Assistant Teacher - job 9 of 18

As an Assistant Teacher at Guidepost Montessori, you will observe children closely to understand their needs, prepare a beautiful environment that promotes independence, and deliver individual and small-group lessons that support each child's development. Your role is vital in cultivating a collaborative community of respect and care.

To be considered for the Assistant Teacher role at Guidepost Montessori, you should have experience working with children aged 1-6, possess 6 - 12 Early Childhood Education (ECE) credits, and be a fluent Spanish speaker. While familiarity with the Montessori approach is preferred, it is not mandatory, as we are eager to train passionate individuals.

Guidepost Montessori supports the growth of its Assistant Teachers by offering fully sponsored Montessori diploma training and ongoing professional development through the Prepared Montessorian Institute. This pathway helps you build your skills and prepares you for future leadership roles within our system.

Being an Assistant Teacher at Guidepost Montessori comes with several benefits including competitive pay between $17 and $19 per hour, health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401K plan, and a generous 75% tuition discount for up to two children. You also receive paid time off and access to a supportive network of peers and mentors.

While previous experience working with young children is preferred, Guidepost Montessori values passion and a willingness to learn. If you have enthusiasm for early childhood education and possess some ECE credits, we encourage you to apply even if you are new to the field.

In a Montessori setting, the role of an Assistant Teacher is to support the Lead Guide by preparing the learning environment, observing children's interactions, and providing personalized instruction to encourage independence. It's important to be adaptable and responsive to each child's unique learning journey.

Engagement in a mixed-age classroom involves fostering a sense of community. I would use collaborative activities that allow older children to mentor younger ones, while also providing individualized lessons that cater to each child's interests and abilities.

To prepare a classroom environment, I would ensure that all materials are organized, accessible, and suited to the developmental levels of the children. I would create an inviting atmosphere with visual order, ensuring that children can choose their activities independently and confidently.

Individualized lessons are crucial in early childhood education as they allow each child to learn at their own pace, explore areas of interest, and develop skills effectively. This tailored approach fosters independence and helps in building confidence in their abilities.

I would approach a child struggling with a task with patience and encouragement. It’s important to observe the child’s technique and provide gentle guidance, asking open-ended questions to help them problem-solve while fostering a growth mindset.

The Montessori approach values child-led learning where the environment is prepared for exploration. It promotes independence, collaborative learning, and a respect for each child's individual learning path, which aligns perfectly with my educational philosophy.

I'm a firm believer in allowing children to resolve conflicts with gentle guidance. I would mediate the situation by facilitating a dialogue, helping children articulate their feelings and encouraging them to find a collaborative solution.

Observation is a key component of an Assistant Teacher's role as it helps us understand each child's interests, developmental milestones, and social interactions. By observing without interference, we can tailor our support to meet their individual needs effectively.

To ensure clear communication with parents, I would maintain open lines of dialogue through regular updates and scheduled meetings. Sharing observations and insights helps parents understand their child's progress and promotes a partnership in their education.

I am particularly excited about working at Guidepost Montessori because of its commitment to individual student growth and its strong emphasis on professional development and Montessori training. Being part of a supportive community that nurtures both educators and students is truly inspiring.