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AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF AN ACCREDITED  PUBLIC CHARTER MONTESSORI SCHOOL AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY IN WASHINGTON, DC

Discovery Lab Teacher

Mathematics or Humanities Specialization

Department: Academics
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Principal Montessori Academic Dean

About the Discovery Lab Program

At Shining Stars Montessori Academy, the Discovery Lab Program is an innovative extension of the Montessori learning experience designed to support the unique strengths, interests, and learning needs of every child.

Serving students in both our K–2 and Grades 3–6 communities, Discovery Labs provide opportunities for targeted academic support, enrichment, acceleration, and specialized learning experiences that complement—not replace—the rich instruction and uninterrupted work cycle occurring within the Montessori classroom.

Discovery Labs enhance student growth through focused small-group and individualized learning opportunities that allow students to receive additional support, pursue advanced challenges, deepen understanding, and explore personal interests.

As the program evolves, Discovery Labs may include Mathematics, Humanities, Science, Music, Visual Arts, World Languages, Innovation, Leadership, Executive Functioning, and other specialized areas of study.

Students may participate in Discovery Labs for a variety of reasons, including:

• Strengthening foundational academic skills.
• Deepening understanding of classroom learning.
• Exploring advanced concepts and accelerated learning opportunities.
• Pursuing individual interests, talents, and passions.
• Engaging in interdisciplinary, inquiry-driven, and project-based learning experiences.
• Developing executive functioning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Grounded in Montessori principles, the Discovery Lab Program honors each child's developmental journey while ensuring every learner receives the appropriate balance of support, challenge, and inspiration. Through Discovery Labs, students develop confidence, curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning

Position Summary

Shining Stars Montessori Academy seeks an exceptional educator to serve as a Discovery Lab Teacher with a specialization in either Mathematics or Humanities.

The Discovery Lab Teacher provides personalized academic support, intervention, enrichment, and acceleration opportunities for students across a broad range of abilities and achievement levels. This role is designed to ensure that every student—from those needing additional support to those ready for advanced challenges—receives instruction tailored to their individual learning profile.

Working collaboratively with classroom guides, specialists, and school leadership, the Discovery Lab Teacher develops meaningful learning experiences that foster academic growth, confidence, independence, and intellectual curiosity while supporting the Academy's commitment to educating the whole child.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Support and Intervention

• Provide targeted Tier II and Tier III academic support for students requiring additional assistance in Mathematics or Humanities.
• Deliver individualized and small-group instruction to strengthen foundational skills and address learning gaps.
• Develop and implement personalized learning plans based on assessment data, observations, and student needs.
• Monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Collaborate with classroom guides to ensure continuity between classroom instruction and Discovery Lab experiences.
• Participate in MTSS, Student Support Team, and academic planning meetings.
• Maintain accurate records of student growth, interventions, and instructional outcomes.
• Support both push-in and pull-out instructional models as appropriate.

Tier 1+ Enrichment and Advanced Learning

• Design and facilitate enrichment experiences that extend learning beyond grade-level expectations.
• Identify students who would benefit from advanced learning opportunities through assessment data, teacher recommendations, and classroom performance.
• Develop inquiry-based investigations, project-based learning experiences, and interdisciplinary challenges that promote creativity and critical thinking.
• Differentiate instruction to provide greater depth, complexity, and academic rigor.
• Support independent research, passion projects, and student-led learning experiences.
• Collaborate with classroom guides to create individualized pathways for advanced learners.
• Facilitate exhibitions, showcases, presentations, and other opportunities for students to share their learning.
• Encourage innovation, leadership, intellectual curiosity, and academic risk-taking.
• Monitor student growth to ensure enrichment experiences remain meaningful, engaging, and appropriately challenging.

Discovery Lab Instruction

• Create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire exploration, discovery, and problem-solving.
• Integrate real-world applications and interdisciplinary connections into instruction.
• Foster executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, self-monitoring, and goal setting.
• Utilize Montessori principles and materials when appropriate to support student engagement and academic growth.
• Encourage student agency, reflection, and ownership of learning.
• Cultivate a growth mindset and a culture of joyful learning.

Learning Environment and Student Development

• Establish a positive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment where all students feel valued and capable of success.
• Build meaningful relationships that support students' academic, social, and emotional development.
• Promote self-confidence, resilience, responsibility, and perseverance.
• Support the Academy's commitment to character development and whole-child education.
• Foster a culture of excellence, curiosity, and mutual respect.

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

• Partner with classroom guides, specialists, and administrators to coordinate student support and enrichment services.
• Communicate effectively with families regarding student progress, goals, and learning experiences.
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional learning communities, and school improvement initiatives.
• Engage in ongoing professional development related to Montessori education, intervention practices, enrichment programming, and instructional excellence.
• Seek and apply feedback to strengthen professional practice.
• Contribute to curriculum development and instructional planning as appropriate.

School Community Responsibilities

• Support school-wide events, exhibitions, performances, celebrations, and community-building activities.
• Assist with student supervision during arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, field trips, and other school functions as assigned.
• Maintain organized learning environments and instructional materials.
• Uphold school policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the mission and vision of Shining Stars Montessori Academy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Teaching certification preferred.
• Minimum of two years of successful teaching experience, preferably in a Montessori or public charter school
• Demonstrated expertise in Mathematics or Humanities instruction.
• Experience designing differentiated instruction for students with diverse learning needs and abilities.
• Knowledge of intervention strategies, enrichment practices, and data-informed instructional decision-making.
• Experience working with elementary-aged students preferred.
• Montessori training or experience preferred but not required.
• Commitment to educational excellence, equity, and child-centered learning.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Deep understanding of child development and effective instructional practices.
• Ability to analyze student performance data and translate findings into actionable instructional plans.
• Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational abilities.
• Creative, flexible, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Commitment to continuous professional growth.
• Passion for supporting students across the full continuum of learning needs.
• Dedication to nurturing curiosity, independence, confidence, and lifelong learning.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout classrooms and school facilities.
• Ability to supervise students in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to lift and carry instructional materials and supplies as needed.

About Shining Stars Montessori Academy

Shining Stars Montessori Academy is dedicated to cultivating confident, compassionate, and capable learners through authentic Montessori education and innovative learning opportunities. We believe every child deserves to be challenged, supported, and inspired. Through individualized instruction, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to excellence, we empower students to discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and reach their fullest potential.