Substitute Guide (Teacher)

As a Substitute Guide (Teacher) at Guidepost Montessori, your primary role is to provide support to multiple mixed-age Montessori classrooms when full-time teachers are unavailable. You'll engage with students, implement lesson plans, and foster a positive learning environment. No formal Montessori training is required as we provide thorough training during your onboarding process.

To qualify for the Substitute Guide (Teacher) position at Guidepost Montessori, applicants must possess a negative TB test within the last 12 months, a valid state background check, and strong interpersonal skills. A warm demeanor and the ability to connect with children are essential. While preferred, recent teaching experience or ECE units are not mandatory.

Substitute Guides (Teachers) at Guidepost Montessori can expect to earn between $16-$18 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. This pay structure reflects the importance of the role in supporting our classrooms and ensuring a high-quality educational experience for our students.

The working hours for Substitute Guides (Teachers) at Guidepost Montessori are flexible and vary based on the school's needs. As this is an on-call position, you'll receive notifications when your assistance is required, allowing you to fit work into your schedule.

No prior Montessori experience is necessary to apply for the Substitute Guide (Teacher) position at Guidepost Montessori. We offer orientation and training to help you familiarize yourself with the Montessori methods and practices, making this a great opportunity for newcomers to the field.

Absolutely! Many of our Substitute Guides (Teachers) at Guidepost Montessori transition into full-time Assistant or Lead Teacher positions when available. This role provides a fantastic opportunity to gain invaluable experience and establish yourself within our community.

The hiring process for Substitute Guides (Teachers) at Guidepost Montessori typically involves an application submission, a review by our hiring team, and an interview process. Once selected, you will undergo onboarding which includes training tailored to prepare you for your responsibilities.

When answering this question, focus on your passion for working with children, your adaptability to different classroom environments, and your willingness to learn and implement Montessori methods. Provide specific examples of your experiences that demonstrate these qualities.

Discuss a specific strategy you would employ to calmly address difficult behavior. Highlight the importance of understanding each child’s individual needs and how to use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behavior while maintaining a supportive classroom environment.

If you're new to Montessori, express your eagerness to learn. If you have experience, share your understanding of key Montessori principles, such as student-centered learning and fostering independence, providing examples of how you've applied these principles in previous teaching experiences.

Discuss the importance of creating a balanced, respectful atmosphere. You might mention grouping activities that foster peer learning and how you would encourage collaboration among students while addressing the varied needs of different age groups.

Share a sample lesson idea that aligns with Montessori principles and engages students’ interests. Detail how you would introduce the lesson, the materials involved, and how you would encourage student-led exploration and learning.

Stress the importance of open and clear communication in fostering a collaborative environment. Describe how you would provide thorough feedback to full-time teachers after your shifts, detailing students’ progress and any issues encountered.

Discuss your approach to addressing the issue directly and sensitively, emphasizing the importance of immediate intervention while ensuring the affected students feel supported. Describe your commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Mention your proactive approach to seeking clarification. Explain how you would communicate with the full-time teacher for guidance, adapt the lesson based on previous experiences, and utilize available resources to ensure a smooth delivery.

Explain that observation is vital in the Montessori approach to recognize each child's unique learning style and progress. Highlight your ability to take note of these aspects while maintaining an engaging classroom environment.

Share your passion for the Montessori philosophy and how it aligns with your teaching values. Discuss how Guidepost Montessori’s commitment to educational change resonates with your own beliefs and why you’d be honored to contribute to their mission.