Teachers, an Exciting Opportunity

Charter schools offer new career opportunities for teachers and teaching assistants. In Minnesota, at least one teacher employed by the school must hold a charter school board position.  This gives the teaching staff power in decision-making and regulation of the school. Lead teachers need a valid Minnesota teaching license and additional Montessori training in order to head a class at Discovery Woods. Each class of 24-26 students will have at least a part-time educational assistant and support for children with special needs.

Montessori classrooms differ from traditional classrooms in many ways. Learning materials are arrayed on the many shelves arranged into curriculum areas of math, geometry, language, geography, science, history, art and music. Small and large tables are used in order to give children the opportunity to work individually or in small groups. Each room also contains a large open carpeted space for the class to use as workspace, and to gather for whole class meetings or lessons. The teacher gives small group lessons and individual help throughout the morning. Meanwhile, students who are not attending a lesson are expected to plan, record, and do their work. Children who need help may ask classmates or the educational assistant when the lead teacher is occupied giving lessons. The environment is dynamic, with a calm hum of activity. Students are allowed to move around the room, socialize, and collaborate to accomplish their work. When children are given some freedom with responsibility, they become more interested and engaged in learning. Because students can move when they are restless, work on the floor or at a table, they are able to achieve greater periods of concentration and attention.

Montessori teachers may spend more time organizing and giving lessons, but less energy disciplining and motivating their students. Children typically spend 2-3 years with the same teacher in the multi-age class, so only a portion of the students will be new each year. This allows teachers to become more familiar with each child’s strengths and weaknesses, and offers stability from year to year when the majority of the students are returning to the same room and routine.

We are looking for teachers and assistants with these qualities:

• Previous experience working with children
• Interest in the Montessori Method
• Enthusiasm
• Dedication
• Flexibility
• Good organizational skills

Educational requirements for lead teachers:

• Minnesota teaching license
• Desire to become Montessori certified at St. Catherine’s or similar program

Montessori training courses are divided into:

• Early Childhood (preschool-kindergarten)
• Elementary I (grades 1-3)
• Elementary II (grades 4-6)

Look at the St. Kate’s Web site to learn more about their Montessori training.

Please contact us if you would like to learn more about these career opportunities!