Family owned Montessori school on the north side of Chicago is looking for a full time Primary (3 years - 6 years) certified Montessori teacher to start by the end of September. The ideal work schedule would be from 7 am – 3 pm Monday to Friday. We offer 6 paid holidays and accrued paid time off.

We are looking for a teacher who is dedicated to the care and educational needs of children, has excellent interpersonal skills and can effectively collaborate with students, parents and staff. Previous experience as a Primary Montessori Directress is preferred.

A bachelor's degree is required, in addition to being Montessori 3-6 certified by an accredited Montessori training program - but most of all we are looking for someone who is as passionate about Montessori as we are.

Contact: Cassi Barrera
Ravenswood Montessori School
rms@ravenswoodmontessori.com

Start Date

August 2020

Application Window

Ongoing until position is filled

Position Description

We are hiring a Directress to join our Cardinal Bernardin Montessori Academy community for the 2020-21school year. The Directress will lead a Primary (3-6) Montessori classroom. The position is a full-time opportunity to work with children, an amazing team, and to receive great benefits. Cardinal Bernardin Montessori Academy seeks a cheerful, gentle and energetic individual to lead students aged three to six.

Located on a beautiful 2-acre urban campus in Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois.

Large, airy classrooms, dedicated parents, pleasant work atmosphere, competitive salary and excellent benefits including ongoing paid professional development.

Bachelor's degree is required.

AMI, AMS, NCME and/or MACTE credential 3-6 is preferred, but we will provide a paid internship in pursuit of completion of Montessori credential. Professionals from traditionally underserved backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

About the Employer

Cardinal Bernardin Montessori Academy has paved the way as a successful model for private Catholic education for over 20 years. Of the thousands of private and hundreds of public Montessori schools in the United States, there are only about 25 private, Catholic Montessori Schools in the entire country. Cardinal Bernardin Montessori Academy is the only Catholic Montessori School in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

MISSION: inspire, nurture, and empower children to live up to the full promise of their individual and unique talents and capabilities and to support their parents through an educational model that combines Montessori education with a Catholic environment.

VISION: To launch students into life as faithful, independent, compassionate and respectful members of society who are prepared for academic, social and emotional success and who use their freedom wisely.

Interested?

Send a cover letter and a resume to gweikel@cbmontessori.org

Please be prepared to provide two letters of recommendation and two professional references on request.

Position: Primary Teacher

Spark Montessori is an authentic Montessori school that seeks a Montessori trained Primary teacher to support a classroom for 2.5 – 5 years old. 

Key Candidate Skills and Attributes:

• Alignment with organizational mission and values (see below)
• Passion for the Montessori pedagogy and working with young children
• An independent thinker with a bias towards purposeful action
• Exhibit patience, organization, and leadership in the classroom
• Ability to coach/mentor classroom assistants
• Receptive to input, feedback, and ideas
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with their teammates
• Staff must be willing and able to creatively and proactively solve problems
• Commitment to continuous professional development and growth

Credential Requirements:

• AMS or AMI certified at the Primary level (3-6)
• At least 3 years of experience working in a Montessori classroom
• Meet the DCFS requirements for a teacher

Compensation: Compensation will be competitive and based on experience.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Professional Development Support, Tuition Remission, Paid Breaks, Holidays, Personal, and Sick Days

School Location: 4326 N California Ave. Chicago, IL

Spark Montessori’s Mission
Provide an authentic, dedicated, and modern Montessori experience for children so that they may discover and nurture the unique Spark within themselves, build self-discipline, awareness, intellectual independence, and competence through important reality-oriented, sensory focused works, and apply their skills and passion towards constructing a happy, fulfilled, self-actualized life.

Spark Montessori’s Organizational Values

Commitment to Montessori Principles/Practices: Spark Montessori will approach every school decision with a commitment to the core principles of a Montessori education.

Respect for the Child and Childhood: Children are capable of far more than they are given credit for. They have their own unique needs, ideas, and passions that must be respected, cherished, and supported. Similarly, childhood is a short, yet critical period of time that needs to be protected from the pressures and politics of the adult world.

