Montessori Guide - Infants & Toddlers - Ecdc - St. Louis Catholic Church, Austin

Job Summary

Our Early Childhood Development center currently offers a traditional play-based environment. We are seeking a qualified Montessori guide who can support ECDC as we discern the implementation of a Montessori pedagogy to strengthen our current offerings.

A Montessori Guide compassionately supports and aids the children in their spiritual, physical, moral, social and mental development. As an integral part of the prepared environment, the guide is foremost an observer trained to recognize the appropriate time to present materials and lessons to children to fulfill their developmental needs. The guide also serves as a model of the attitude and behaviors cultivated in the classroom community. These include: respect, kindness, patience, warmth and joy of learning. Their extensive training prepares them to negotiate the delicate balance of honoring the child's interests and independence while guiding the child to understand the limits of their independence that come from their responsibility to themselves, as well as the people and environment that surrounds them.

Essential Duties

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school

• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church

• Supports and adheres to the Standards of Conduct and policies and procedures of the parish

• Plans and implements the Montessori Curriculum

• Carries the primary responsibility for the development and implementation of the educational environment and curriculum consistent with the AMI/AMS standards, policies and procedures

• Implements the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as the religious formation of the children

• Provides appropriate material and resources for students to engage in learning

• Uses effective instructional methods and models according to professional standard practice

• Uses varied assessment tools to perform both formative and summative assessments

• Provides instruction and assessment for understanding

• Maintains current and accurate records according to school policies

• Practices positive, consistent discipline in the management of the classroom.

• Communicates with parents regarding academic, behavioral, and safety concerns

• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to students, parents, and staff

• Supervises the classroom assistant, substitutes, and parent volunteers

• Nurtures and guides the assistant under his/her supervision, including mentoring the assistant in the Montessori philosophy and teaching the assistants how to use materials properly

• Participates in professional development activities designated by the principal, which may include Montessori workshops, curriculum meetings and planning for the Montessori program

• Maintains a neat, clean, well-organized, and attractive prepared environment consistent with Montessori pedagogy

• Communicates with the Director about any problems or concerns

• Attends all events listed in the school calendar as requested. (i.e. Mass, Devotionals, performances, etc.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Knowledge of subjects taught, instructional methods and strategies, and curriculum differentiation.

• Knowledge of child development, learning, and behavior.

• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Skill in pacing and differentiating instruction.

• Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process.

• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format.

• Skill in using job-appropriate technology.

• Skill in critical thinking and planning.

• Skill in demonstrating professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.

• Skill in collaborating with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school matters.

• Ability to manage student behavior in the classroom setting.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.

• Ability to work well with others in the school community.

• Ability to conference with parents upon request and respond to messages in a timely manner.

• Ability to demonstrate gains in student performance that are in keeping with school goals.

• Ability to respond to individual learning needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor degree and Montessori certification from a Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE)

or

• Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and Montessori certification from a MACTE accredited program - required

Experience

• Minimum of three year's experience in a Montessori school - preferred

• Minimum of one year as lead guide - preferred

• Certified Catechist with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - preferred

Certifications and Training:

• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 60 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.

• Must begin Level I of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechist certification training within a year of date of hire.

Mental / Physical Tasks: (Place "E" next to Essential Tasks)

E

Talking

E

Using office equipment, stapler, telephone, etc.

E

Listening

E

Using personal computer

E

Standing

E

Sitting

E

Walking

E

Bending

E

Grasping/holding

E

Pushing/pulling

E

Lifting/carrying

E

Reading & comprehending

Moving heavy equipment

E

Seeing

Driving

Other:

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the parish are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Pastor in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church.

• The parish is an at-will employer, which means the employment relationship can be terminated at any time, with or without notice, by either the employee or the employer.

• All buildings and vehicles owned by the parish are tobacco free.

• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.

• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.

• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.

• May be required to use personal or parish vehicles to drive to off-site locations.

• Travelling within and outside the parish to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.

Ministerial Character

The Pastor is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the parish (St. Louis King of France Catholic Church and School

• Austin, Texas) which the Bishop has entrusted to him. He makes Christ's mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill his mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clergy and lay people). He shares with them his mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Positions employed at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church and School

• Austin, Texas help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.