Montessori Assistant Teacher: Lakeland, FL

About the role

The Montessori Assistant Teacher (internally titled Assistant Teacher II) at Bezos Academy shares our passion for early childhood education and the Montessori method. Your responsibilities will include supporting lead teachers in developing and implementing a program that promotes the cognitive, language, emotional, social, and physical development of each child.

Responsibilities

• Instructional Support:
  • Prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences.
  • Present 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 and use 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.
• 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 when helpful for classroom participation, emotional regulation, or routines.
  • Partner with lead teachers to implement student support and/or behavior plans as needed.
• Operational Support:
  • Auxiliary teachers in the full implementation of Bezos Academy’s performance standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Support Bezos Academy classrooms by following regulations and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of the classroom (e.g., cleaning materials, meal prep, nap time transitions, etc.).
  • Maintain a well-organized, safe, and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children.
  • Support children’s increasing independence with daily living skills (e.g., washing hands, using the bathroom, eating meals and snacks, cleaning up, etc.).
  • Assume postures at low levels (e.g., kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children.
• Other:
  • Participate in team meetings, center activities, and staff development.
  • Absorb information about the child’s day at the preschool and establish a positive relationship with each child’s family.
  • Assume postures at low levels (e.g., kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children.

Qualifications

• 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 (i.e., child development, early childhood education etc.)
• Bachelor’s degree
• Primary Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE-accredited institution or on track to obtain one within two years of hire
• Ability to pass background checks, tuberculosis screenings, and trainings required by the state of Florida
• Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely, including ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs
• Access to reliable transportation to and from work and ability to consistently attend work as scheduled to ensure proper staff-to-child classroom ratios and support smooth school operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates degree or higher in education or related field
• Experience teaching in a Montessori preschool
• Experience working with young children with special needs
• Experience working with children and families in low-income areas

Pay and Schedule

• This is a full-time (40 hours per week), benefits-eligible, non-exempt/hourly position.
• Compensation for this position is $19-$27 per hour (~$39,000-$56,000 annually).
• The upper third of the compensation range is typically reserved for existing employees who have been in the role for multiple years and demonstrate strong performance over time.
• Starting compensation will vary with prior experience and qualifications but is estimated to be $22-$25 per hour.
• This role includes 32 paid days of scheduled breaks, 3 paid days of personal time off, 9 paid days of sick (care) time, 10 paid holidays, and additional time off if required by applicable law.
• Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match, paid parental leave, an employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care, and more.