Support the Whole Child and the Whole Family: The modern child and the modern family have needs that go beyond academics and childcare. Spark Montessori will strive to provide an environment that supports the whole child at their own personal stage of development. And provide opportunities for families to build memories, learn, and grow together.

Growth Mindset: There are no fixed human qualities. Everyone is capable of growth with the right mindset. We become what we focus and work on and so we will focus on the things that we can change and influence.

Collaborative Culture with Open Door Policies: Great things happen when people with unique talents and passions collaborate to create something of value. This requires open communication and leadership that is receptive to continuous improvement and engagement. Parents will feel open to engage through open, continuous feedback loops that listen and adapt when appropriate.

Community Outreach & Engagement: There are countless opportunities to engage with the community at large. This includes community organizations, public facilities, and local businesses. Spark Montessori will actively build those connections so that it may have a broader impact and expose children to the ‘real world’ and community in which they live.

Open to Modern Research and Technologies at Appropriate Ages: The world is changing quickly and so we must be willing to evolve with modern research on child development without compromising the underlying philosophy of Montessori.

Approach the World with Joy and Reverence: When we are present in the world, we build a sense of reverence for all of the beauty and joy that is possible.

If interested in this opportunity to join our leadership team, we would love to speak with you. Please send your resume to Sara Hruska (sara@sparkmontessori.org) and schedule time to speak.

Apply: https://www.sparkmontessori.org/primary-teacher-wanted/

Spark Montessori is an authentic Montessori school that seeks a Spanish speaking, Montessori trained teacher to co-lead our Spanish-English Dual Language program.

Key Candidate Skills and Attributes:

• Alignment with organizational mission and values (see below)
• Fluency in Spanish and English
• Passion for the Montessori pedagogy and working with young children
• Adaptive and supportive to the needs of the children and the overall school community
• An independent thinker with a bias towards purposeful action
• Exhibit patience, organization, and leadership in the classroom
• Ability to collaborate with other Montessori teachers in the classroom
• Receptive to input, feedback, and ideas
• Willing and able to creatively and proactively solve problems
• Commitment to continuous professional development and growth

Credential Requirements:

• AMS or AMI certified at the Primary level (2.5-6)
• At least 3 years of experience working in a Montessori classroom
• Meet the DCFS requirements for a teacher

Compensation: Compensation will be competitive and based on experience.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Professional Development Support, Tuition Remission, Paid Breaks, Holidays, Personal, and Sick Days

School Location: 4326 N California Ave. Chicago, IL

Spark Montessori’s Mission

Provide an authentic, dedicated, and modern Montessori experience for children so that they may discover and nurture the unique Spark within themselves, build self-discipline, awareness, intellectual independence, and competence through important reality-oriented, sensory focused works, and apply their skills and passion towards constructing a happy, fulfilled, self-actualized life.

Spark Montessori’s Organizational Value

Commitment to Montessori Principles/Practices: Spark Montessori will approach every school decision with a commitment to the core principles of a Montessori education.

Respect for the Child and Childhood: Children are capable of far more than they are given credit for. They have their own unique needs, ideas, and passions that must be respected, cherished, and supported. Similarly, childhood is a short, yet critical period of time that needs to be protected from the pressures and politics of the adult world.

Support the Whole Child and the Whole Family: The modern child and the modern family have needs that go beyond academics and childcare. Spark Montessori will strive to provide an environment that supports the whole child at their own personal stage of development. And provide opportunities for families to build memories, learn, and grow together.

Growth Mindset: There are no fixed human qualities. Everyone is capable of growth with the right mindset. We become what we focus and work on and so we will focus on the things that we can change and influence.

Collaborative Culture with Open Door Policies: Great things happen when people with unique talents and passions collaborate to create something of value. This requires open communication and leadership that is receptive to continuous improvement and engagement. Parents will feel open to engage through open, continuous feedback loops that listen and adapt when appropriate.

Community Outreach & Engagement: There are countless opportunities to engage with the community at large. This includes community organizations, public facilities, and local businesses. Spark Montessori will actively build those connections so that it may have a broader impact and expose children to the ‘real world’ and community in which they live.

Open to Modern Research and Technologies at Appropriate Ages: The world is changing quickly and so we must be willing to evolve with modern research on child development without compromising the underlying philosophy of Montessori.

