Teacher Assistant - Lower Elementary Montessori

About Upstate Montessori Academy (UMA)

We are looking to grow our staff at UMA! Our goal is to impart knowledge and promote self‑independence to secure our students' educational future. We are seeking a teacher's assistant to join our team and grow with our school for years to come. UMA currently houses two Primary and one Lower Elementary Montessori classroom. We are focused on providing a quality Montessori program to our families that would make Maria herself proud.

We place a high value on partnering with families on their child's educational journey.

The teacher assistant is responsible for guiding and enriching the experiences and environment of children ages 5‑8 in a Lower Elementary Montessori classroom setting. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to Montessori principles, create a joyful, nurturing, and beautiful prepared environment, and maintain a peaceful and grounded presence. He or she must be flexible, calm, patient, friendly, and professional. The candidate must be competent with child management, able to establish and maintain parent rapport, and have a genuine love and respect for all children.

Candidates must understand and respect diverse backgrounds, skills, and strengths of the children in the classroom.

Key responsibilities include:

• Communicating closely with parents to give them a window into the Montessori classroom, educate them about Montessori philosophy, and provide insight into their child's individual progress.
• Upholding DSS state licensing requirements.
• Assisting the lead teacher and director in the classroom.
• Participating in housekeeping of the school.
• Working Monday‑Friday, 8am‑3pm.

At least a year's experience working with 1st‑3rd students.

Paid time off: school holidays, 3 days at Thanksgiving, 2 week Christmas break, and multiple weeks off during June and July when we are not open for summer session.