Substitute Teacher - job 1 of 8

As a Substitute Teacher at Guidepost Montessori, your daily responsibilities include maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for children, implementing the Montessori curriculum provided by full-time teachers, and fostering independence in young learners. You will engage with mixed-age groups, facilitating activities that support learning and development tailored to each child's individual needs.

To qualify for the Substitute Teacher position at Guidepost Montessori, candidates must pass a valid state background check, have a negative TB test completed within the last 12 months, and possess strong interpersonal skills. While having ECE units or teaching experience with children aged 0-6 is preferred, no formal Montessori training is required as extensive training will be provided.

Guidepost Montessori offers onboarding and orientation training for all new Substitute Teachers. This training is designed to familiarize you with the Montessori philosophy, classroom management techniques, and instructional strategies that effectively support children's learning. You will feel well-prepared to step into various classrooms as needed.

The Substitute Teacher position at Guidepost Montessori operates on an on-call basis. This means you will be contacted when full-time teachers are absent due to illness or vacation. The days and hours worked will vary depending on the school’s needs, providing you with a flexible schedule to accommodate your other commitments.

Absolutely! Many Substitute Teachers at Guidepost Montessori transition into full-time Assistant Teacher positions as openings become available. This role provides valuable experience within our educational environment, allowing you to build relationships and showcase your skills, making it a stepping stone towards a more permanent role.

When answering this question, reflect on your passion for education and working with children. Share any personal experiences that connect you to Montessori principles, such as fostering independence and critical thinking. Highlight how Guidepost Montessori's commitment to a progressive educational model resonates with your teaching philosophy.

Discuss your strategies for establishing a positive classroom environment. Cite the importance of building rapport with students and using Montessori methods to encourage self-regulation. Mention techniques such as modeling appropriate behavior, offering choices, and engaging children in problem-solving discussions.

Emphasize your flexibility and adaptability. Provide examples of how you have successfully navigated sudden changes in previous roles. Explain your approach to collaborating with full-time teachers to ensure continuity in learning experiences when stepping into the classroom unexpectedly.

Share your passion for interactive learning and discuss the importance of hands-on activities. Mention strategies such as using visual aids, encouraging exploration, and connecting lessons to children's interests to create a vibrant learning experience in the classroom.

While Substitute Teachers typically follow lesson plans provided by full-time teachers, share your approach to being prepared. Highlight your skills in quickly understanding lesson objectives and your creativity in adapting activities to meet the children's needs and interests for the day.

Discuss your approach to individualized support by employing various teaching methods. Explain how you would assess the child's strengths and challenges, provide one-on-one assistance, and encourage peer collaboration to boost their understanding and confidence.

Highlight essential qualities such as adaptability, effective communication, and a nurturing demeanor. Discuss the importance of building positive relationships with children and working cooperatively with faculty to ensure a seamless educational experience in the absence of regular teachers.

Explain your commitment to inclusivity and personalized learning. Share strategies such as differentiating instruction and allowing children to engage at their own pace while ensuring that all children feel supported, comfortable, and excited about their learning journey.

Discuss the importance of encouraging independence in early childhood education. Describe techniques like allowing children to make choices, facilitating decision-making, and employing Montessori materials that inspire exploration and self-discovery, which are key aspects of the Montessori approach.

Convey your understanding of play as a vital component of learning, particularly in the Montessori method. Discuss how play fosters creativity, social skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking in young children. Share examples of how you would incorporate play into learning activities.