Lower Elementary Guide | Isthmus Montessori Academy | Madison, Wisconsin
Organization: Isthmus Montessori Academy
Location of Position: Madison, WI
Job Title: Lower Elementary Lead Guide
Job Description: Position: Lead Guide
Supervised by: Teacher Leader Team
General Description:
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. It is intended as a general guide to employment. What is included in this document is not an exhaustive list of all duties or responsibilities. In the future, the organization may elect to clarify, change, or add to this job description and the list of duties. Job descriptions are dynamic living documents that change as school, learner, and staffing needs change. We operate as a team at Isthmus Montessori Academy (Public), and you may be requested to perform tasks that you may have observed other people doing. Performing all tasks that you may be asked to do is an important component of being a team member.
Schedule:
7:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday (plus evening events as scheduled)
Attend all Program Level and staff meetings
Attend all community education and events to which you are assigned
Qualifications:
Required Before Hire:
AMI Montessori trained for a specific program level or becoming AMI trained
DPI licensed to teach at appropriate age level and/or subject matter or the ability to become licensed
International Baccalaureate (IB) training or becoming IB trained, if applicable to the position
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Education
Love of learning
Possess qualities and characteristics that reflects a belief in the philosophy of the IMA organization
Physically capable to work with children on the floor, stairs, and playground, as well as to lift materials, classroom furniture, and clean
A strong understanding of Education, child development, and positive classroom management techniques
Required Within 90 Days:
CPR certification
Registry Account and Education Station Coursebooks, if applicable
Background Check and Fingerprints
Health Report and TB test
Mandated Reporter Training in Child Abuse and Neglect and other trainings as required by DPI and DCF
Submission of DPI licensure if not licensed before hire
Duties and Responsibilities:
Anti-Bias, Anti-Racism, Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging work applies to ourselves, Montessori education programs, and our organization.
General Behavior Expectations
Approach each day, child, presentation, and adult with love and understanding
Speak respectfully and purposefully to children, peers, and administrators
Model a healthy, positive, and inspirational attitude and energy for Montessori work, presentations, and all interactions with staff, children, parents, and professionals of IMA(P)
Be physically, mentally, and emotionally present with children, staff, and families at all times, adhere to policies and procedures regarding screen usage
Adhere to all AMI Montessori policies and philosophies
Adhere to all WI state licensing regulations
Maintain attendance, consistently arriving to work on time
Demonstrate patience, integrity, and the ability to exercise sound judgment and diplomacy
Openness and flexibility to changes, learning opportunities, and “unlearning” opportunities
Enthusiasm for working outdoors
Collaborative spirit with all adults in the building
Daily emotional and academic preparedness
Safety and Supervision
Knowing and being responsible for the location/whereabouts of all children in the classroom or outdoor environment at all times of the day
Always be on the lookout for potential safety hazards in the classroom and outdoor environments
Maintain the “Rule of 3” and follow DCF adult and child ratios
Proper and appropriate communication with other educators working with you or working with learners in your community
Know the medical needs and allergies of all children under your supervision and how to appropriately assist with those needs and allergies if necessary
Knowing and ensuring safety drill expectations are being followed
Vigilantly attend to classroom environment and assist learners in resolving potential conflicts or challenges if needed
Lead the Montessori Classroom
Encourage a strong sense of community within the classroom, the school, and the neighborhood
Maintain classroom and workspace in a clean, orderly, and safe fashion, encouraging and assisting learners in doing the same
Design the Montessori classroom environment, creating materials and designing activities as necessary for the success of the classroom and children
Incorporate nature and the outdoors into curriculum
Support positive classroom management and implement school-wide and classroom policies, procedures, and routine
Maintain daily lesson plans and document meaningful observations of students
Implement IEPs and 504 plans for learners who work with the Student Services team
Track children’s development and progress and plan lessons based on objective observations
Model the principle of lifelong learning and present grace and courtesy lessons
Establish consistent and clear expectations for the classroom expectations
Oversee attendance and ensuring learners and checked in and out every day
Attend Lead Guide and Program Level meetings
Support the Supporting Educator in maintaining montessori environments and pedagogy
Family Communication
Communicate proactively with families on a regular basis, including by email, phone, office hours or family meetings
Hold Family-Guide Conferences
Keep families up to date on school and classroom news and events
Send families learner work and photos through Transparent Classroom
Maintain respectful communication to families about only their own children
Shared knowledge that the wellbeing of the child is the center of our focus
Student Recordkeeping
Complete student assessments in the Fall and Spring, quarterly conference reports and progress communications, yearly student portfolios, developmental and transition checklists, and all student file requirements throughout the year
Record observations and lessons on Transparent Classroom daily
Ensure learners are participating in purposeful recordkeeping by reviewing regularly
Professional Development
All Lead Guides must attend one AMI Refresher Course every 5 years
Attend Wisconsin Montessori Association conference
Continuous reflection and seeking knowledge to better our practice and understanding
Continuous work towards bias-aware, anti-racist, and whole-person education
Maintain regular check-ins with Teacher Leader Team and Program Level Director
Requirements: -AMI Montessori trained for a specific program level or becoming AMI trained
-DPI licensed to teach at appropriate age level and/or subject matter or the ability to become licensed
-Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Education
How to Apply: Please visit our website at isthmusmontessoriacademy.org to apply under "Contact" OR reach out to employment@imapublic.org
We offer Montessori Training Sponsorships for this position.: No
