Lower Elementary Montessori Teacher
3 days ago
Bakersfield
Job Description Lower Elementary Teacher Valley Montessori Academy – Bakersfield, CA, 93311 Valley Montessori Academy (VMA), an established Montessori school in Bakersfield serving children from infancy through 3rd grade, is seeking a caring and dedicated Lower Elementary Teacher (ages 6–9; Grades 1–3). Our community is committed to cultivating independence, respect, and a lifelong love of learning in every child. We are looking for an educator who brings a love of children, a passion for Montessori learning, and a belief in every child’s ability to thrive. Position Overview • Classroom: Lower Elementary (Grades 1–3, ages 6–9), • Schedule: Full-Time, Academic Year (M–F, 7:45 am – 4:45pm), 10months - School year, 1 month – Summer Program (June), • Start Date: Immediate (salary prorated for mid-year start), • Education: Bachelor’s degree, • Montessori Training: Montessori Elementary I (ages 6–9) certification MACTE or AMS, AMI, NAMC preferred, • Candidates not yet certified in Lower Elementary must be certified in Montessori Primary Program and willing to complete Montessori training within an agreed timeframe, • Small class size (23 students max) with assistant teacher support, • Sponsorship available for Montessori teacher training for long-time employees., • Ongoing professional development opportunities, • Paid holidays and breaks aligned with the school calendar, • Additional paid time off, • Staff Tuition Discount: 50% for staff children after one year of employment The Lower Elementary Teacher provides an engaging and nurturing learning environment that supports each child’s academic, social, emotional, and physical growth. The role includes a balance of individualized instruction, small-group lessons, and whole-class presentations, all guided by Montessori philosophy. Key Responsibilities: • Support student independence, collaboration, and responsibility, • Take full responsibility for creating a beautifully prepared classroom with a fully educated, supportive and prepared classroom team., • Implement the Montessori curriculum with observations, assessments, and lesson planning tailored to each child weekly, • Model respect and inclusivity, incorporating diversity and anti-bias practices, • Guide children using positive discipline consistent with Montessori principles, • Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming classroom environment, • Communicate consistently and effectively with families, colleagues, and administration, • Create and facilitate parent education events and programs, • Collaborate with the broader Primary team to support a cohesive program for LE students, • Provide individualized and small-group lessons tailored to student needs, • Meet with parents for conferences once an year, aligns with Montessori philosophy and Common Core State Standards, using supplemental curriculum as needed, • Prepare and maintain Montessori materials and hands-on learning experiences, • Maintains daily academic records and attendance record book, • Creates classroom monthly calendars and newsletters on a schedule and format provided by Administration Living and working in Bakersfield offers a unique balance of opportunity, affordability, and lifestyle. Just two hours from the California coast, forty minutes from the Tehachapi Mountains, and four hours from Mammoth Lakes, it is an ideal hub for weekend getaways to the beach, mountains, or ski slopes. The sunny weather year-round makes outdoor activities easy to enjoy, and the cost of living here is much more affordable compared to many other parts of California. Bakersfield and Kern County are also known for their rich cultural community and food scene, with some of the best Mexican and traditional Basque restaurants in the state. To support a smooth transition, we also offer relocation assistance starting at $2,000 to help cover moving expenses. Company DescriptionValley Montessori Academy (VMA), an established Montessori school in Bakersfield serving children from infancy through 3rd grade.Valley Montessori Academy (VMA), an established Montessori school in Bakersfield serving children from infancy through 3rd grade.