Elementary Lead Teacher (Grades 1-3)

Support the academic, social, and emotional growth of the individual child in a multi-age classroom. This position is for our Lower Elementary Classroom with a multi-age classroom of students in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade. The Lower Elementary teacher serves as a Montessori Guide for children in their second plane of development.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum

• Support the academic, social, and emotional growth of the individual child
• Observe and guide the children through their learning
• Establish and maintain the classroom true to the Montessori philosophy, paying particular attention to the needs of students
• Facilitate opportunities for students to engage with guest speakers or go on educational field trips.
• Maintain accurate record keeping and planning through the use of Transparent Classroom

Communication

• Communicate with parents about their children’s school lives every week, through a monthly newsletter, and work in tandem with school administration to educate parents in Montessori philosophy.
• Schedule and facilitate at least two parent conferences per student per year.
• Attend school-wide events and functions, including parent education events, while working in tandem with the Director admissions and with prospective parents and students to conduct interviews, shadow days, and recommendations of acceptance,.

Record Keeping

• Carefully observe and keep daily records of each student’s individual progression through the Montessori curricula, including differentiation plans based on observations and data assessments.
• Maintain the school’s system of record keeping (Transparent Classroom).
• Complete individual learning plans and conference forms for all students.
• Complete cumulative records

Cooperative Work with Co-Teacher, Classroom Assistant, and Interns

• Establish a harmonious relationship with fellow teachers, assistants, and interns.
• Attend weekly level meetings and staff meetings.
• Serve on at least one school committee.

Administrative Duties

• Fulfill supervisory duty responsibilities as required (lunch, recess, hallway transitions).
• Report any maintenance issues to the Director of Operations or Facility Manager
• Care for all classroom animals and plants.
• Prepare and refresh the Montessori environment in accordance with Montessori principles and philosophy
• Hours 8:00 am – 3:30 pm (4:45 pm on Wednesday) including a half-hour lunch break.
• Attend, participate, and inform (based on data) Student Support Team meetings as required
• Complete all assigned paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Support the Summer Learning Camp Program by working at least one week as a Lead or Assistant Teacher. (Additional compensation provided.)
• Duties assigned by the Head of School

Education Requirements

• Credential from the Association Montessori Society, Association Montessori Internationale, or from a MACTE-approved Teacher Education Program (preferred). SJMS will train non-MACTE credentialed teachers in return for a commitment to work.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education
• State of Ohio Teachers License (Resident Educator, Alternative Resident Educator, 5-year professional license, or Permanent Non-Tax Certificate) in area/level of teaching
• CPR/First Aid certification (SJMS will provide if not already completed)
• Willingness to complete professional development on an ongoing basis. This includes any additional safety training required for the position.
• For those with a 5-year or Permanent Non-Tax Certificate, they will submit an individual professional development plan (IPDP) to the Diocesan Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC). Those individuals who are Resident Educators will gain their hours from their work and time spent with their mentors.
• Participate in the 5-Tiered staff evaluation process including self-evaluations and personal/professional goal setting.

Position Requirements

• Ability to support and promote a team environment
• Enthusiasm, initiative, high energy level, sense of humor, and flexibility
• Physical ability to work around children including sitting on the floor, standing, crouching, and climbing stairs
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25 pounds on an occasional basis
• Enthusiasm when working with children and adolescents
• Required to complete FBI/BCI Background Check, Protecting God’s Children 3-hour workshop, FEMA Training, CPR/First Aid Certification, Religion I course of study (Diocese of Columbus requirement), and other professional development as assigned.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At St. Joseph Montessori School, we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse learning environment. We value the unique perspectives and backgrounds each teacher brings to our team. We believe that a diverse faculty enriches the educational experience for all students and promotes a culture of understanding and respect. We are committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity.

We will recruit, select, promote, train, compensate, and discipline individuals in full compliance with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability to provide fair and equal treatment to all employees and job applicants.

To Apply

Email Resume, Cover Letter, and a list of 3 References to Roxanne Holonitch at rholonit@cdeducation.org.

A relocation stipend may be provided for eligible candidates

Organizational Overview

St. Joseph Montessori School is a Catholic Montessori School located in Columbus, Ohio, serving students 18 months through 8th grade.

St. Joseph Montessori School (SJMS) was established in 1968 as a preschool preparation program for St. Joseph Academy, operated by the Sisters of Notre Dame. The Academy consisted of grades one through twelve. Recognizing the value of the Montessori approach to education, parents requested and were granted the extension of the program into the elementary school.

Although declining enrollment forced the closing of the 100-year-old high school in 1977, a cooperative effort between the Sisters and the parent body resulted in the transition of SJMS into a private Pre-K-8 Diocesan Montessori school with nonprofit status and an elected parent Board of Trustees.

In 2021, SJMS opened its first Toddler program, accepting students as young as 18 months of age. In 2023, St. Joseph Montessori School became the first American Montessori Society Accredited Montessori School in Central Ohio and is 1 of 222 AMS accredited schools worldwide.

We offer an alternative educational program to families in Central Ohio, serving families from 44 different zip codes. Our school is located in a vibrant and historic residential neighborhood minutes from Downtown Columbus and The Ohio State University. We have made many additions to the school, such as adding a new library, a greenhouse, and multiple classrooms to accommodate our expanding population.

The Montessori Method allows students to learn and receive individualized lessons in small group settings with a low student-teacher ratio. Students learn to become independent, confident, and curious learners. They thrive in a peaceful environment while developing a responsibility for themselves and the natural world.

School Mission

St. Joseph Montessori School provides a Montessori Catholic learning community that honors the whole child and their immense potential.

School Vision

To be a school of choice sought out by Central Ohio families attracted to the power of the Montessori Method of educating children in a diverse, engaging, and compassionate community.