Approach the World with Joy and Reverence: When we are present in the world, we build a sense of reverence for all of the beauty and joy that is possible.

If interested in this opportunity to join our leadership team, we would love to speak with you. Please send your resume to Sara Hruska (sara@sparkmontessori.org) and schedule time to speak.

Apply: https://www.sparkmontessori.org/spanish-speaking-lead-teacher-for-immersion-program/

DuPage Montessori School is seeking a full-time experienced 3-6 Lead Teacher/Directress to join our amazing staff. DuPage Montessori School has been teaching the Montessori philosophy to children since 1987. Our school is conveniently located off of I88 and Naperville Road. We are a fully accredited AMS school that enrolls children from 15 months through 8th grade. We are looking for a dedicated and passionate AMS certified teacher for a full-time teaching position. The candidate must have a Bachelor's Degree, excellent communication skills, and a dedication to the Montessori philosophy. We prefer a lead teacher with a minimum of three years of experience. We operate on a 9.5 month school year and offer the ability to work throughout the summer.

DuPage Montessori offers a competitive salary, retirement program, professional development support, tuition assistance, paid holidays, breaks, and personal and sick days. Salary commensurate with experience.

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and three personal references to joanne@dupageschool.org

Casa dei Bambini Montessori of Mayfair is a small Montessori school in the northwest Chicago neighborhood of Mayfair. We are seeking a Montessori Pre-Primary (2-3) Lead Teacher and a Primary Lead Teacher for the 2020-21 school year. Both positions are for full-time, but part-time may be considered.

Our ideal candidate is patient, nurturing, and takes joy in working with children. The applicant must be a team player, have a strong work ethic, and be adaptable to the changing needs of our school. Timeliness, organization, and strong communication skills with parents and staff are a must. AMS or AMI certification is required, including experience working in a Montessori classroom.

We offer a competitive salary, caring and supportive staff members, and a lovely work environment, including an outdoor classroom gazebo and garden. Come join us at Casa dei Bambini Montessori of Mayfair in Chicago!

Please forward your resume to: casamontessori2016@gmail.com or call 773.283.7474 for more information.

APRIL 9, 2020 — The American Montessori Society, the leading member advocacy organization, research forum, and resource collaborative for the global community of Montessori educators, is accepting applications for the position of Executive Director.

Based in New York City, but with members worldwide, AMS is classified as a 501 (c)(3) (i.e., tax-exempt, nonprofit) organization.

Download the Executive Position Profile or keep reading for additional details. 

Check out the posting on the AMS website: https://amshq.org/Educators/Community/Announcements/All-Announcements/2020/2020-04-09-American-Montessori-Society-Seeks-New-Executive-Director

Executive Director

The American Montessori Society

About the Position

The next Executive Director of the American Montessori Society will need a hands-on leadership approach to a membership organization with diverse stakeholders and interests. In the wake of COVID-19, we need a leader who will engage members, community, and stakeholders in a vision for our future. Our organization seeks leadership that is both practical and inspirational. The ideal candidate has experience managing a complex not-for-profit organization with a significant budget and has worked successfully with an active governing board. The Executive Director will be expected to engage in travel, including internationally, and to actively engage with members and schools worldwide.

The Executive Director is appointed by and directly responsible to the Board of Directors and serves as an ex officio, non-voting board member.

Qualifications, Skills, & Experience

The Executive Director we are seeking is:

• A leader, adept at:

• A manager, skilled in: 

• A connector with exceptional people skills, high EI (emotional intelligence), a penchant for networking, and a facility for connecting within the organization and with other organizations sharing common interests.
• An innovator who can help the organization solicit and retain members, deepen services to members and create new opportunities for members to stay connected and involved.
• An advocate who will build on networks already in place, lead efforts to protect Montessori interests, and track opportunities emerging in the public and political domain that Montessori can and should capitalize upon or contribute to.
• A communicator who reaches out to engage with members in multiple ways, generates enthusiasm, shares a vision, and invites dialogue.  
• A planner, skilled in developing and implementing strategic plans in partnership with the Board of Directors that support the mission and values of AMS with value-added programs and services.  

Required

Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree preferred.

