Employment

Employment

Why Montessori Center School?


Founded in 1965, the Montessori Center School of Santa Barbara (MCS) is an independent school and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a rich history of preparing students ages 18 months through 6th grade for academic excellence using the world-renowned Montessori Method. An American Montessori Society member school, MCS fosters independent, self-motivated, confident, life-long learners, who will become positive forces to care for and transform our world. The school is located on a beautiful garden campus in Goleta, California.

Current Openings

  • Pre-primary Head Teacher

    Start Date: August 1, 2024

    Reports to: Head of School

    Employee Classification: Salaried exempt, full-time; 12-month employee

    Schedule: 7:30 am - 4 pm Mondays - Fridays



    About the Organization

    Founded in 1965, the Montessori Center School of Santa Barbara (MCS) is an independent school and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a rich history of preparing students ages 18 months through 6th grade for academic excellence using the world renowned Montessori Method. An American Montessori Society member school, MCS fosters independent, self-motivated, confident, life-long learners, who will become positive forces to care for and transform our world. The school is located on a beautiful garden campus in Goleta, California.


    About the Opportunity

    As we prepare to expand our pre-primary program to three toddler classrooms in the 2024-25 school year, MCS is looking for an experienced and credentialed Montessori pre-primary teacher. This is an opportunity to work with our wildly talented and committed staffulty and with our dynamic and kind students as you lead a classroom of 22 to 24 students through the toddler component of their Montessori learning journey.


    Overseeing two or three teachers, and working in a highly collaborative manner with the whole pre-primary team, you will carefully curate a welcoming and resource-rich environment and will deliver a high-fidelity Montessori learning experience for our students each day, nurturing their independence, curiosity and love of learning and preparing them to become positive forces to transform our world.


    Roles & Responsibilities

    The Pre-primary Lead Teacher will perform the following duties:


    Classroom Environment

    • Design and maintain a well-resourced, welcoming and orderly Montessori pre-primary environment that nurtures a high quality, developmentally appropriate program for students ages 18 months through three years.
    • Build strong relationships with each of your students and help nurture a keen sense of equity, inclusion and belonging for every student in your classroom.
    • Blend robust opportunities for age-appropriate social-emotional learning into daily lessons and activities ensuring that students are building the social-emotional and executive functioning skills necessary to navigate and thrive throughout their day to day lives – both in and beyond the classroom.
    • Oversee students’ progression through the curriculum, partnering with the school’s Student Support Services team to ensure that each learner has access to a well-designed program that best meets their unique learning style and need.

    Observation & Record-keeping 

    • Conduct child observations regularly, documenting these through the school’s shared online record-keeping and learning management system.
    • Utilize child observations and your data and records to inform daily choices regarding each child’s support and program.

    Family Engagement

    • Work to engage each parent/caregiver as an authentic partner in each child’s educational journey.
    • Utilizing school-wide protocols, share data and updates routinely with families regarding their children’s academic and social development.
    • Be responsive, receptive and welcoming of parent/caregiver inquiries and feedback. 
    • Share weekly classroom updates with families, host family gatherings (potlucks, etc.) and classroom visitations, and be each of your students’ families’ go-to person in the school.
    • Participate in the life of the school community by supporting annual events including occasional weekend commitments (e.g The Montessori Journey, the fall harvest festival, annual benefit auction, etc.).

    Teamwork

    • Embody MCS’s core values in your daily interactions with children, families and staffulty.
    • Seek out and embrace opportunities for collaboration with colleagues across the school

    Qualifications:

    Successful candidates for this role will evidence the following qualifications:


    Experience & Professional Qualifications

    • A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university 
    • A Montessori (MACTE) pre-primary teaching credential (preferred) or a willingness to obtain your credential 
    • Minimum of 12 ECE units required at time of hire; willingness and ability to obtain full balance of ECE units (paid for by MCS)
    • Experience working in a Montessori pre-primary classroom (3+ years preferred)
    • Excellent written and oral English communication skills

    Mindsets

    • Commitment to MCS’ mission, vision and core values
    • Demonstrated capacity to collaborate effectively as a member of a results-oriented, high-performing team
    • Passion for serving children of all learning styles and abilities
    • Commitment to living out principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
    • Sound professional judgment and decision-making skills 
    • Capacity to share and receive and implement feedback with grace and agility
    • High level of emotional intelligence, integrity and humor
    • High level of personal organization, planning and follow-through

