of State of California: Department of Social Services Title 22 regulations.

• Strive to meet all responsibilities of customer service, guiding and nurturing infant and toddler students.
• Provide a prepared environment and facilitate activity transitions, constantly observing the students.
• Apply Montessori principles and philosophy.
• Use a daily schedule based on Montessori ideals.
• Create an environment that showcases Montessori learning.
• Maintain knowledge of local primary/elementary expectations for kindergarten readiness.

• Maintain appropriate parent/student confidentiality.
• Conduct Parent-Teacher conferences twice a year, or as needed.
• Interact with parents positively and provide basic daily feedback.
• Encourage parental involvement and support the student's relationship with their family.
• Incorporate families’ culture into students' experiences. 

• Supervise students constantly, ensuring their safety and participation.
• Use positive Montessori discipline techniques.
• Interact with students in a friendly and supportive manner.
• Follow policies and procedures for student activities and adhere to regulatory standards.
• Report signs of illness, injury, or abuse and take appropriate action in emergencies.
• Maintain sanitary standards for self and students.

• Collaborate with assistant teachers during sanitizing and prep time.
• Meet monthly with assistant and other teachers to discuss child progress.
• Ensure a safe, clean caregiving environment.
• Maintain a positive, calm attitude and a soothing voice.
• Replace broken materials within 48 hours and maintain an inventory.
• Request missing materials from the Head of School and discuss appropriate times to order.
• Attend training opportunities and staff meetings.
• Maintain an organized, attractive environment consistent with Montessori pedagogy.
• Participate in professional development activities.
• Develop effective relationships with parents, tracking student progress.
• Regularly attend work as scheduled.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director and Head of Schools.
• Assist with facility clean-up and maintenance.

** reasonable moving costs may be accommodated

1. EDUCATION / WORK EXPERIENCE: 

• Minimum of 12 ECE (Early Childhood Education) units.
• AMI (Association Montessori International) diploma.
• Coursework in child development.
• One year of experience in an early childhood program.

1. SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND/OR LICENSING: 

• Required licenses, certificates, or training as per state law or regulatory agencies (e.g., CPR, ECE units, law enforcement clearance).
• Training and experience to develop stable, supportive relationships with young children.

1. ABILITIES AND SKILLS: 

• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Adapt to constant change.
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy with students, parents, and staff.
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Develop and maintain communication and relationships with parents.
• Knowledge and application of Montessori instructional principles and techniques.
• Manage the classroom and handle student discipline.
• Serve as a role model, treating students professionally.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships in a diverse setting.
• Participate fully as a team member in a professional learning community.
• Embrace and incorporate Montessori philosophy.

1. MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

1. EXPOSURE TO: 

1. SUPERVISION: 

1. ANALYSIS & DECISION MAKING: 

1. Determine responses to parental inquiries.
2. Recommend staffing needs and performance reviews.
3. Communicate issues and problems with administration and HR.

1. IMPACT: 

• Positive interaction with parents enhances the school's reputation; negative interactions could result in loss of trust and enrollment.
• Good decisions benefit students’ well-being and education; poor decisions could negatively impact students and concern parents.
• Appropriate training and orientation can facilitate a good start for infant community; poor interaction can result in Staff problems and poor supervision of students. 

1. CONTACT WITH OTHERS: