Substitute Preschool Teacher (Montessori Guide) - job 1 of 2

As a Substitute Preschool Teacher (Montessori Guide) at Guidepost Montessori, your responsibilities will include supporting children's learning in a mixed-age environment, following Montessori principles, and maintaining a positive and engaging classroom atmosphere. You'll step in for full-time teachers when they are unavailable, ensuring continuous and meaningful learning experiences for the students.

To qualify as a Substitute Preschool Teacher at Guidepost Montessori, you need to possess strong interpersonal skills and a warm demeanor. While formal Montessori training is not required, a valid Texas background check and CPR/First Aid certification are mandatory. You'll also benefit from recent early childhood education experience or some ECE units.

Yes! Guidepost Montessori is committed to supporting your professional growth. As a new Substitute Preschool Teacher (Montessori Guide), you will receive comprehensive training during your orientation and onboarding process, ensuring you are well-prepared to thrive in the classroom.

Substitute Preschool Teachers (Montessori Guides) at Guidepost Montessori earn an hourly rate of $15. Typically, this role involves working full days, usually consisting of 9 hours of work, with a lunch break of 30 to 60 minutes to recharge and enjoy some well-deserved downtime!

Working as a Substitute Preschool Teacher at Guidepost Montessori is an excellent pathway to a full-time position. Many substitutes have successfully transitioned to full-time Assistant Teachers when openings arise. Your experience will give you valuable insights into our teaching methods and community, making you a strong candidate for future roles.

Effective classroom management as a Substitute Preschool Teacher involves establishing clear expectations and creating a positive learning environment. It's important to connect with the students, use engaging activities, and maintain consistency with the classroom rules set by the full-time teacher.

When answering this question, highlight any formal or informal experiences you have had with children aged 0-6, whether through teaching, babysitting, or volunteering. Be specific about the age groups you’ve worked with and the activities or curriculum you implemented to foster their development.

Demonstrating your knowledge of Montessori education is crucial. Share its core principles, such as promoting independence, mixed-age classrooms, hands-on learning, and respect for a child's natural development. Mention any experiences you've had with Montessori methods or settings.

Communicating with the full-time teacher and understanding the daily schedule is important for a smooth transition. Additionally, introducing yourself warmly to the children and explaining your role can help ease any anxiety they might have about the day.

Utilizing hands-on activities, relevant materials, and interactive games can significantly engage young children. Highlight your use of questions to promote curiosity and adaptations made to cater to diverse learning styles within the classroom.

In conflict resolution, my approach involves facilitating communication between the children, helping them express their feelings, and aiding them in finding a compromise. Emphasizing empathy and understanding is critical to fostering a positive classroom environment.

Adapting teaching methods involves observing and identifying each child's learning style—whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. I'll modify my approach accordingly, using diverse materials and techniques to ensure all students can engage and benefit from the lesson.

Prioritizing safety includes regularly checking the classroom for potential hazards, ensuring all materials are safe and age-appropriate, and teaching children about safety. Open communication with the children and reinforcing the importance of a safe environment is key.

While discussing your lesson plan, focus on the theme and objectives. Describe how you tailored activities for different age groups to ensure inclusivity and engagement, as well as how you assessed children’s understanding and progress.

Share your passion for early childhood education and its impact on a child's development. Discuss specific experiences that motivated you to pursue this path, whether from personal stories, mentors, or educational insights that shaped your philosophy.