    Physical Requirements 

    Duties performed typically in school settings to include: 

    • Physical stamina to work with school-aged children.
    • Frequent walking, kneeling, standing, stooping, sitting on the ground, and occasional lifting, up to approximately 50 pounds.  
    • Must be able to grasp and feel the attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature and texture. 
    • Able to move as needed to ensure the safety of the children. Other physical activities may be required. 
    • Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer information, determining the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise and hazards. 
    • Daily personal and close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required. 
    • Must be able and available to work overnight trips including the annual week-long science education sleep-away trip and the spring overnight wilderness backpacking trip.
    • Regular in-person contact with parents, faculty and staff members is required. 

    These physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully the essential functions of this job. MCS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment,  MCS will take steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. 


    All MCS employees must clear a DOJ/FBI background check (LiveScan), must provide a negative TB test, must know the school emergency procedures, and must perform other duties not specifically stated as directed by the Head of School.


    Compensation

    This is a salaried, exempt full-time position 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. Compensation for this position is competitive and commensurate with starting annualized salary for experienced applicants ranging from $60,000 to $70,000. Full-time employees of MCS are eligible for comprehensive health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan matching and paid time off (PTO). 


    To Express Interest

    To express your interest in this role with MCS, please share a one-page cover letter and professional resume with Interim Head of School, Vanessa Jackson: [email protected].

  • Lower Elementary Head Teacher

    Montessori Center School (MCS) has a rare opening in its Lower Elementary program for a full-time head teacher. Must have MACTE accredited AMS or AMI Elementary I (6-9) Credential as well as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Will consider candidates with classroom experience who are currently taking their Montessori training. A minimum of three years’ experience as a head teacher is preferred. This is a full-time (academic year) position that is eligible for benefits. 


    MCS is an independent, non-profit school in its 56th year of operation with approximately 220 students ranging in age from 18 months to 6th grade. The school is located on the Central Coast of California, in the beautiful community of Goleta, adjacent to Santa Barbara.


    Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit a cover letter, resume, educational transcripts and/or diplomas, and three references who can document your commitment to providing a quality Montessori education. Candidates who reach the final stages of the interview process will be required to give a Montessori Lower Elementary lesson of their choice.


    Montessori Center School is an Equal Opportunity Employer licensed by the DSS (Lic. # 426205239). A clean criminal background check, CPR/First Aid training and Covid vaccination are required for this position. Salary range is $68,000-$74,000 per year (10 months). Position is open until filled.


    Please submit information electronically to: 

    Melanie Newhouse

    [email protected]

  • Upper Elementary Head Teacher

    Start Date: August 1, 2024

    Reports to: Head of School

    Employee Classification: Salaried exempt, full-time; 10-month employee

    Schedule: 7:30 am - 4 pm Mondays - Fridays


    About the Organization

    Founded in 1965, the Montessori Center School of Santa Barbara (MCS) is an independent school and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a rich history of preparing students ages 18 months through 6th grade for academic excellence using the world renowned Montessori Method. An American Montessori Society member school, MCS fosters independent, self-motivated, confident, life-long learners, who will become positive forces to care for and transform our world. The school is located on a beautiful garden campus in Goleta, California.


    About the Opportunity

    As we prepare to expand our upper elementary program in the 2024-25 school year, MCS is looking for an experienced and credentialed Montessori upper elementary teacher. This is an opportunity to work with our wildly talented and committed staffulty and dynamic and kind students as you lead a classroom of 22 to 24 students through the upper elementary component of their Montessori learning journey.

    Overseeing an assistant teacher, and working in a highly collaborative manner with the whole elementary team, you will carefully curate a welcoming and resource-rich environment and will deliver a high-fidelity Montessori learning experience for our students each day, nurturing their independence, curiosity and love of learning and preparing them to become positive forces to transform our world.


    Roles & Responsibilities

    The Upper Elementary Lead Teacher will perform the following duties:


    Classroom Environment

    • Design and maintain a well-resourced, welcoming and orderly Montessori upper elementary environment that nurtures a high quality, developmentally appropriate academic program.
    • Build strong relationships with each of your students and help nurture a keen sense of equity, inclusion and belonging for every student in your classroom.
    • Blend robust opportunities for age-appropriate social-emotional learning into daily lessons and activities ensuring that students are building the social-emotional and executive functioning skills necessary to navigate and thrive throughout their day to day lives – both in and beyond the classroom.
    • Oversee students’ progression through the curriculum, partnering with the school’s Student Support Services team to ensure that each learner has access to a well-designed program that best meets their unique learning style and need.

