Assistant Teacher - job 1 of 8

As an Assistant Teacher at Guidepost Montessori in St. Augustine, you'll be responsible for supporting the development of 0-6-year-olds in a mixed-age classroom. This includes preparing the Montessori environment, conducting individual and small group lessons, and forming personal connections with each child. Your role is integral in fostering a nurturing atmosphere that promotes independence and respect among children.

The ideal candidate for the Assistant Teacher role at Guidepost Montessori should have experience working with children aged 0-6. While a specific degree in education isn't mandatory, an understanding of child development and a willingness to learn about the Montessori method will be beneficial. We also provide sponsored Montessori diploma training, making this an excellent opportunity for growth in your teaching career.

At Guidepost Montessori, we recognize the hard work of our Assistant Teachers by offering competitive salaries, health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and paid holidays. Additionally, we provide a 75% tuition discount for two children at any of our schools in the network and ongoing professional development opportunities through the Prepared Montessorian Institute.

The Montessori approach plays a pivotal role in shaping the responsibilities of an Assistant Teacher at Guidepost Montessori. You'll be tasked with creating a prepared environment that encourages independence and exploration among children. Your job will involve observing each child closely to tailor your support to their individual needs, thus fostering a love for learning and personal growth.

Guidepost Montessori is committed to the professional development of its staff, offering abundant opportunities for career growth. As an Assistant Teacher, you will have the chance to advance into lead teacher roles or other educational positions within our expanding network of Montessori schools. Regular training and mentorship are provided to help you enhance your skills and make lasting contributions in the field of education.

In your response, describe how a day starts with preparing the environment, observing children as they engage with materials, and facilitating both individual and small group lessons. Highlight your role in fostering a collaborative community.

Mention your strategies for addressing challenging behaviors, such as observing the child to understand triggers, guiding them positively, and supporting them to express their feelings appropriately. Discuss how the Montessori approach aids in this process.

Share a specific instance where you modified a lesson based on a child’s unique interests or learning styles. Highlight the importance of individual observations and the goal of fostering independence.

Articulate your understanding of the Montessori principles that encourage independence. Discuss practical techniques, such as setting up engaging activities, giving children choices, and allowing them to self-correct.

Discuss methods you would implement to create a supportive classroom community, such as group projects, peer mentoring, and incorporating social skills lessons into the curriculum.

Articulate that critical qualities include patience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for child development. Provide examples from your experience that demonstrate these qualities in action.

Share how you keep up-to-date with professional development opportunities, including attending workshops, reading educational literature, or connecting with other educators to share insights and resources.

Emphasize the importance of communication and professionalism. Provide an example of how you successfully navigated a disagreement and how you approach conflicts in a constructive way.

Discuss various methods for assessing children's growth, such as observation, keeping records of their achievements, and communicating with parents about their child's development in relation to Montessori objectives.

Reflect on your passion for the Montessori method and your eagerness to contribute to a community focused on child-led learning and education. Discuss the value of helping children reach their highest potential.