We are an independent, Montessori school in Chicago serving 560+ students and their families, starting at a parent-infant class and up to 8th grade. We are a community of shared values working to fulfill a meaningful mission. NNM faculty, staff and parents strive for an equitable and inclusive school culture through intentional, reflective practice. We work together to challenge all students to think for themselves, pursue their ideas and become real learners for the real world. 

Learn more about us on our website: www.nnms.org

We are seeking a Montessori-trained, Primary 3-6 Lead Guide, to join our team here at Near North Montessori!

The Near North Montessori (NNM) Teacher / Guide provides for instruction of students by developing, selecting, and modifying instructional plans and materials and presenting them using instructional techniques which meet the needs of all students. The Teacher / Guide provides an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of students. This position monitors and evaluates student performance, develops and implements plans to improve student performance, and maintains required records and follows required procedures and practices.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, with shifts falling between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm during the school year, with adjustments or additional time as needed. This role may also include required daytime & overnight field trip participation. This is a school year role, starting in August and ending in mid June each year. There will be an opportunity to work summer camps if desired. We are searching for someone to start in August 2024 for our 2024/25 school year!

Responsibilities include:

• Guide the daily instruction of the curriculum appropriate to the 3-6 level of the classroom based on Montessori training and NNM policies and practices

• Guide, evaluate, and keep records on the progress of students throughout the school year and over the 3-year cycle; conference with children about their work as developmentally appropriate

• Prepare and maintain a classroom environment that inspires learning, exploration, observation and discovery; ensure materials are consistent with Montessori pedagogy and well maintained

• Devote adequate time for planning, preparation and instruction throughout the year

• Remain in contact with the whole class and sense changing mood or activity, responding appropriately

• Integrate cultural competency into lessons across the curriculum, model anti-racist and anti-biased practices and values

• Provide physical and emotional safety and support of all students nurturing and guiding their social emotional learning 

• Work as a part of the 3-6/primary level, faculty, and school community, regularly attending and constructively contributing to meetings, events and other school activities

• Connect and collaborate other faculty and staff supporting students throughout the school day and year to create a cohesive educational experience for students in all parts of their learning and development

• Work with and regularly communicate with Academic Coach regarding progress of students, concerns, and needs; attend all coaching meetings and include Coach in meetings with parents when necessary

• Present and speak at events including parent education, performances, presentations and other scheduled events throughout the year

• Complete student paperwork and records efficiently as required

• Communicate regularly with the parent community through email, newsletters or other appropriate channels

• Communicate with parents individually on the progress of their children through conferences, scheduled meetings, email, phone and other channels as necessary

• Train and manage the assistants, interns, and other support staff assigned to the class providing regular performance feedback 

• Engage in professional development in order to improve knowledge, skills and overall impact in the classroom with students

• Promote an enthusiasm for and understanding of NNM mission, vision and values with students and in partnership with parents

• Uphold and reinforce positive behavior by modeling and using established values, rules and the school's portrait of a graduate

• Be present in the classroom and available to students when class is in session

• Report to the proper authority any pertinent information on the happenings of the day

• Use equipment and supplies safely and conscientiously, keeping the physical environment clean and orderly

• Provide a safe and secure environment. Be familiar with emergency procedures

• Carry out all specific procedures and responsibilities as outlined by the NNM Staff Handbook and the lead teacher

• Acquire professional training in the educational field by attending educational conferences, training workshops and other related activities

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested

• Bachelor's Degree or higher from an accredited institution in Education, Middle or High School teaching or a related discipline; Montessori training and certification at the primary level, required
• Prior experience as a Guide in a 3 – 6 level Montessori classroom
• Montessori Certification from an accredited program in Secondary/ Adolescent  is strongly preferred, or willing to pursue certification within the timeframe required
• Successfully complete CPR and First Aid course
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, verbal and written, with children and adults
• Advanced understanding of a child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive  development
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and growth 
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-bias, anti-racist practices: able to work with and teach groups of diverse individuals in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways
• Team-focused, growth-minded, flexible attitude with commitment to participating in and contributing to a positive faculty culture and workplace
• Demonstrated proficiency in working with current educational and related technologies

Full-time employment to start in August of 2024; however, we'd like to have this position filled by May of 2024.

• Pay Information: Eligible for an exempt salary, starting at $56,000 per year.
• Benefits Information:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision packages available for both you and your dependents. HSA (health savings account) available as a tie-in to one level of medical plan.
  • Both individual and dependent FSA (flexible spending accounts) available.
  • Fully-funded short term disability and individual life insurance available, with option to upgrade to long term disability and group life insurance for an additional cost.
  • Robust paid time off policy that includes at least 10 paid days off per school year.
  • Paid school holidays can add up to 25 extra paid days off per year.
  • 403b retirement planning available, with a company match of 100% up to 6%.
  • Access to an EAP (employee assistance program) that provides up to 6 free consultations per year on a variety of life concerns.
  • Suite of voluntary benefits available, such as pre-tax transit deductions, pet insurance, accident & critical illness insurance, and more.