    Observation & Record-keeping 

    • Conduct child observations regularly, documenting these through the school’s shared online record-keeping and learning management system.
    • Utilize child observations and your data and records to inform daily choices regarding each child’s support and program.

    Family Engagement

    • Work to engage each parent/caregiver as an authentic partner in each student’s educational journey.
    • Utilizing school-wide protocols, share data and updates routinely with families regarding their children’s academic and social development.
    • Be responsive, receptive and welcoming of parent/caregiver inquiries and feedback. 
    • Share weekly classroom updates with families, host family gatherings (potlucks, etc.) and classroom visitations, and be each of your students’ families’ go-to person in the school.
    • Participate in the life of the school community by supporting annual events including occasional weekend commitments (e.g The Montessori Journey, the fall harvest festival, annual benefit auction, etc.).

    Outdoor Environmental Science Education

    • Support the upper elementary program’s burgeoning outdoor education programs by serving as a trip chaperone, championing our approach and bringing in outside guests, programs and opportunities to build up the program. 

    Teamwork

    • Embody MCS’s core values in your daily interactions with children, families and staffulty.
    • Seek out and embrace opportunities for collaboration with colleagues across the school


    Qualifications:

    Successful candidates for this role will evidence the following qualifications:



    Experience & Professional Qualifications

    • A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university
    • A Montessori (MACTE) elementary teaching credential (preferred) or a willingness to obtain your credential 
    • Experience working in a Montessori upper elementary classroom (3+ years preferred)
    • Excellent written and oral English communication skills

    Mindsets

    • Commitment to MCS’ mission, vision and core values
    • Demonstrated capacity to collaborate effectively as a member of a results-oriented, high-performing team
    • Passion for serving children of all learning styles and abilities
    • Commitment to living out principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
    • Sound professional judgment and decision-making skills 
    • Capacity to share and receive and implement feedback with grace and agility
    • High level of emotional intelligence, integrity and humor
    • High level of personal organization, planning and follow-through

    Physical Requirements 

    • Duties performed typically in school settings to include: 
    • Physical stamina to work with school-aged children.
    • Frequent walking, kneeling, standing, stooping, sitting on the ground, and occasional lifting, up to approximately 50 pounds.  
    • Must be able to grasp and feel the attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature and texture. 
    • Able to move as needed to ensure the safety of the children. Other physical activities may be required. 
    • Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer information, determining the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise and hazards. 
    • Daily personal and close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required. 
    • Must be able and available to work overnight trips including the annual week-long science education sleep-away trip and the spring overnight wilderness backpacking trip.
    • Regular in-person contact with parents, faculty and staff members is required. 

    These physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully the essential functions of this job. MCS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment,  MCS will take steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. 


    All MCS employees must clear a DOJ/FBI background check (LiveScan), must provide a negative TB test, must know the school emergency procedures, and must perform other duties not specifically stated as directed by the Head of School.


    Compensation

    This is a salaried, exempt full-time position 40 hours per week, 10 months per year. Compensation for this position is competitive and commensurate with starting annualized salary for experienced applicants ranging from $68,000 to $80,000. Full-time employees of MCS are eligible for comprehensive health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan matching and paid time off (PTO). 


    To Express Interest

    To express your interest in this role with MCS, please share a one-page cover letter and professional resume with Interim Head of School, Vanessa Jackson: [email protected].

  • Mandarin Teacher

    Start Date: August 1, 2024

    Reports to: Head of School

    Employee Classification: Salaried exempt, full-time; 10-month employee

    Schedule: 7:30 am - 4 pm Mondays - Fridays



    About the Organization

    Founded in 1965, the Montessori Center School of Santa Barbara (MCS) is an independent school and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a rich history of preparing students ages 18 months through 6th grade for academic excellence using the world-renowned Montessori Method. An American Montessori Society member school, MCS fosters independent, self-motivated, confident, life-long learners, who will become positive forces to care for and transform our world. The school is located on a beautiful garden campus in Goleta, California.


    About the Opportunity

    MCS will launch a one-of-a-kind Mandarin language program in fall of 2024. We are looking for an experienced and passionate Mandarin language teacher to found, lead and grow this new program. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with our wildly talented and committed staffulty and our dynamic and kind students and families. You will teach students ages three through twelve with a goal of having them reach high levels of written and conversational proficiency by 6th grade. 