At least five years of Executive Director/CEO or equivalent level leadership experience

Opportunities

The next Executive Director will inherit an organization that has a passionate membership, active working groups and committees, a board of highly experienced Montessori leaders, and a growing consortium of Montessori related organizations. 

Challenges

AMS, like many organizations, has suffered financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cancellation of our annual conference (“The Montessori Event”), a major contributor to our annual income, which was to have taken place in March 2020, dealt a strong blow. While still weighing the impact of those losses, we are committed to begin the FYI 2021 fiscal year (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2020) with a realistic budget that reflects both the current capacity of the organization and opportunities to enhance future revenue.

The landscape of education in the United States is in flux. State teacher licensure requirements vary and public, for-profit, and nonprofit Montessori schools are all faced with daunting regulatory demands. The new Executive Director will need to support the efforts at a state and national level to advocate on behalf of Montessori schools and teacher education programs. The Montessori “brand” has been diluted by some schools that call themselves Montessori, but are not. Upholding excellence and standards will be a significant and challenging aspect of work for the new Executive Director. AMS is an inclusive organization, representing schools of varying levels of Montessori excellence, serving a range of socioeconomic populations in different geographic regions worldwide. There is a need for the organization to look at how it is supporting this diversity of membership, its inclusiveness, equity, and quality in its services.

Knowledge and experience in the education field is required.  Training and/or deep familiarity with Montessori precepts and pedagogy is a strong preference.  Any candidate who is offered the position of Executive Director must be willing to spend time immersing themselves in Montessori if they are not Montessori credentialed.

To Apply

Interested candidates are to submit the following documents via email attachments to Maria Pagani, AMS staff liaison to the Search Committee: leadership@amshq.org.

1. Cover letter addressed to the AMS Search Committee expressing interest in and qualifications for the position.
2. A current résumé.
3. A statement of the candidate’s leadership philosophy (1 – 2 pages, 12-point Times Roman, double-spaced).  
4. A statement of the candidate's understanding of anti-bias, anti-racism (ABAR), citing specific examples from their experience (1 – 2 pages, 12-point Times Roman, double-spaced).  
5. Two examples of writing on a school, association, or education topic.
6. Five references (including email addresses and telephone numbers) that can be contacted confidentially at the early stage of discovery.
7. Three letters of reference.

Applications will be accepted through June 15, 2020. 

Throughout the search process until the finalist stage, candidates’ engagement with the search will be kept confidential, and candidates will receive bi-weekly updates on their status and the progress of the search.  Candidates are free to communicate directly with Maria Pagani.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal employment opportunities and diversity among its employees are fundamental principles at the American Montessori Society.

The American Montessori Society is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, family responsibility, political affiliation or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Executive Director Search

We are currently searching for our next executive director! Read below to see if you're a great fit and if so, apply at the end of the page!

About Us

Montessori Private Academy (MPA) is located in Rockford, Illinois, one of the 15 best places to move according to Reader’s Digest. The school was formed in 1983 by motivated parents and now is the only fully accredited Montessori program in the Rockford region with 150-200 students from age 2 through 9th grade attending each year. Our 3+ acre campus, built in 2010, is located close to I-90 and bypass 20 enabling easy commutes to Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago and draws students from a variety of neighboring communities. We have an engaged parent community and strong staff made up of teachers, assistants and office personnel and are looking for an executive director to lead us into the next chapter of the school’s history!

About You

You are passionate about Montessori, want to impact the next generation and like working in an environment where everyone knows each other. You excel at bringing people together and have an innate ability to envision what could be and have the drive and wherewithal to make it happen. You have experience finding and retaining an awesome staff and creating and executing against budgets. You already know how the Montessori method and curriculum enabled global leaders like Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, former first lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis, singer Sean P Diddy Combs, and Rockford’s own Fred Van Vleet. Your Montessori experience could include being a Montessori parent, Montessori student, Montessori teacher, an educator with Montessori certification, or work experience in a Montessori environment - essentially, you have a passion for teaching and a good understanding of what it takes to be successful in a Montessori environment. You inspire others to be the best they can be and easily engage and communicate with many different types of people. You are a great listener and are direct, clear and concise in your communication with others. You have a growth mindset and when things need to get done, you are one of the first to roll up your sleeves and get to work!

