Upper Elementary Assistant Teacher (4-6 grade)

Job Title: St. Joseph Montessori School Lead and/or Co-Teacher

Level: Upper Elementary (4-6 grade)

For the 2024 - 25 school year

Location: 933 Hamlet St., Columbus, OH 43201

Job Status: Full Time

Reports to: Head of School

Organizational Overview: Founded in 1968, St. Joseph Montessori School is a Catholic Montessori School located in Columbus, Ohio, serving students 18 months through 8th grade.

School Mission: St. Joseph Montessori School provides a Montessori Catholic learning community that honors the whole child and their immense potential.

Job Description:

St. Joseph Montessori School (SJMS) was established in 1968 as a preschool preparation program for St. Joseph Academy, operated by the Sisters of Notre Dame. The Academy consisted of grades one through twelve. Recognizing the value of the Montessori approach to education, parents requested and were granted the extension of the program into the elementary school.

Although declining enrollment forced the closing of the 100-year-old high school in 1977, a cooperative effort between the Sisters and parent body resulted in the transition of SJMS into a private Pre-K-8 Diocesan school with nonprofit status and an elected parent Board of Trustees.

In 2021, SJMS opened its first Toddler program, accepting students as young as 18 months of age. In 2023, St. Joseph Montessori School became the first American Montessori Society Accredited Montessori School in Central Ohio, and is 1 of 222 AMS accredited schools worldwide.

We offer an alternative educational program to families throughout the central Ohio area, serving families from 48 different zip codes and 6 counties. Our school is located in a vibrant and historic residential neighborhood minutes from Downtown Columbus and The Ohio State University.

The Montessori Method allows students to learn and receive individualized lessons in small group settings with a low student-teacher ratio. Students learn to become independent, confident, and curious learners. They thrive in a peaceful environment while developing a responsibility for themselves and the natural world.

Key Responsibilities: Support the academic, social, and emotional growth of the individual child in a multi-age classroom. This position is for our Upper Elementary Classroom with a multi-age classroom of students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. The Upper Elementary teacher serves as a Montessori Guide for children in their second plane of development.

Curriculum:

• Support the academic, social, and emotional growth of the individual child
• Observe and guide the children through their learning
• Establish and maintain the classroom true to the Montessori philosophy, paying particular attention to the needs of students
• Design lessons that ignite curiosity within students while adhering to the Montessori Method and meeting State of Ohio academic standards
• Implement and extend the curriculum as student needs dictate.
• Plan, prepare and maintain all units of study – including Montessori materials, thematic units, library books, etc.
• Schedule all guest presenters and organize all field trips working in tandem with the level team.
• Maintain accurate record keeping and planning through the use of Transparent Classroom
  
  
  

Communication:

• Facilitate a respectful environment for children and adults by advocating conflict resolution and Grace and Courtesy lessons.
• Use Positive Discipline techniques to redirect children as needed.
• Communicate via newsletters (email) with parents about their children’s school lives every week and work in tandem with school administration to educate parents in Montessori philosophy.
• Upload photos as a means to parent education. Tag photos according to Transparent Classroom material descriptions.
• Prepare for and schedule 3 individual communications with all parents during the year –including 2 physical parent conferences and 1 telephone conversation.
• Schedule and work with administration for any joint Parent Nights, programs/ performances, events, etc.
• Attend school-wide events and functions.
• Meet individually and work in tandem with the Director of Admission with prospective parents and students to conduct interviews and recommendations for acceptance.
  
  
  

Record keeping:

• Carefully observe and keep daily records of each student’s individual progression through the curriculum.
• In keeping with Montessori pedagogy and best practices keep and maintain an observation log. Use the observations of students to guide instruction based on the needs of the child.
• Maintain the school’s system of record keeping (Transparent Classroom).
• Complete individual learning plans and conference forms for all students.
• Complete cumulative records
• Keep a school calendar of events.
  
  
  

Cooperative Work with Co-Teacher, Classroom Assistant, and Interns:

• Establish a harmonious relationship with co-teachers, assistants, and interns. Work in conjunction with special area teachers.
• Attend weekly level meetings and staff meetings.
• Participate in the 5-Tiered staff evaluation process including self-evaluations and personal/professional goal setting.
• Serve on at least one school committee.
  
  
  

Administrative Duties:

• Plan, prepare, and organize all materials for parent volunteers.
• Assist in the planning and maintenance of the building, materials, and playground to ensure they are clean, safe, and maintained.
• Report any maintenance issues to the Director of Operations or Facility Manager
• Care for all classroom animals and plants.
• Organize planning time for changing out material, cleaning, and reorganizing works.
• Hours 8:00 am – 3:30 pm (4:30 pm on Wednesday) including a half-hour lunch break.
• Attend, participate, and inform (based on data) Student Support Team meetings that are necessary for the success of every learner.
• Complete all assigned paperwork (such as Administrative Cost Reimbursements, Child History Forms, Admissions Interviews, student permanent record files, etc.) in an accurate and timely manner.
• Support the Summer Learning Camp Program by working at least one week as a Lead or Assistant Teacher. (Additional compensation provided.)
• Duties assigned by the Head of School
  
  
  

Position Requirements/Physical Capabilities:

• Ability to support and promote a team environment
• Enthusiasm, initiative, high energy level, sense of humor, and flexibility
• Physical ability to work around children including sitting on the floor, standing, crouching, and climbing stairs
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25 pounds on an occasional basis
• Enthusiasm when working with children and adolescents
• Required to complete FBI/BCI Background Check, Protecting God’s Children 3-hour workshop, FEMA Training, CPR/First Aid Certification, Religion I course of study (Diocese of Columbus requirement), and other professional development as assigned.
  
  
  

Education Requirements:

• Credential from the Association Montessori Society, Association Montessori Internationale, or from a MACTE-approved Teacher Education Program (preferred). SJMS will provide training for non-MACTE credentialed teachers in return for a commitment to work.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education
• State of Ohio Teachers License (Resident Educator or 5-year professional license) in area/level of teaching
• CPR/First Aid certification (SJMS will provide if not already completed)
• Have the physical capacity to work with school-age children.
• Willingness to complete professional development on an ongoing basis. This includes any additional safety t