    Roles & Responsibilities

    MCS’ Mandarin Teacher will perform the following duties:


    Classroom Lessons & Environment

    • Utilizing research-proven pedagogical practices, design and deliver a rigorous and engaging curriculum of Mandarin language and Chinese culture lessons.
    • Maintain a well-resourced, welcoming and orderly world languages environment that nurtures a high quality, developmentally appropriate academic program rich in Mandarin language and Chinese culture.
    • Build strong relationships with each of your students and foster a keen sense of equity, inclusion and belonging for every student in your classroom.
    • Blend robust opportunities for age-appropriate social-emotional learning into daily lessons and activities ensuring that students are building the social-emotional and executive functioning skills necessary to navigate and thrive throughout their day to day lives – both in and beyond the classroom.

    Observation & Record-keeping 

    • Conduct child observations regularly, documenting these through the school’s shared online record-keeping and learning management system.
    • Utilize child observations and your data and records to inform daily choices regarding each child’s support and program.

    Family Engagement

    • Utilize school-wide protocols to share data and updates routinely with families regarding their children’s academic and social development.
    • Be responsive, receptive and welcoming of parent/caregiver inquiries and feedback.
    • Participate in the life of the school community by supporting annual events including occasional weekend commitments (e.g The Montessori Journey, UN Day, the fall harvest festival, annual benefit auction, etc.).

    Teamwork

    • Embody MCS’s core values in your daily interactions with children, families and staffulty.
    • Seek out and embrace opportunities for collaboration with colleagues across the school.


    Qualifications:

    Successful candidates for this role will evidence the following qualifications:



    Experience & Professional Qualifications

    • A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university
    • Native speaker fluency in Mandarin (written and spoken)  
    • Experience teaching Mandarin to school-aged children (3+ years preferred)
    • Excellent written and oral English communication skills

    Mindsets

    • Commitment to MCS’ mission, vision and core values
    • Demonstrated capacity to collaborate effectively as a member of a results-oriented, high-performing team
    • Passion for serving children of all learning styles and abilities
    • Commitment to living out principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
    • Sound professional judgment and decision-making skills 
    • Capacity to share and receive and implement feedback with grace and agility
    • High level of emotional intelligence, integrity and humor
    • High level of personal organization, planning and follow-through


    Physical Requirements 

    Duties performed typically in school settings to include: 

    • Physical stamina to work with school-aged children.
    • Frequent walking, kneeling, standing, stooping, sitting on the ground, and occasional lifting, up to approximately 50 pounds.  
    • Must be able to grasp and feel the attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature and texture. 
    • Able to move as needed to ensure the safety of the children. Other physical activities may be required. 
    • Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer information, determining the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise and hazards. 
    • Daily personal and close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required. 
    • Must be able and available to work overnight trips including the annual week-long science education sleep-away trip and the spring overnight wilderness backpacking trip.
    • Regular in-person contact with parents, faculty and staff members is required. 

    These physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully the essential functions of this job. MCS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment,  MCS will take steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. 


    All MCS employees must clear a DOJ/FBI background check (LiveScan), must provide a negative TB test, must know the school emergency procedures, and must perform other duties not specifically stated as directed by the Head of School.


    Compensation

    This is a salaried, exempt full-time position 40 hours per week, 10 months per year. Compensation for this position is competitive and commensurate with starting annualized salary for experienced applicants ranging from $60,000 to $70,000. Full-time employees of MCS are eligible for comprehensive health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan matching and paid time off (PTO). 


    To Express Interest

    To express your interest in this role with MCS, please share a one-page cover letter and professional resume with Interim Head of School, Vanessa Jackson: [email protected]

  • Drama Teacher

    Start Date: January 1, 2024

    Reports to: Head of School

    Employee Classification: Part-time, hourly exempt (10-12 hours/week)

    Schedule: 8 am - 4 pm Fridays during the school year



    About the Organization

    Founded in 1965, the Montessori Center School of Santa Barbara (MCS) is an independent school and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a rich history of preparing students ages 18 months through 6th grade for academic excellence using the world-renowned Montessori Method. An American Montessori Society member school, MCS fosters independent, self-motivated, confident, life-long learners, who will become positive forces to care for and transform our world. The school is located on a beautiful garden campus in Goleta, California.


