Primary Montessori Lead Teacher: Seattle/Tacoma, WA

As a Primary Montessori Lead Teacher at Bezos Academy, your responsibilities will include planning and delivering Montessori instructional activities, creating individualized learning opportunities, and fostering positive relationships with students and families. You'll also supervise assistant teachers, maintain an engaging classroom environment, and assess student progress, ensuring all children thrive in a nurturing setting.

To qualify for the Primary Montessori Lead Teacher position at Bezos Academy, you need to possess a Bachelor's degree or extensive Montessori teaching experience. Additionally, two or more years of lead teaching experience with age groups from infancy to third grade, demonstrated knowledge of Montessori principles, and the ability to meet Washington state's credentialing criteria are essential.

The salary range for the Primary Montessori Lead Teacher position at Bezos Academy is between $68,000 and $109,000 per year. The starting salary will depend upon your qualifications and prior experience, with opportunities for progression based on performance over time.

Bezos Academy offers a comprehensive benefits package for Primary Montessori Lead Teachers, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match, generous paid time off including vacation, personal, and sick days, plus paid holidays. Additional benefits include paid parental leave and flexible spending accounts.

Engagement with families is integral to the role of Primary Montessori Lead Teacher at Bezos Academy. You will communicate regularly with families to share updates on their children's progress, provide insights into classroom activities, and foster collaboration to support each child's development through open dialogue and trust-building.

When answering this question, focus on specific Montessori principles you've applied in previous roles. Highlight experiences in creating child-led environments, fostering independence, and utilizing hands-on learning activities that align with Montessori philosophy, showing your deep understanding of the method.

Discuss the various assessment tools you use, such as observations, portfolios, and work samples. Emphasize your methods for documenting progress and tailoring instruction to meet individual student needs, showcasing your dedication to each child's learning journey.

Share specific techniques you use to promote positive behavior in your Montessori classroom, such as establishing clear expectations, using restorative practices, and modeling respectful communication. Provide examples of how these strategies have helped create a respectful and collaborative classroom culture.

Highlight your commitment to diversity and equity, discussing methods you implement to ensure all students feel valued and included. Mention culturally relevant materials, communication with families, and adjustments made in your teaching practices that support varied learning needs.

Describe your approach to engaging families in the learning process. Discuss strategies such as regular communication, invitations for family participation in classroom activities, and workshops to educate families on the Montessori approach, demonstrating the value you place on their involvement.

In your response, share how you lead by example, provide constructive feedback, and foster a collaborative atmosphere. Describe how you guide assistant teachers in implementing Montessori activities and promote their professional development, encouraging a strong team dynamic.

Prepare to share a specific example of a lesson where students engaged in hands-on, self-directed learning. Detail how the lesson aligned with Montessori principles, the objectives you achieved, and the impact on student learning, reflecting your passion for innovative teaching.

Be ready to discuss a specific challenge you've encountered, such as working with diverse learning needs or adapting curriculum. Emphasize your problem-solving approach, perseverance, and any support systems you utilized to successfully turn challenges into learning opportunities.

Share the professional development opportunities you've pursued, including workshops, conferences, or online resources. Highlight your commitment to ongoing learning and how you integrate new ideas into your teaching to enhance the educational experience for your students.

Express your belief in the importance of child agency and autonomy in learning. Share examples of how you encourage students to take initiative, explore their interests, and engage in meaningful activities, illustrating how these principles enhance their educational journey.