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About the role

We are a small independent bilingual Montessori school serving students from age 2 through 4th grade in Chandler, AZ. We are looking for an Assistant Teacher to join our multigrade elementary classrooms (Kindergarten through 4th Grade) and serve as classroom coverage for our Education Director during their dedicated coordination and planning time.

This is a hands-on role in an authentic Montessori environment. You will support individual and small-group work, help maintain the prepared environment, and build genuine relationships with children across a wide developmental span. The right candidate is warm, observant, patient, and excited to grow in their practice alongside our teaching team.

Schedule & compensation

PART-TIME OPTION

25–30 hrs/wk

Consistent weekly schedule · coverage aligned to director’s release time · some flex possible

FULL-TIME OPTION

35–40 hrs/wk

Expanded classroom responsibilities · Possibility of cross-level support · Additional planning time

COMPENSATION

$16-$20/ hour DOE

Dependent on experience and qualifications · Discussed at interview

SCHOOL YEAR

2026/2027

Follow school calendar · Summer availability a plus but not required

What you'll do

Day-to-day responsibilities include:
• Provide direct classroom coverage with the guidance of the lead teacher/Education Director in the multigrade K–4 rooms during scheduled release time — confidently leading the classroom, maintaining continuity of instruction and routines, and ensuring students remain engaged and work progresses smoothly during coverage periods
• Lead lessons, group activities, read-alouds, and classroom routines as assigned by the lead teacher/Education Director while serving as the primary adult in the classroom during designated coverage blocks — guiding student behavior, supporting independence, answering questions, and maintaining a calm, productive Montessori environment
• Support students during the uninterrupted work cycle by circulating, redirecting when needed, offering encouragement, and assisting individual students and small groups with Montessori materials under the direction of the lead teacher, following lesson notes, work plans, and classroom expectations already in place
• Reinforce classroom procedures, expectations, and Montessori practices consistently in alignment with the lead teacher’s approach and the school’s educational philosophy
• Help maintain the prepared environment, including organization of materials, resetting shelves, preparing work, and keeping educational materials, equipment, and the general room environment neat, safe, orderly, and clean
• Observe and informally document student activity, work habits, or behavioral patterns when requested, and communicate classroom updates, concerns, or notable observations to the lead teacher/Education Director to support continuity and student progress monitoring
• Support transitions, outdoor time, lunch, drop-off/dismissal, and other non-classroom periods as scheduled
• Participate in brief team check-ins, planning discussions, professional development activities, and staff meetings as scheduled
• Support the lead teacher’s direct English language sessions with Elementary students and assist in reinforcing language development throughout the day
• Model professionalism, warmth, patience, and respectful communication with students, families, and staff
• Step into additional classroom support responsibilities as needed to help maintain smooth day-to-day school operations in a small collaborative environment

Qualifications

· Required

· Preferred / Strong plus

LANGUAGE

Communication

· English fluency — spoken and written, required for all candidates

· Spanish fluency — strongly preferred; bilingual candidates given priority consideration

EDUCATION

Academic background

· High school diploma or equivalent

· Currently enrolled in education, early childhood, or related degree program

· Bachelor's degree in education, child development, or related field

· Montessori training or credential (AMS, AMI, or equivalent)

EXPERIENCE

· Working with children

· Some direct experience working with children ages 5–10 in any setting

· Experience in a Montessori classroom (as a student teacher, assistant, or observer)

· Experience supporting English language learners

CHARACTER

Who you are

· Calm, consistent presence with children — able to hold a room without being authoritarian

· Reliable and punctual — coverage timing is critical for the team to function

· Positively accepts direction and genuinely curious about Montessori methodology

· Strong observer — notices what children are working on and what they need

Other requirements

• Must pass an Arizona DPS fingerprint clearance card background check prior to start date
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Current or ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification required within 60 days of hire
• Must be able to spend extended periods of time on the floor, at child height, and moving throughout the classroom
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a computer and related software
• Be flexible and perform other duties as assigned to support the overall objectives of the position