    About the Opportunity

    MCS has offered weekly drama classes as a component of our elementary program for over 35 years. We are now looking for an experienced and passionate drama teacher to grow the program over time. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with our wildly talented and committed staffulty and with our amazing and kind students and families. You will teach students ages six through twelve with a goal of developing their skills and enthusiasm for drama and performing arts. The program culminates each year with a spring musical for upper elementary students (grades 4-6).


    Roles & Responsibilities

    MCS’ Drama Teacher will perform the following duties:


    Teaching & Performance Preparation

    • Design and deliver an engaging curriculum that builds in opportunities for the children to study and experience the foundational components of drama and theater; elect a spring musical and backwards-plan a scope and sequence of classes to get the children involved and prepared to put on an excellent performance.
    • Prepare and lead weekly classes for students ages six through twelve utilizing a positive discipline approach and fostering high engagement culture in your classroom.
    • Build strong relationships with each of your students and foster a keen sense of equity, inclusion and belonging for every student in your classroom.
    • Blend robust opportunities for age-appropriate social-emotional learning into weekly classes and activities ensuring that students are building the social-emotional and executive functioning skills necessary to navigate and thrive throughout their day to day lives – both in and beyond the classroom.

    Program Leadership

    • Plan the spring musical soup to nuts: Identify and bring in others on a part-time and/or volunteer basis to help with dance numbers, etc. if needed.
    • Market the drama program across the MCS community – teachers and families alike.
    • Engage parent/caregiver volunteers in support of the drama program for set building, costume creation, hair & makeup prep, etc.
    • Create opportunities for students to learn about the larger world of drama and theater by planning and co-leading field trips, hosting visiting troupes, etc.
    • Maintain an orderly performance space and drama inventory shed.

    Family Engagement

    • Utilize school-wide protocols to share data and updates routinely with families regarding their children’s academic and social development.
    • Be responsive, receptive and welcoming of parent/caregiver inquiries and feedback.
    • Participate in the life of the school community by supporting annual events including occasional weekend commitments (e.g The Montessori Journey, UN Day, the fall harvest festival, annual benefit auction, etc.).

    Teamwork

    • Embody MCS’s core values in your daily interactions with children, families and staffulty.
    • Be an excellent communicator and collaborator: Partner effectively with your colleagues when planning for opportunities and events.

    Qualifications:

    Successful candidates for this role will evidence the following qualifications:


    Experience & Professional Qualifications

    • Three+ years of experience working directly with groups of elementary school children in a school, after-school program or camp setting
    • A background and formal training in musical theater
    • Excellent written and oral English communication skills

    Mindsets

    • Commitment to MCS’ mission, vision and core values
    • Demonstrated capacity to collaborate effectively as a member of a results-oriented, high-performing team
    • Passion for serving children of all learning styles and abilities
    • Commitment to living out principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
    • Sound professional judgment and decision-making skills
    • Capacity to share and receive and implement feedback with grace and agility
    • High level of emotional intelligence, integrity and humor
    • High level of personal organization, planning and follow-through

    Physical Requirements

    • Duties performed typically in school settings to include:
    • Physical stamina to work with school-aged children
    • Frequent walking, kneeling, standing, stooping, sitting on the ground, and occasional lifting, up to approximately 50 pounds
    • Must be able to grasp and feel the attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature and texture
    • Able to move as needed to ensure the safety of the children; other physical activities may be required
    • Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer information, determining the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise and hazards.
    • Daily personal and close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required
    • Regular in-person contact with parents, faculty and staff members is required.

    These physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully the essential functions of this job. MCS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, MCS will take steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.


    All MCS employees must clear a DOJ/FBI background check (LiveScan), must provide a negative TB test, must know the school emergency procedures, and must perform other duties not specifically stated as directed by the Head of School.


    Compensation

    This is an hourly, exempt part-time position 10-12 hours per week during the school year. Compensation for this position is competitive and commensurate with starting hourly compensation for experienced applicants ranging from $30-38/hour.


    To Express Interest

    To express your interest in this role with MCS, please share a one-page cover letter and professional resume with Interim Head of School, Vanessa Jackson: [email protected].

