Life at Maria Montessori International Academy
MMIA is always looking for the best candidates who are looking for a fun, creative environment. Please see below for the talent we seek, and if you qualify, please send your information to hello@inmontessori.com.
What Makes Maria Montessori International Academy Unique?
If you have a certification in Montessori education, you understand why this type of education is different from traditional schooling. Focusing on the whole child, we provide an environment that empowers children to own their part of the education process. All of our teachers have AMS or AMI certifications, and to apply to MMIA you must have one of those certifications, but some of us are even dual-certified!
One really unique feature of MMIA is our focus on providing a nurturing environment for the children under our care. Sometimes, we find the Montessori method can encourage a ‘tough it out’ approach to growing up. We do not ascribe to that philosophy and realize children need a loving environment for them to flourish.
We believe music, art, and play benefits children just as much as an emphasis on STEM. Yoga sessions, music theory introduction and lessons, as well as fun art projects that provide a foundation for an appreciation of the arts is what we promote in our classrooms. Included in tuition costs, we provide music and arts education to all of our students, as well as providing private lesson opportunities to parents who choose to do so. In our Indianapolis academy, children have the opportunity to learn violin while at our West Carmel/Zionsville location children can learn piano.
MMIA makes our tuition inclusive of all of the opportunities we offer our families, instead of pricing it out individually. Our STREAM-focused summer camps are no exception. Click here to learn more about our amazing camps.
We believe it is important to provide equal opportunity to all students, and price our tuition accordingly. The only exception is private music lessons.
We want you to be the best teacher possible. Period. As our commitment to you, we provide opportunities for professional development. This summer, for example, some of our teachers are heading to Washington DC for a Montessori conference to improve their skills.
Opportunities at Maria Montessori International Academy
Be part of the 20 year tradition at Maria Montessori International Academy as a Lead Primary Montessori Teacher for ages 2.5 years to 6 years. Candidates will be positive, energetic, patient, and willing to work with parents to grow the school.
Lead Teacher Job Description Responsibilities:
Curriculum:
– Establish the morning and extended day work period and give lessons as needed.
– Establish and maintain classroom true to the Montessori philosophy, paying particular attention to the needs of students.
– Implement and update curriculum as student needs dictate.
– Plan, prepare and maintain all units of study – including Montessori materials, practical life, kitchen area, library books and all Montessori materials etc.
– Schedule all guest presenters for your classroom and assist with organize all field trips.
Communication:
– Facilitate a respectful environment for children and adults by advocating conflict resolution and Grace and Courtesy lessons.
– Communicate via Himama (email) with parents about their children’s school lives every week with pictures and educate parents in Montessori philosophy.
– Prepare for and schedule 2 individual communications with all parents during the year –including 1 physical parent conferences and 1 telephone conversation.
– Schedule and work with other faculty for any joint Parent Nights, programs/performances, etc.
– Meet individually with prospective parents and students.
Record keeping:
– Carefully observe and keep daily records on each student’s individual progression through the classroom.
– Maintain the school’s system of record keeping.
– Complete individual learning plans and conference forms for all students.
– Keep a school calendar of events. Supervision of Classroom Assistants and/or
– Establish a harmonious relationship with assistant and intern.
– Conduct weekly staff meetings with assistant
– Participate in staff evaluation.
– Support intern in every way possible.
– Report to the Head of School, Cristina Hernandez and Owner Ms. Vivian Cain
– Paying particular attention to ensuring that the policies on safety, school licensing requirements, staffing minimums, and School policies for the school are adhered to, including completing a health and safety checklist.
– Attend monthly meetings
– 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
– Care for all classroom animals and plants.
– Organize planning time for changing out material, cleaning and reorganizing works.
Requirements Lead teacher must meet the following basic requirements:
– Diploma from the Association Montessori Society/Associate Montessori Internationale with a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent such as preprimary credential, primary diploma, or provisional certificate from the American Montessori Society)
– At least 1,040 hours experience as an assistant teacher, aide, or student intern, preferably in a Montessori primary classroom
– CPR/First Aid certification
– Have the physical capacity to work with preschool/Kindergarten aged children.
– Continued professional development
Upon selection, a background check and drug screening must be passed prior to beginning the school year.
Responsible for teaching MMIA students how to speak, write, and understand a foreign language (Spanish, French, Mandarin, Arabic).
Primary responsibilities:
– Teach children how to interpret foreign language.
– Translate from language into English.
– Provide instruction in literature and cross-cultural studies.
– Teach children how to read, write, and understand in language.
– Provide individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each child.
– Develop children’s understanding and appreciation of culture of countries where language is spoken.
– Create instructional resources for use in the classroom.
– Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities
– Create positive educational climate for children to learn in.
– Create lesson plans and modify accordingly throughout the year aligned with Montessori curriculum.
– Prepares a monthly Language Newsletter as a way to let the parents know what was covered or what will be covered in language.
– Create projects, activities or programs designed to enhance lectures. Plan for a Holiday program in December, a program in Spring and a program for K’s Graduation Ceremony.
– Develop incentives to keep participants in class.
– Observe and evaluate students’ performance. Provide feedback to the Lead Teacher about children’s performance.
– Manage student behavior in the classroom by invoking approved disciplinary procedures.
Job Summary
Montessori assistant teachers work with lead teachers and are trained in the Montessori method. Montessori teaching assistants work in a unique educational setting, with a child-initiated learning process and non-competitive activities.
As a school, it is our mission to create an environment in which the following goals of a Montessori education may be met: 1. awaken the child‛s spirit and imagination 2. encourage a normal desire for independence 3. foster a high sense of self-esteem 4. help develop in all children the qualities of kindness, courtesy and self-discipline 5. teach children to observe, question and explore ideas independently 6. help children master social skills and knowledge When accepting a position with Maria Montessori, the classroom Assistant agrees to aid the teachers in working toward these goals, and to collaborate with the staff in providing a nurturing environment. Classroom Assistants facilitate the comprehensive development of all students by interacting positively, confidently and respectfully with all.
Responsibilities and Duties
Job Duties
The teaching assistants work cohesively with the lead teachers. The job duties range from organizing materials and cleaning the workspace to facilitating the learning process for each child. Assistants for school-age children may also be required to administer and grade assignments. All assistants are expected to support the Montessori teaching method. Specifically, they must help guide the child through self-directed activities, allowing the child to develop at his or her own pace. They are expected to foster, along with the lead teachers, a nurturing and stimulating non-competitive environment.
Qualifications and Skills
Prerequisites
Requirements for admittance to the teaching assistant course or workshop include a minimum of a high school diploma (or the equivalent) and proficiency in English. The prospective assistant may choose to specialize in child care at one of three levels: infancy (birth to three years of age), primary (3-6 years of age) or elementary (6-12 years of age). Some schools may also hire assistants for middle school or high school aged children. Experience with the relevant age group is desired. Some hiring schools may requ
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $13.00 to $15.00 /hour