About the Role

This position serves as the CEO of the school and includes all aspects of school leadership including curriculum development, long-term strategic planning, recruiting & retaining students/families and amazing staff, building community awareness, financial administration, and leading fund development. This position reports directly to the board made up of parents, teachers and community members.

NOTE: To keep our American Montessori Society (AMS) certification, the executive director must hold an administrator Montessori certification, which can be obtained after being named director.

What Success Looks Like

Our staff members continue to be excited to come to work and are long-term employees, school enrollment grows, students are enabled to think independently and problem-solve, alumni are prepared for the next educational step, parents feel well-connected and informed, and funding continues to increase to enable long-term viability and growth of the school.

Required Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Character Traits

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• Montessori experience and/or certification
• Ability to create & manage budget
• Identify, create & submit grants/proposals
• Recruit, develop, supervise, evaluate, & retain high performing staff members
• Active listener
• Empathetic
• Clear, concise communicator
• Strong public speaker
• Strong written communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills

• Non-Profit experience
• Montessori experience
• Teaching experience
• Management experience
• Montessori administrator certification MMTTC or Seton

Apply

If this sounds like a good fit, please fill out the application below! If you have any questions or run into problems using the form below, please let our executive search committee know!

For a PDF version of this posting to download/print, click here

*****

Brickton Montessori School seeks candidates for the position of Head of School to begin in August 2020. We seek a dynamic educational leader who is committed to the Montessori philosophy and eager to continue the school’s growth and development. We seek an individual who shares our vision and focus on students as well as our commitment to the mission and to maintaining the culture that makes our school so unique and special. The strength of our faculty and administrative staff is unparalleled. Our enrollment has been steady. Our students are thriving at every level and excel in moving on to some of the best public and independent high schools in the Chicagoland area and colleges in the country. Our families are involved and supportive with their time and talent.

Application Deadline: March 22, 2020

Mission

Brickton Montessori School: A community of confident, compassionate, competent learners. Brickton Bold.

Vision

Brickton Montessori School follows the time-tested, evidence-based Montessori approach to education, honoring the child as a whole, fostering a global mindset through peace education, with a commitment to educational leadership and institutional longevity.

Overview

Brickton Montessori School is an independent non-profit school located at the far northwest side of Chicago, at 8622 W Catalpa, Chicago, IL. We are a five-minute drive from O’Hare International Airport and a ten-minute walk to the CTA Blue Line train.

Brickton Montessori School is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Independent Schools of the Central States (ISACS) and is a full member of the Association of Illinois Montessori Schools (AIMS) and the Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools (LMAIS). We are registered and recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) as a non-public school and area member of the Illinois Coalition for Non-Public Schools. We have achieved the Gold Circle of Quality from ExceleRate Illinois for Early Learning Providers. We hold licenses from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the City of Chicago.

Brickton is a tax-exempt organization under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is a non-sectarian, non-profit, corporation managed by a board of directors, at least 51% of whom must be parents of enrolled children.

In the summer of 1986, a group of dedicated Montessori parents and Montessori teachers met together to explore the possibility of establishing a new school. BMS was first born in the basement of St. Anslem’s church in Park Ridge. Later that summer, the school moved into a vacant space within Pennoyer Elementary School, located in the nearby town of Norridge serving children from age two to 12, with one toddler class, one 3-6 class and one 6-12 class. To facilitate growth, in August 1989, Brickton moved to its current location on West Catalpa. At our new site, we began with one toddler class, two 3-6 classes and one 6-12 class. Eventually we added a Middle School program in August 2002 and most recently a Nido program in the spring of 2019.

With input from the community, the Board developed the 2016-2021 Strategic Plan which revolves around five key areas that will help us reach our vision:

1. Outstanding Education. Provide a Montessori educational experience that inspires and engages students to become lifelong learners while providing a comprehensive academic curriculum that meets each child’s educational needs.

2. Effective learning environments. Ensure Brickton’s learning spaces provide a supportive Montessori educational environment and opportunity for the community to come together.

3. Nurturing community. Build and strengthen the connections between all school stakeholders to support a vibrant school community.

4. Building awareness of Brickton. Develop a strategic approach to marketing that leads to stable, full enrollment with a waitlist every year.