  • Art Teacher – Interim (Long-term Substitute)

    Employment Term: Mid-January 2024 through to end of May 2024

    Reports to: Head of School

    Employee Classification: Part-time, hourly exempt (20 hours/week)

    Schedule: 8:30 am - 3 pm, four days per week 



    About the Organization

    Founded in 1965, the Montessori Center School of Santa Barbara (MCS) is an independent school and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a rich history of preparing students ages 18 months through 6th grade for academic excellence using the world-renowned Montessori Method. An American Montessori Society member school, MCS fosters independent, self-motivated, confident, life-long learners, who will become positive forces to care for and transform our world. The school is located on a beautiful garden campus in Goleta, California.


    About the Opportunity

    MCS has offered weekly visual arts classes as a component of our program for students ages 18 months through 12 years for over 35 years. We are currently in need of a long-term substitute to teach art from January through the end of May. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with our wildly talented and committed staffulty and with our amazing and kind students and families. You will teach students ages five through twelve with the goal of developing their capabilities across a broad range of artistic media and genres.


    Roles & Responsibilities

    The Art Teacher will perform the following duties:


    Curriculum Planning & Instruction

    • Design and deliver an engaging curriculum that builds in opportunities for the children to study and experience the foundational components of art and art history; select and plan for a series of 8-10 projects/pieces for students to develop and create over the course of the school year culminating in a portfolio and gallery event.
    • Prepare and lead weekly classes for students ages five through twelve utilizing a positive discipline approach and fostering high engagement culture in your classroom.
    • Build strong relationships with each of your students and foster a keen sense of equity, inclusion and belonging for every student.
    • Blend robust opportunities for age-appropriate social-emotional learning into weekly classes and activities ensuring that students are building the social-emotional and executive functioning skills necessary to navigate and thrive throughout their day to day lives – both in and beyond the classroom.

    Program Leadership

    • Market the art program across the MCS community – teachers and families alike.
    • Engage parent/caregiver volunteers in support of the art program.
    • Create opportunities for students to learn about the larger world of art by planning and co-leading field trips, etc.
    • Maintain an orderly and resource-rich art room.

    Family Engagement

    • Utilize school-wide protocols to share data and updates routinely with families regarding their children’s academic and social development.
    • Be responsive, receptive and welcoming of parent/caregiver inquiries and feedback.
    • Participate in the life of the school community by supporting annual events including occasional weekend commitments (e.g The Montessori Journey, UN Day, the fall harvest festival, annual benefit auction, etc.).

    Teamwork

    • Embody MCS’s core values in your daily interactions with children, families and staffulty.
    • Be an excellent communicator and collaborator: Partner effectively with your colleagues when planning for opportunities and events.


    Qualifications:

    Successful candidates for this role will evidence the following qualifications:


    Experience & Professional Qualifications

    • Three+ years of experience working directly with groups of elementary school children in a school, after-school program or camp setting
    • A background and formal training in visual arts instruction (teaching credential and/or masters degree preferred)
    • Excellent written and oral English communication skills

    Mindsets

    • Commitment to MCS’ mission, vision and core values
    • Demonstrated capacity to collaborate effectively as a member of a results-oriented, high-performing team
    • Passion for serving children of all learning styles and abilities
    • Commitment to living out principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
    • Sound professional judgment and decision-making skills 
    • Capacity to share and receive and implement feedback with grace and agility
    • High level of emotional intelligence, integrity and humor
    • High level of personal organization, planning and follow-through

    Physical Requirements 

    Duties performed typically in school settings to include: 

    • Physical stamina to work with school-aged children
    • Frequent walking, kneeling, standing, stooping, sitting on the ground, and occasional lifting, up to approximately 50 pounds  
    • Must be able to grasp and feel the attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature and texture 
    • Able to move as needed to ensure the safety of the children; other physical activities may be required 
    • Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer information, determining the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise and hazards. 
    • Daily personal and close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required 
    • Regular in-person contact with parents, faculty and staff members is required. 

    These physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully the essential functions of this job. MCS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment,  MCS will take steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. 


    All MCS employees must clear a DOJ/FBI background check (LiveScan), must provide a negative TB test, must know the school emergency procedures, and must perform other duties not specifically stated as directed by the Head of School.


    Compensation

    This is an hourly, exempt part-time position 20 hours per week during the school year. Compensation for this position is competitive and commensurate with starting hourly compensation for experienced applicants ranging from $30-38/hour. 


    To Express Interest

    To express your interest in this role with MCS, please share a one-page cover letter and professional resume with Interim Head of School, Vanessa Jackson: [email protected].


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