Vacancy expired!
This position is an exciting opportunity at a growing and unique charter school that is primed for growth in the Grand Valley area and beautiful Fruita, Colorado. Monument View Montessori Charter School (MVMCS) is a pre-K, Kindergarten and Lower Elementary charter school with the goal of providing a Montessori-based educational system for our multi-faceted and diverse community. We also recognize that this is the 21st Century, and our children need to be prepared for a new world; a world very different than the one we grew up in. Classical language and arts are vital components of any educational system, and our goal is to provide these pathways along with math and science training for our children so that they are as prepared as possible for the world ahead. We strive to keep alive the spark that is in all children. Monument View Montessori Charter School supports the natural desire to learn about the world around them, but to learn about this world in their own personal and independent way. The Kindergarten Lead Teacher is responsible for the education of each pupil in his or her charge and for working with students, parents, other teachers and staff toward achieving the goals set forth in the MVMCS charter. The Elementary Teacher reports to the Head of School.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for conducting an organized and professional classroom:
Develops curriculum, and communicates the curriculum from a syllabus-based approach
Implements curriculum and instruction in a manner consistent with MVMCSs Mission Statement, including understanding, modeling and fostering independent thinking skills, creative problem-solving and abstract reasoning. Shows empathy and understanding of students. Shares ideas and observations with students and parents.
Develops with parents and students a cooperative partnership based on mutual respect
Assesses student performance frequently and objectively
Facilitates resolution of problems that might arise with students and parents
Holds parent/student/teacher conferences in a manner consistent with MVMCSs Handbook.
Continues intellectual and professional development and pursues further education in primary academic discipline.
Follows policies established by the MVMCS Board of Directors, Charter School Institute, and Colorado State mandated guidelines, except where MVMCS has received waivers.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
The Kindergarten Lead Teacher, serving ages 3-6, provides an organized working environment, conducive to the development of students, using the Montessori Method. Working in close collaboration with the Lower Elementary Teacher(s), the Kindergarten Lead Teacher guides, monitors, and supervises children using Montessori techniques and training to deliver a sound Montessori Primary program that is integrated into a 3-year curriculum. S/he has strong writing skills, and is organized and articulate. The teacher will possess a friendly disposition, demonstrate leadership and emotional maturity, and have a love of learning and playing. The Kindergarten Lead Teacher is responsible for maintaining student well-being and safety.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Kindergarten Lead Teacher is responsible for all aspects of the classroom: classroom management, outdoor education, lesson planning, record-keeping, progress reporting, and student and parent interactions. The teacher provides ongoing support and engagement with students in creating and maintaining a non-discriminatory, all-inclusive program with high academic standards and a commitment to social and emotional learning and growth. S/he maintains and fosters constructive interactions with students and parents. The teacher participates in weekly staff meetings, and will periodically attend school functions and events after regular school hours. Throughout the school, the Kindergarten Lead Teacher will demonstrate grace and courtesy. This is a 10 month position, paid over 12 months. The opportunity also may exist to oversee a summer program as an additional paid position.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must meet ONE of the following for the teaching subject area:
Teaching experience in a public or private setting (although a CO license with Elementary Education endorsement is not required, Monument View Montessori Charter School expects that teachers without a certificate will work toward an alternative qualification over time), OR
A degree (BA or BS) in Elementary Education or related field, OR
Pass an approved elementary content exam (Praxis #5001)
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE
Montessori Early Childhood Certification or willingness to obtain within 1 year.
Sound knowledge of Montessori education and learning environments
Ability to work in a student-centered environment within the classroom, including using assessments to place students, curriculum compacting, flexible pacing, flexible instruction, grouping, acceleration, enrichment, and independent study to meet student needs
Experience in effectively solving challenging problems through collaborative approaches
Good written and oral communication
Knowledge of and commitment to Character Education
Initiative and skills in the following areas; relationship and community building, educational leadership, communication, conflict resolution, creativity, problem solving, decision making, and time management
Entrepreneurial outlook and charter school commitment
Strong self-starter; able to work with limited direction
LICENSES OR CERTIFICATION
CPR/First Aid certification/FEMA training (within 30 days)
Other Requirements:
CBI/FBI fingerprint clearance and background check (pre-employment)
Be physically strong and able to lift at least 50 pounds
Continuing professional development 15 hours per school year
SALARY: Competitive and commensurate with experience.
To apply, please submit resumé and qualifications to Cori Rasmussen, Assistant Head of School (c.rasmussen @ mvmcharter . org)
