SY Preschool Teacher

TITLE:

Montessori Preschool Teacher

Certified

Director of Early Literacy and Early Childhood

Under the direction of the Director of Early Literacy and Early Childhood, the Montessori Preschool Teacher will create a safe and engaging learning space for young children and families. Using Montessori methods, they will help children develop essential skills and prepare them for school.

• Implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children 3, 4, and 5 years old.
• Implement Montessori curriculum principles and methodologies in the classroom, including hands‑on, child‑centered learning activities that promote independence, self‑directed learning, and exploration.
• Participates daily in team planning of curriculum with the teaching assistant and other staff, encouraging and using appropriate input from parents.
• Implements and follows federal regulations, state, and local licensing requirements, as well as health and safety policies and procedures.
• Establish open and effective communication with parents, including regular updates on children’s progress, opportunities for parent involvement in the classroom, and resources for extending Montessori principles into the home environment.
• Use authentic assessment methods to track children’s progress and development within the Montessori framework, and maintain accurate documentation of observations, anecdotal records, and assessment data.
• Coordinates activities of support staff and service providers.
• Works cooperatively with support staff in the provision of direct services and the development of goals for children with disabilities.
• Develop and maintain a prepared Montessori environment, including organizing and creating Montessori materials and activities that align with the developmental needs and interests of preschool‑aged children.
• Pursue ongoing professional development opportunities related to Montessori education, including attending workshops, conferences, and training sessions to deepen understanding and refine instructional practices.
• Plans, organizes, and attends parent meetings and training as needed or required.
• Develop and maintain a relationship with each family to encourage meaningful participation in the Head Start program.
• Works collaboratively with preschool staff and campus personnel.
• Foster a peaceful classroom community by teaching and modeling Montessori principles of conflict resolution, empathy, and respect for self and others.
• Provides incidental first aid as needed.
• Arranges the physical environment and daily curriculum to reflect a developmentally appropriate, anti‑bias, multicultural approach.
• Participates in annual program assessments.
• Has knowledge of standard assessment tools.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.
• Engage with the broader community to promote awareness and understanding of Montessori education, including participating in outreach events, hosting parent education workshops, and collaborating with community partners.
• Adhere to Standards of Conduct and district policies and procedures.
• Attend all required and mandated meetings and trainings and seek out professional development opportunities.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree or Higher

• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate
• Arizona Endorsement Subject Specific
• Appropriately Certified
• Fingerprint clearance
• Negative TB clearance within last 12 months
• Current immunizations
• CPR
• First Aid certificates
• Food Handler’s card

• Ability to relate to needs of low‑income families.
• Willingness to pursue additional training in job‑related areas.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Ability to interpret local, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures related to the job.
• Ability to bend, carry and lift 50 pounds, kneel, push and pull 25 pounds.
• Physical examination required.
• Ability to maintain a safe learning environment.

The work environment is a normal school setting; the noise level ranges from quiet to loud but is usually moderate. The playground setting can include exposure to dirt, dust, and extreme seasonal temperatures.

• Nine‑month year, Certified Salary Schedule, employee benefits in accordance with Board policies.

Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board policy on evaluation of classified staff.