Lead Teacher Lower Elementary EAEC

The City Garden Montessori School Lead Guide understands and promotes the school’s mission, vision, objectives, and policies both within and outside the school community. The Lead Guide is responsible for providing an instructional program delivered with both Montessori and an anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy.

The Lead Guide reports to the School Principal and works in partnership with their assistant guide, other instructional staff, and parents, to nurture the comprehensive development of all children in the school grounded in the Montessori method of education.

The ideal Lead Guide will have:

• Certification in both of the following:
  • Montessori Certification from AMI/AMS or other highly regarded Montessori certifying authority
  • Teaching Certification with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
• 7+ years of teaching experience in a public school or urban setting
• A deep commitment to whole-child education, having proven success and outcomes in meeting children’s needs holistically
• A grounding in anti-bias education and antiracist values and principles, and is excited to be part of a school that is reimagining education through these lenses
• An eagerness to engage deeply with students, teachers, staff and families as partners

• Planning, Preparation and Instruction
  • Use the School Curriculum, Montessori Albums, State Standards and current research-based instructional practices to develop interdisciplinary units of instruction that meet both the group and individual needs of students.
  • Responsible for maintaining an ongoing dialogue with specialty teachers and coordinating curriculum integration and implementation with these teachers.
  • Work with students of various abilities assigned to the classroom, including those with learning differences as diagnosed. The teacher may be required to participate in meetings, training, and planning cooperatives to fully meet each child’s needs.
  • Use various assessment tools/strategies such as the Missouri Assessment Program, NWEA observations, children’s work samples, continuums of development, portfolios, etc. to help make instructional decisions for individual students.
  • Create and communicate weekly learning plans for all students.
• Classroom Environment/Management
  • Preparing an environment in which the furnishings and materials are complete and correspond to the needs of the group.
  • Maintaining a clear, orderly, and attractive Montessori environment, including the care and maintenance of classroom materials and equipment.
  • Communicating needs for the classroom in accordance with school policy, i.e., maintaining inventory of classroom materials and any additional materials needed.
  • Creating an environment that demonstrates rapport with, respect and kindness for all students as well as between students. The teacher models and teaches conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies in the classroom.
  • Responsible for the safety of the children left in his/her charge until dismissed to a responsible adult.
  • Ensures that the physical environment adheres to all health and safety regulations as required by the State of Missouri and City Garden policy.
  • Manages classroom field trip and supplies budget ensuring all resources are used in support of educating students and the school’s mission.
• Communication
  • Responsible for communication that supports an understanding of the school’s program, develops positive relationships within the school community, and protects the privacy and confidentiality of each student and family.
  • Establishes a positive relationship with parents and guardians and maintains regular communication with parents and guardians with regard to their child’s specific needs. The guide provides for parent and guardian conferences, meetings and communication throughout the school year in accordance with school policy. Responds to parent and guardian concerns in a timely manner.
  • The Lead Guide communicates to parents and guardians and others in the school community about the classroom and curriculum. The teacher develops and participates in parent and guardian programs that help develop an understanding of the Montessori Curriculum.
  • Completes required…