Apprentice Teacher

Position: Apprentice Teacher 26-27
Job Description:
Apprentice Teacher

Role Summary: The Teacher Occupation Apprenticeship is a 3-4 semester program that leads to both a Tennessee state teaching license and a nationally accredited Montessori teaching diploma. The apprenticeship includes completing 280 hours of Montessori Residency training coursework, 2,000 hours of on the job learning, approximately 150 hours of independent classwork & study, and passing certification examinations, upon completion of which a candidate will earn a state teaching license and Montessori credential.

During the apprenticeship, the Apprentice Teacher will help their Lead Teacher run a peaceful, orderly, rich, nurturing classroom that cultivates children's minds, hearts, and hands for lives of wonder, work, and love.

Role summary and information

• Assist the Lead Teacher in setting and maintaining a peaceful, orderly classroom culture and reinforce the instruction taught to students. At times, take the Lead Teacher position when giving lessons to individuals, small groups, in pull-out lessons, or in Lead Teacher absence.
• Participate in building relationships with families to foster open and responsive communication about student growth and needs.
• Full-time role. Work hours vary with the published school calendar; instructional hours are roughly 7:35 AM - 3:30 PM (faculty meetings until 4:30 on Wednesdays). Assist with periodic school events outside of the regular schedule.
• Start date:
  
  Apprentices must begin by June but can begin earlier if a position is available. In-person Montessori training begins June 10, 2024, with a self-paced 15-hour pre-course that must be completed before the training begins.
• Reports to:
  
  Lead Teacher and Residency Manager and/or Apprenticeship Coach; evaluated by Principal.
• Measures of success for the position to include student academic growth, family satisfaction, observation feedback, performance evaluations, and related indicators.
• Key relationships:
  Students and Families, Teachers, School Leaders

Key responsibilities

Planning and Instruction

• Work with the Lead Teacher to observe and support children, prepare and protect the environment, and give lessons as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Answer children's questions, grade assignments, and give lessons and assessments as directed by Lead Teacher.
• When class is not in session, assist by entering grades or typing up class observation notes, preparing Montessori works, and cleaning and organizing the classroom.
• Assume Lead Teacher role during lead teacher absences.

Classroom Culture

• Ensure that the classroom is a peaceful, orderly environment that is conducive to learning and teaching so that children and adults can work without being interrupted or distracted.
• Foster habits of excellence, including order and, grace & courtesy, through school wide and classroom-level practices and rituals, such as connecting before redirecting, using a warm and firm tone, matching children with works in the environment, tending the heart of virtue through presenting beautiful literature, and sharing responsibility for all our children.
• Be a model of character and striving toward virtue for students.
• Supervise students within the classroom and outside of the classroom on the playground, during bathroom breaks, at lunch time and on field trips.

Family Communication

• Participate in classroom family communication and meetings.
• Assist in preparing quarterly report cards and biannual family conferences.

Professional Development and Relationships

• Check-in with Lead Teacher in formal meeting at least weekly.
• Participate in weekly after-school mentorship meetings with apprenticeship coach and/or other staff members.
• Observe and provide feedback at least twice per term to Lead Teacher.
• Participate in formal check-in with academic support team member regularly.
• Participate in teacher meetings and pairings, team and school-wide planning and professional development, and data reviews.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Traits

• Bachelor's degree (an education degree is NOT required)
• Commitment to working in a Montessori school in an underserved community
• Interest in and commitment to Montessori and liberal arts
• Strong interpersonal,…