Lower Elementary Guide
St. Vrain Community Montessori School
Required Education and Experience:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- High school diploma required; college diploma preferred
- 1+ year experience in a Montessori classroom (internship and other relevant experience considered to meet criteria)
- CPR/First Aid certification
Required Characteristics, Skills, and Additional Qualifications:
- Ability to relate sensitively and joyfully to children and adults
- Ability to use appropriate positive discipline
- Evidence of an open mind and a dedication to the Montessori method of education
- Ability to demonstrate sufficient judgment regarding safety and security
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people
- Ability to handle crises
- Flexibility
- Punctuality and ability to maintain school hours
- Willingness and ability to make student-centered decisions
- Willingness and ability to take on a variety of tasks throughout the day
- Willingness and ability to foster a harmonious, collegial teaching team based on mutual respect
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
General Responsibilities
- Support the Lead Guide and assist in establishing and maintaining a harmonious classroom
- Help in establishing and maintaining Montessori classroom culture, paying particular attention to the needs of students and parents
- Carefully observe and keep records on each student’s individual progress through the classroom and be available to offer gentle guidance
- Attend and participate in staff and level meetings
- Participate in ongoing in-service training
- Adhere to school and safety policies and procedures
- Check school email at the beginning and at the end of each work day
- Be at your scheduled post, ready to begin your duties as scheduled, generally 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily
Responsibilities to the Lead Guide
- Assist in supporting the children in learning about and understanding the Montessori lessons and materials
- Remain informed and carry out duties as assigned by the Lead Guide
- Inform the Lead Guide of difficulties (e.g. discipline, health, developmental challenges of children, equipment needs, repair and/or maintenance of materials, etc.)
- Meet with the Lead Guide to discuss goals for the class and individual students
- Assist with attendance, snack, lunch, and playground time
- Help compile weekly folders
Responsibilities to the Children and Parents
- Keep all shared information confidential
- Share all questions from parents pertaining to children’s performance with the Lead Guide
- Share all information from parents with the Lead Guide
- Be professional and positive in all dealings with students and parents
- Observe students and discuss observations with the Lead Guide
- Be familiar with the Parent Handbook and St. Vrain Community Montessori School policies
Responsibilities to the Child
- Help the child help him/herself
- Help the child help others
- Help the child gain independence
- Help the child gain concentration
- Observe the child
- Help the child when direction is needed
- Help the child follow through with his/her activities
- Model appropriate behavior
Responsibilities to the Classroom
- Stack and maintain consumables used daily
- Vacuum and undertake other environment maintenance tasks daily
- Manage students’ classroom clean-up jobs
- General clean-up of the classroom
Requirements for All Positions at SVCMS:
- Attend and participate in staff and level meetings
- Participate in in-service and post-service training as well as additional professional development opportunities as required.
- Attend and participate in SVCMS School Events.
- Check school email at the beginning and at the end of each work day.
- Be ready to begin your duties as scheduled, generally 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily.
- When absent, secure a substitute in accordance with SVCMS requirements, ensuring that all of your duties are covered.
- Maintain awareness of and adhere to SVCMS policies and procedures.
- Read the Family Weekly Update, the Staff Weekly Update, and other SVCMS communications.
Salary: $19.50-$33.50 per hour, 183-day calendar