Lower School Apprentice Teacher in Washington, Connecticut at Washington Montessori Association Inc

The Apprentice Teacher is an aspiring Montessori educator who works alongside an experienced Head Teacher to learn the craft of Montessori teaching while supporting the learning and well-being of students throughout the school day. This is a mentorship-based, growth-oriented role designed for someone with a sincere commitment to Montessori education who aspires to one day lead a classroom as a Head Teacher.

Through hands-on classroom experience, structured mentorship, and ongoing professional development, potentially including support toward Montessori credentialing (when the time is right), the Apprentice builds the knowledge, skills, and judgment needed to one day guide a classroom of their own. The position is directly accountable to the Head Teacher and works closely with them to ensure a safe, organized, and nurturing Montessori environment. Time during school hours is spent working with students.

• Work alongside the Head Teacher to prepare, maintain, and repair the prepared environment and educational materials, learning the purpose and proper use of each material.

• Observe the Head Teacher's lessons and classroom management, then progressively take on lessons and small-group work under their guidance.

• Follow a checklist of routine duties for the class, such as dusting and cleaning, refilling supplies, and keeping storage organized, as planned with the Head Teacher.

• Share responsibility for the safety and well-being of students at all times.

• Use respectful, affirming language with students at all times, whether in conversation, teaching, or redirecting them.

• Work with individual students or small groups during the school day as directed.

• Refer parent inquiries to the Head Teacher and support the relationship between the parent and Head Teacher.

• Supervise the running of the classroom as directed and take charge of the classroom when the Head Teacher is not present.

• Fulfill lunch and recess duty as assigned.

• Attend staff meetings and other events as required.

This role is built around the Apprentice's growth as a Montessori educator. The school is committed to providing the mentorship and professional development that support a path toward a Head Teacher role.

• Meet regularly with the Head Teacher and Director of Education for mentorship, observation, feedback, and coaching.

• Plan annual professional development goals with the Head Teacher and Director of Education, working steadily toward the competencies needed to lead a classroom.

• Maintain a reflective practice, actively seeking feedback and applying it to grow in the craft of Montessori teaching.

• Observe other classrooms and educators, as arranged, to broaden understanding of Montessori practice across levels.

• Take on increasing responsibility over time as readiness grows, in partnership with the Head Teacher and Director of Education.

• Pursue a Montessori teaching credential appropriate to the lower school level, with the school's support and as invited by the Director of Education.

• 8:00 am arrival, 3:45 pm dismissal, except for full staff meetings on Tuesdays (5:00 pm) or Flex Days (1:00 pm).

• Use sick days judiciously; take no more than 2 personal days, only if essential, and by advance request.

• Be a positive team player and contribute ideas, energy, and time to the school's overall mission. Respect and reinforce productive channels of communication, avoiding sharing gossip, rumor, or complaints with parents in the school.

• Work well with all colleagues and actively seek to resolve conflicts or problems when they arise.

• Listen thoughtfully to other viewpoints and respond constructively to suggestions and criticism.

• Demonstrate professional demeanor and maintain appropriate boundaries with colleagues, students, and parents.

• Be ethical and forthright, use good judgment, and maintain confidentiality with student information.

• Demonstrates calm, flexibility, focus, an even temper, and social appropriateness in ways that help others.

• Maintain and demonstrate a strong sense of ethics.

Other duties as assigned by the Head Teacher, Director of Education, and Head of School.

Skills & Competencies

• A sincere commitment to Montessori education and the aspiration to grow into a Head Teacher role over time.

• Experience working with children in an educational or childcare setting preferred.

• Genuine enthusiasm for working with children and a patient, nurturing approach.

• Eagerness to learn, ability to follow direction, and willingness to work collaboratively as part of a classroom team.

• Reliable and punctual, with strong attention to the needs of the classroom and students.

• An open, reflective, growth-oriented mindset and a positive response to coaching and feedback.

• Commitment to pursuing ongoing professional growth.

• Commitment to the school's mission and the well-being of every student.

This is a full-time, in-person position. The Apprentice Teacher is expected to be on campus during regular school hours and to participate in all required staff meetings and school events. Occasional evening availability may be required.

This role is intended as a developmental pathway designed to prepare the Apprentice for a future Head Teacher position. Advancement is based on demonstrated readiness, completion of credentialing, and the availability of an opening.