Career Opportunities
Escuela del Sol Montessori, New Mexico’s oldest Montessori school, is seeking a Classroom Support Assistant.
Escuela del Sol Montessori is the first fully accredited Montessori school in New Mexico, with approximately 165 enrolled students from preschool through Jr. High. In addition to the Montessori school, the Escuela organization also runs Harwood Art Center, a public art center rooted in the belief that art builds and sustains community.
The Classroom Support Assistant works to coordinate and provide support for classroom guides, working with students ages 18 months to 14 years of age. This includes the scheduling of classroom substitutes, as well as offering additional classroom or playground support as needed. The Classroom Support Assistant should enjoy working with students of different ages, have experience assisting or teaching in classrooms, and have an interest in education, and school administration.
Responsibilities
Areas of Responsibility include:
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Student & Classroom Support: Coordinate substitutes for teaching staff; ensure substitutes are oriented to the needs of the children and the classroom routines; Provide coverage as needed when other substitutes are not available; this may include working in classrooms or on the playground.
Community Relations, Confidentiality: Maintain good communication with school families, students, and classroom guides. Maintain confidentiality of student and family information at all times.
- ABAR and Inclusivity: Uphold Escuela’s commitment to an inclusive, anti-racist environment. This work includes taking a proactive approach to eliminating biases and/or racism in our community.
- Personnel, Staff Management: Coordinate and manage the substitute teaching staff, including offering observations, training, and support to ensure on-going professionalism; manage database for classroom substitutes and all training materials.
- Administrative Support: Maintain clear communication with Administrative Director, School Operations Support Manager, and Head of School; support administrative tasks as needed and in relation to classroom support and staff management.
- Professional Development: Learn about Montessori philosophy and developmental characteristics of students at different levels as support for classroom substitutes; learn and implement the practices of Positive Discipline both in the classroom and as a support for classroom substitutes.
Requirements & Qualifications
Education / Work Experience:
- Minimum three years experience working with children.
- Educational background and/or Montessori training preferred.
- Administrative experience preferred.
- Must get fingerprinted & take CPR/First Aid training.
Abilities and Skills:
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to be flexible, to problem solve, and improvise in a positive manner.
- Ability to be adaptable in the context of a dynamic Montessori school environment.
- Ability to interact and collaborate effectively with students, parents, and staff.
- Strong tact and diplomacy; interact with and work cooperatively with students, families, and staff.
- Ability to prioritize, organize, and plan independently.
- Ability to develop and maintain communication and build relationships with families, students, and colleagues.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
We are looking for candidates who share our organizational values. A strong applicant embraces diversity, values of inclusion, is inquisitive, and has a passion for learning.
COMPENSATION
This is a year round position (12 month contract) with a range of $18-20/hour, depending on experience and qualifications, plus a benefits package.
*The above information is intended to describe the most important aspects of the position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required in order to perform the work.
Escuela del Sol Montessori, New Mexico’s oldest Montessori school, is seeking Classroom Substitutes
Escuela del Sol Montessori (Escuela) is the first fully accredited Montessori school in New Mexico, with approximately 165 enrolled students from preschool through Jr. High. In addition to the Montessori school, the Escuela organization also runs Harwood Art Center, a public art center rooted in the belief that art builds and sustains community.
Commitment
A Classroom Substitute must be committed to life-long learning, in alignment with the school’s mission: nurturing a passion for life-long learning. We are looking for individuals who have a commitment to anti-bias and anti-racist education, along with a dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Classroom Substitutes are welcome to join our school community in a variety of ways, from attending events to participation in school sponsored professional development.
Responsibilities
Areas of responsibility include:
- Help maintain a clean, orderly, and beautiful learning environment. This includes caring for the classroom, as well as the outdoor environments (classroom gardens, playground).
- Actively support the Classroom Guide with the routines and procedures of the school day.
Safety:
- Maintain familiarity with the organization's procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook (safety procedures, harassment policies, etc.)
- Be responsible with the Lead or Assistant/Support Guide for the safety and well-being of all children at all times.
- Notify the Classroom Support Assistant or Head of School immediately of personal difficulties with children, parents or staff.
- Participate in emergency drills. Help supervise students during drills.
- Maintain confidentiality of student and family information at all times.
Requirements & Qualifications
Education / Work Experience:
- 0-3 years experience working with children and adolescents.
- High school diploma or equivalent, at least.
- A background or current involvement in education is a plus.
- Enroll in CPR/First Aid class/Submit current fingerprints.
Abilities and Skills:
- Ability to be adaptable in the context of a dynamic Montessori school environment.
- Ability to interact and collaborate effectively and productively with students and staff.
- Ability to interact and communicate with colleagues and children in a respectful, friendly, and courteous manner.
- Ability to receive constructive feedback in an effort to improve work.
- Capacity to follow instructions carefully, carry out projects independently and manage time efficiently.
- Willingness to learn about Montessori Education and Positive Discipline.
Physical Demands:
Working in a Montessori learning environment requires active participation on the part of the adult. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities to perform essential functions.
Therefore physical demands of the job require:
- Sitting, at tables and on the floor
- Alternating between sitting and standing
- Standing, walking, and (occasionally) running.
- Lifting or carrying up to 25 pounds
- Reaching overhead
- Reaching at or below shoulder level
- Gross & fine motor skills
- Stooping, crawling and kneeling
- Speaking, hearing, and near & far visual acuity, as well as peripheral vision
Schedule & Compensation:
- Escuela del Sol Montessori operates Monday - Friday, August-May with summer programming June-July. The school is open from 8:00a-3:30p, which includes Before Care (7:30a-8:00a) and Extended Day (3:30p-5:30p).
- Classroom Substitutes are called as needed, so a flexible schedule is required as we cannot guarantee regular employment.
- Compensation is $16-$20/hr depending on experience
