Lower Elementary Teacher

Waterford Montessori Academy is seeking a Lower Elementary Teacher to join our team for the 2026-27 school year. The Lower Elementary Teacher will serve as the primary instructional guide in the classroom and models excellence in teaching through the integration of the Danielson Framework and Montessori philosophy.

Job Responsibilities:

Planning and Preparation

• Design coherent lesson sequences, incorporating Montessori materials, inquiry-based learning, and cross-curricular connections.
• Understand individual students’ strengths, needs, interests, and developmental stages to design differentiated instruction.
• Set clear, measurable instructional outcomes aligned with student growth goals.
• Develop meaningful formative and summative assessments aligned to learning objectives.

The Classroom Environment

• Establish a calm, respectful classroom culture that reflects Montessori principles of grace, courtesy, and peaceful conflict resolution.
• Create a culture of independence, self-regulation, and intrinsic motivation.
• Establish effective classroom procedures that allow for smooth transitions and maximize instructional time.
• Implement consistent expectations and logical consequences to guide student behavior.
• Prepare and maintain an organized, purposeful, and developmentally appropriate physical environment in line with Montessori philosophy.

Instruction

• Clearly communicate academic expectations and objectives using precise and developmentally appropriate language.
• Engage students in meaningful learning tasks through hands-on, experiential, and self-directed work.
• Monitor student progress and adjust instruction based on data and observation.
• Incorporate student voice and choice into the learning process.
• Exhibit flexibility and responsiveness to student needs and classroom dynamics.

Professional Responsibilities

• Engage in continuous reflection to improve instructional practice and student outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records, including assessments, observations, and progress reports.
• Communicate regularly and respectfully with families to foster trust and collaboration.
• Contribute to a positive school culture by participating in professional learning communities and school-wide initiatives.
• Uphold the ethical standards of the profession and demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusivity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Education
• Valid Teaching Certification
• Montessori Certification

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Current enrollment in Teacher Certification program
• Willingness to obtain Montessori Certification
• Minimum of 3 years successful teaching experience
• Deep understanding of child development
• Ability to analyze data and inform instruction
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Commitment to ongoing professional learning and collaboration

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person