Part Time Upper Elementary Teacher

As a Part Time Upper Elementary Teacher at Guidepost Montessori, your main responsibilities include leading a mixed-age classroom for grades 1-6, providing small group and individual lessons in all content areas, and designing lesson plans that offer customized rigor for each student. Continuous communication with parents regarding their child’s progress and working in collaboration with other educators to enhance the classroom culture are also essential parts of this role.

To apply for the Part Time Upper Elementary Teacher position at Guidepost Montessori, candidates should have some meaningful experience working with elementary-aged children. A passion for education and a desire to learn about the Montessori method are also important, as this role includes a fully-supported two-year accredited training program to earn your Montessori elementary credential.

Guidepost Montessori is committed to the professional growth of its educators. As a Part Time Upper Elementary Teacher, you will participate in a two-year accredited teacher training program, receive personalized coaching, and engage with a network of educators to constantly improve your teaching practice. You will have the opportunity to experiment with innovative educational techniques, ensuring you grow alongside your students.

The classroom environment for a Part Time Upper Elementary Teacher at Guidepost Montessori is designed intentionally to foster collaboration and creativity. Instead of traditional setups, you'll find mixed seating arrangements that support small group discussions and individual focused work, along with beautiful materials and a rich, engaging curriculum that emphasizes student agency and exploration.

Working as a Part Time Upper Elementary Teacher at Guidepost Montessori comes with numerous benefits including a 75% tuition discount for two children at any school in the network, health, dental and vision insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Flexible time off options are also offered, along with full tuition coverage for Montessori training programs, encouraging a healthy work-life balance.

In approaching lesson planning as a Part Time Upper Elementary Teacher, it’s essential to focus on student needs and interests. I begin by assessing the skills and passions of my students to create lessons that are engaging and relevant. Collaborating with program experts helps customize the curriculum further, allowing for a mix of rigorous academic challenges and creative exploration.

My experience working with elementary-aged children has been incredibly rewarding. I have engaged them in learning through hands-on activities, encouraging their natural curiosity. I understand the developmental milestones of this age group and strive to create a supportive and inspiring learning environment that fosters independence and collaboration.

I believe that strong communication with parents is foundational for student success. I prioritize regular updates about their child's academic and emotional progress and welcome parent involvement in the classroom. Building a partnership with parents enhances the educational experience and ensures that we are all working toward common goals for the student.

To foster a collaborative classroom environment, I design activities that promote teamwork and peer learning. By arranging seating that encourages group work, implementing cooperative projects, and facilitating discussions where students can share their ideas, I create a space where every voice is valued and collaboration is an integral part of the learning process.

Differentiating instruction is key in a Montessori classroom. I utilize a variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs, including small group lessons, individualized follow-up work, and real-world extensions tailored to students’ interests and strengths. Continuous assessment allows me to adapt lessons effectively to support each child's growth.

I make it a priority to stay current with educational practices by engaging with professional learning communities, attending workshops, and reading the latest research in education. I also find inspiration in collaborating with other educators within the Guidepost Montessori network and drawing from our collective experiences to enhance my teaching practice.

I encountered challenges when addressing different learning paces among students. I overcame this by implementing mixed-ability groupings that allowed students to support each other while facilitating tailored mini-lessons for those who struggled. This approach not only addressed their needs but also built a community of learners who celebrated each other’s strengths.

I motivate students by connecting lessons to their interests and allowing them choice in their projects. By encouraging self-directed learning and acknowledging their efforts through positive reinforcement, I foster a classroom culture where students feel empowered and excited about their learning journey.

Balancing teaching duties and professional development requires good time management. I plan to allocate specific times within my week for professional growth activities, utilizing resources provided by Guidepost Montessori while ensuring that my teaching responsibilities remain a top priority. Regular reflection and integration of what I learn into my practice helps optimize both areas.

The most important quality for a Part Time Upper Elementary Teacher is the ability to nurture and inspire a love of learning. This involves having deep patience, empathy, and enthusiasm, which create an environment where students feel safe to explore, ask questions, and develop their unique strengths. Adaptability is also crucial, as each day can bring new surprises!