Reports To: Director of Montessori Education, Executive Director
Location: Creative Montessori School
Position Type: Full-Time
Application Process:
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter to ddeharde@cmskids.org.
We look forward to welcoming a compassionate and dependable team member who values consistency, collaboration, and the unique Montessori approach to education. Join us in supporting a vibrant learning community where children are empowered to grow with confidence and independence.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Primary Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in maintaining a consistent, respectful, and nurturing Montessori classroom environment for students ages 3–6. This role works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to support student development, classroom operations, and daily routines.
The Assistant Teacher plays an active role in ensuring the classroom runs smoothly and is prepared to step in to support continuity of care and instruction as needed.
CORE AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Montessori Classroom Support
- Support the implementation of Montessori lessons and classroom activities under the guidance of the Lead Teacher
- Assist in maintaining a prepared environment that encourages independence and self-directed learning
- Interact with students in a calm, respectful, and supportive manner consistent with Montessori principles
- Help reinforce grace and courtesy, independence, and care of the environment
Student Observation & Growth
- Support student learning and development through observation and engagement
- Assist in guiding students in academic, social, and emotional development
- Share observations with the Lead Teacher to support individualized learning
Classroom Operations & Environment
- Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and fully prepared classroom environment
- Support daily classroom routines, transitions, and expectations
- Ensure materials are prepared, maintained, and returned appropriately
- Participate in school-wide responsibilities including lunch, recess, carline, and other assigned duties
Collaboration & Communication
- Collaborate closely with the Lead Teacher and classroom team to support student success
- Maintain professional and respectful communication with colleagues, students, and families
- Support classroom communication efforts as directed by the Lead Teacher
- Attend all required faculty meetings, team meetings, and school events
Operational Responsibilities
- Support continuity of classroom coverage in the event of staff absence or transition
- Step into increased classroom responsibility when needed to ensure student safety and consistency
- Communicate any immediate classroom or staffing concerns to the Lead Teacher and/or administration
- Maintain awareness of daily classroom needs, including materials, transitions, and student support
Professional Expectations
- Experience working with children in a classroom or childcare setting preferred
- Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
- Ability to take initiative and respond to classroom needs proactively
- Commitment to Montessori philosophy, including fostering independence, respect, and a positive learning environment
- Willingness to learn and implement Montessori practices under the guidance of the Lead Teacher
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry children up to 50 pounds
- Ability to move quickly and safely in an emergency
- Regular bending, kneeling, crouching, and floor-level engagement
Why Creative Montessori School?
Creative Montessori School has served the Birmingham community for over 50 years, offering an authentic Montessori education rooted in independence, curiosity, and respect for the child. Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared, our community is deeply supportive, and our teachers are empowered to do meaningful work every day.
We are committed to building an intentionally diverse and inclusive community and welcome candidates who share that commitment.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Tuition discount for your children
- Free lunch for staff members
- Percentage towards Health and dental insurance, 401k match, short-term/long-term disability, paid time off
- Opportunities for growth within a well-established Montessori program.
Our Montessori school strives to be an intentionally diverse community, comprised of people of different ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender identities, family structures, sexual orientations, racial identities, national origins, religions, and abilities. Our hiring practices reflect this philosophy.