Associate Teacher

Associate Teacher in an Elementary Classroom

The Assistant Teacher reports directly to the Lead Teacher and works cohesively and in partnership with the Lead Teacher. The job duties range from organizing materials and cleaning the workspace to facilitating the learning process for each child. Associate Teachers are expected to support the Montessori teaching method. Specifically, they must help guide the child through self‑directed activities, allowing the child to develop at their own pace.

They are expected to foster, along with the Lead Teacher, a nurturing and stimulating non‑competitive environment and to model grace and courtesy in all interactions with students, colleagues and parents. Associate Teachers assist the Lead Teacher in providing a warm, nurturing and safe environment where self‑direction is enhanced, independence is encouraged, and individuality is respected.

• Support the Lead teacher and the mission of Sussex Montessori School;
• Prepare and maintain the school and classroom environment;
• Assist with preparation of curriculum materials as directed;
• Act as a support person during class work times;
• Work with individual and small groups of children as directed by the Lead Teacher and/or Director of Teaching and Learning;
• Assist the Lead Teacher in the daily monitoring of students' work;
• Observe students and discuss observations with the Lead teacher;
• Model grace and courtesy;
• Preserve and protect the integrity of Montessori lessons;
• Assist each child in the development of independence;
• Take responsibility for the safety and physical well‑being of the children at all times;
• Supervise children in the classroom, on the playground, and on field trips at all times;
• Help maintain current accurate, individual progress notes, attendance records, incidental notes and weekly overview of class work;
• Assist in on‑going communication with parents regarding children's specific needs and school operational needs;
• Participate in parent/teacher meetings and any other meetings deemed necessary by the Director of Teaching and Learning;
• Assist with developing other projects, programs, and planning as requested by the Lead Teacher or the Director of Teaching and Learning.

• Associate's Degree
• Demonstrated understanding of diversity, educational equity, and multicultural education
• Delaware Para educator Permit

• Bachelor's Degree in Education
• Montessori Experience
• Current Delaware Teaching Certificate or working towards a Delaware Teaching Certificate
• 1 year classroom teaching or 3 years childcare experience
• Fluent in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole

This is a 29.5‑hour/week position, 10‑month position. A criminal background check, Child Protective Registry check, and tuberculosis test is required.

• A criminal background check is required.
• This job description is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.
• The selected candidate should expect to perform any other related activities needed to deliver the position's key duties and responsibilities and follow any other instructions as defined by his/her supervisor.
• Tuberculin Test within the last 5 years.

Sussex Montessori School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, which encourages applications from minority group members, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.