5. Financial discipline. Ensure Brickton’s long-term financial security.

Our current Head of School has served in this role since 2011. The Faculty is comprised of 10 Directresses and Directors who are supported by 7 classroom assistants. In addition to the Faculty, the administrative team reporting to the Head of School includes a Finance Director, a Development Director, an Elementary and Middle School Coordinator, a Children’s House Coordinator, a Volunteer/Scheduling Coordinator and an Administrative Assistant. In total, each year approximately 140 students from 110 families make up one Nido classroom, one Toddler classroom, four Children’s House classrooms, one Lower Elementary class, one Upper Elementary class, and one Middle School classroom.

Brickton Montessori School is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of 6 to 11 members, each with a minimum three-year term. The Board actively supports the school and currently consists of ten directors: eight current parents, one alumni parent and one alumnus. The Board has fiduciary responsibility for the school and is focused primarily on the school’s long-term success and ability to deliver its mission. The Board provides strategic direction and works with the Head of School on the five areas outlined in the school’s strategic plans. Currently, the Board and its Site Committee is working actively with the Head of School to secure a permanent site with the goal of moving in the summer of 2022.

Brickton has an annual budget of about $1.67 million dollars that is covered at roughly 95% by tuition income with annual fundraising through the Annual Fund and a Spring Fundraiser making up the difference. Faculty and staff salaries comprise 54% of expenses.

Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Education Administration, or Business Administration preferred.
• Minimum of five years of classroom experience at either the pre-school, elementary, or middle school level.
• American Montessori Society (AMS) Administrator Credential or AMS Teaching Credential with a degree in Education Administration required.

Leadership Qualities:

• A leader who advocates for and inspires teachers and who is committed to ongoing professional development.
• A progressive educator who is knowledgeable about current educational best practices.
• A leader with excellent administrative skills, including the ability to multitask and delegate appropriately.
• Strong business acumen including wise stewardship of financial, physical, and human resources.
• A track record of success in planning, budgeting, and financial management.
• The ability and willingness to participate fully in the external aspects of school leadership, including playing a leadership role in marketing and fundraising.

• Excellent communication and community building skills with the ability to understand a variety of perspectives.

• Open-minded, collaborative, and transparent, yet also willing and able to make decisions and set appropriate boundaries and expectations.

• Outgoing and approachable to students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Appreciative of and eager to lead our school community.
• A visionary leader with the ability to achieve long-term, strategic initiatives.
• Strong, personal integrity with a commitment to honesty and ethical leadership.

Head of School Duties and Responsibilities:

The Head of School provides instructional, brand, operational and financial leadership. The Head of School must also effectively manage the school to achieve growth, while maintaining a nurturing, inclusive educational environment.

• • Instructional Leadership
  • • Provides support, guidance and mentoring to classroom teachers to execute Montessori philosophy, curriculum and appropriate progress monitoring and assessment.
    • Ensures appropriate professional development goals are pursued by lead teaching faculty.
    • Participates in appropriate professional development to improve instructional leadership.
    • Adheres to the American Montessori Society Code of Ethics (see attached).
  • Brand Leadership
  • • Supports the mission and goals and objectives of the school
    • Ensures excellence of academic and extracurricular programs.
    • Supports marketing, advertising and branding activities to further public position of the school.
  • Operational Leadership
  • • Motivates faculty and staff in a professional, respectful and compassionate manner.
    • Participates in development of and execution of school strategic plan working collaboratively with board of directors, staff, parents and other stakeholders.
    • Ensures completion of all requirements to maintain AMS accreditation, DCFS licensure, ISACS accreditation, ISBE recognition and be in compliance with all city and state regulations.
    • Maintains open communication with the community with high visibility at the school on a day-to-day basis.  Ensures completion of annual performance evaluations for all faculty and staff.
• Financial Leadership
• • Develops annual budget in conjunction with the Finance Director and Board Treasurer.
  • Manages resource allocation decisions to maintain adherence to school budget.
  • Oversees and participates in school fundraising efforts.
  • Manages and oversees Capital Campaign for a proposed new location.

