Assistant Preschool Teacher

As a Montessori Assistant Teacher for Bezos Academy, you share our passion for early childhood education and the Montessori method, drawing your energy from working in a child-initiated learning process. You will support lead teachers in our multi-state network of schools in under-resourced communities, offering quality Montessori-inspired preschool at no cost to families.

Location

We are actively hiring for this role at our new preschool in Maui – Lahaina (127 Kukuia St, Lahaina, HI 96761). Relocation support is available.

Schedule

School schedules vary depending on community needs but generally range from 8am-5:30pm, with teachers staggered across these hours totaling no more than 8 hours per day. Your specific schedule will be determined with your school leader based on staff, classroom, and community needs.

Pay

Compensation for this full-time, non-exempt/hourly position is $19-$27 per hour (~$39,000-$56,000 annually). The upper third of the range is typically reserved for existing employees with multiple years of experience and strong performance. Starting pay is estimated at $22-$25 per hour, varying with prior experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• 32 paid days of scheduled breaks
• 3 paid days of personal time off
• 9 paid days of sick (care) time
• 10 paid holidays
• Additional time off if required by applicable law
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match
• Paid parental leave
• Employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care

Requirements

Meet one of the following criteria:

• Four years of professional experience as an aide, assistant, or lead teacher of children from infancy through third grade
• Two years of professional experience as an aide, assistant, or lead teacher of children from infancy through third grade and an associate’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., child development, early childhood education)
• Bachelor’s degree
• Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution or on track to obtain one within two years of hire

Additional requirements:

• Ability to pass background checks, tuberculosis screenings, and state-required trainings to supervise children independently
• Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely, including lifting a minimum of 40 lbs
• Access to reliable transportation and consistent attendance to maintain proper staff-to-child ratios
• Familiarity with Hawaii and Hawaiian culture

If you do not hold a Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution, you will be eligible to complete the Bezos Academy Montessori Primary teacher coursework at no cost. You must obtain this credential within two years of hire to remain in the role. The Bezos Academy Montessori Credential Program (MCP) is voluntary, unpaid, and may overlap with working hours or scheduled breaks (paid accordingly).

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in education or a related field
• Experience teaching in a Montessori preschool
• Professional experience working with young children with special needs
• Experience working with children and families in low-income areas
• Experience in culturally responsive and trauma-informed teaching practices
• Proficiency in Hawaiian language

Responsibilities

Instructional Support

• Support the lead teacher in preparing and delivering instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences
• Assist in presenting individual and small-group Montessori lessons, adapting activities to meet each child’s developmental stage and interests
• Observe each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs, using this information to facilitate learning and growth
• Encourage the development of early literacy, math, and problem-solving skills through hands-on, purposeful work that supports kindergarten readiness
• Prepare and maintain a well-organized, safe, and attractive classroom environment conducive to optimal growth and development
• Organize materials and clean the workspace to facilitate the learning process for each child
• Support children’s increasing independence with daily living skills (e.g., washing hands, using the bathroom, eating meals and snacks, cleaning up)
• Assist teachers in maintaining records on each child’s progress and development

Student Support

• Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem and self-discipline
• Provide support for children with diverse learning needs, including occasional or short-term support in small group settings
• Partner with lead teachers to implement student support and/or behavior plans as needed

Operational

• Assist teachers with the full implementation of Bezos Academy’s performance standards, policies, and procedures
• Follow regulations and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of the classroom (e.g., cleaning materials, meal prep, nap time transitions)
• Maintain eligibility and professional growth by obtaining a MACTE-accredited Primary Montessori teacher credential within two years (if not already credentialed)
• Independently supervise children throughout the day in classrooms and other situations (e.g., arrival/departure, transitions, outside time, rest/nap time, extended hours)

Other

• Participate in team meetings, center activities, and staff development
• Assist lead teachers in conducting staff/family conferences
• Establish a positive relationship with each child’s family and share information about the child’s day at the preschool
• Assume postures at low levels (e.g., kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children