Opportunities and Challenges for the Head of School:

• Attracting, Retaining, and Motivating Faculty and Staff. Brickton enjoys a highly engaged and talented faculty and staff. Continuing to attract top talent and motivating each employee to deliver curriculum and programming grounded in Montessori philosophy and educational best practices are important responsibilities of Head of School. The next Head must promote ongoing professional development opportunities for faculty and staff and should create an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration between all faculty and staff members.
• Optimizing Administrative Operations. Brickton is accustomed to operating with a lean administrative structure. Although the school has expanded the administrative team in recent years, the next Head of School will need to continue to evaluate the administrative structure and make recommendations for enhancements, while continuing to manage finances carefully.
• Managing Re-accreditation and Licensing Requirements. Beginning with a self- study year , re-accreditation began in the 2019-2020 school year with an evaluation visit planned in spring 2021. While this is a substantial undertaking, Brickton has strong institutional knowledge from participating in prior accreditation process cycles and is well positioned for re-accreditation. Brickton has dual accreditation from the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Independent Schools of the Central States (ISACS), and each has new and emerging standards to consider for this next cycle. The next Head of School will be expected to lead this effort as well as manage ongoing licensing requirements for the Nido and Toddler programs
• Stewarding Financial Resources. Brickton needs to continue to plan for long- term financial sustainability. The current Head of School has made initial progress on negotiating financing for the new site. The Head of School is responsible for effective budgeting and sound financial management of school operations. Budgets should continue to be developed based on actual costs from the prior year and thoughtful forecasting. The Head also should continue to cultivate Brickton’s current and past donors, along with the board, as it moves toward a Capital Campaign to fund the new site.
• Managing and overseeing all aspects of a future permanent site. Working with architects, attorneys, contractors, city officials, financing agencies, and the board appointed Site Committee, the Head of School will be the day to day coordinator of these efforts, until such time that the project requires a construction manager.

Application Process

If you are interested in the position of Head of School at Brickton Montessori School, please submit your application electronically in one PDF file to Katrina Pipasts, Board President at bmsboardpresident@brickton.org by Sunday, March 22nd, 2020.

Applications should include:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position.
• A resume.
• A statement of educational philosophy.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• A list of five references. We will obtain permission from candidates before contacting references.
• Current salary and salary expectations. 

Anticipated Search Calendar

Applications Due: March 15th, 2020

Selection of Semi-finalists:March 31st, 2020  

Semi-finalist Interviews: April 2020  

Finalist Visits: May 2020

Appointment: June 2020

Transition Period: August 10-21, 2020

Official Start Date: August 22, 2020

All applications will be reviewed confidentially and interviews will be conducted by the Board President and the Search Committee.

After a careful review of applicants, the Search Committee will select semi-finalists who will be interviewed by skype or in person. Finalists will be invited to Brickton Montessori School for a more comprehensive series of interviews. Full travel expenses for finalists will be paid for in-person interviews in Chicago, Illinois. Ideally, a final selection will be made no later than June 2020.

The Search Committee will keep all applicants informed of their status throughout the process.

Brickton Montessori School does not discriminate in their educational programs, hiring, or activities on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, sexual identity, age, religion, ability or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Locations: Deerfield, Riverwoods, and Glenview/Northfield, IL

Infant-Toddler Lead Teacher position available immediately, Camp 2020 (June), and School Year 2020-21 (August), full time or part time, full year or school year

Our schools have upscale, fully equipped, multi-age classrooms and unique facilities in wooded settings, located in the northern suburbs of Chicago. These AMS Accredited School offer full day and half day programs for infants through elementary, as well as summer camp.

Established in 1966, the North Shore Montessori Schools have been pioneers in the Montessori movement in the Chicago area as well as in Uganda, Africa through their outreach program. Staff and board members have been active participants in Montessori on the local, state, national and international levels. A staff of fifty plus Montessori teachers, assistants, interns and administrative staff will be expanding. Bright, loving, energetic, dedicated professionals are the heart of our authentic Montessori school experience.

Opportunities for upward mobility.

Check our website: www.montessori-schools.com

Directress requirement: Bachelor's degree and Infant and Toddler Montessori credential from AMS/AMI, MACTE approved training program.

Contact Lisa Kambich at: lisa@montessori-schools.com