Position Summary

The middle school head teacher works as a guide to help direct 7th and 8th grade students’ activities academically, emotionally, and physically in a prepared Montessori environment that challenges each of them to reach their fullest potential. The middle school head teacher is responsible for upholding the purpose, standards, and policies of Rogers Park Montessori as outlined in the Parent and Employee Handbooks under the supervision and evaluation of the principal and the middle school program director. The head teacher is expected to conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner at all times. The head teacher collaborates with the middle school director and other members of the middle school teaching team to plan and carry out curriculum, class trips, the class business, and all other aspects of the RPMS middle school programming. The Head Teacher must maintain all personal information about children, families, organizational issues and other school matters as confidential. This position would begin August, 2024.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

Teaching

• Direct the children’s activities academically, emotionally, and physically in a prepared Montessori environment that challenges each child to reach his/her fullest potential.
• Develop a positive rapport with children.
• Leading daily classes in Math (pre-Algebra or Algebra), Science, Social Studies, and English
• Work collaboratively with the middle school teaching team.
• Oversee the safety and physical well-being of the children at all times.
• Demonstrate realistic expectations of children based on age and abilities.
• Protect the privacy and working atmosphere of the class at all times.
• Participate in the development and implementation of new curricula.
• Provide timely and informative feedback to students on their work
• Train and supervise children in the execution of fire drills and other emergency procedures.

Classroom

• Prepare an environment where furnishings and materials are complete and correspond to the needs of the group.
• Oversee, care, and maintain classroom materials and conduct a yearly inventory.
• Maintain an orderly environment, keeping it clean and sanitary, and in good aesthetic shape, allowing the children to share this responsibility when possible.

Supervisory

• Help supervise and direct the work of the classroom Assistant.
• Assist the Program Director in interviewing for the assistant position as needed.
• Help lead and supervise two class trips (7th & 8th camping trip in the fall, and either the 7th grade trip to Washington D.C. or the 8th grade trip to Costa Rica in the spring)

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Maintain curriculum planning, observational and academic records, including report cards.
• Plan, prepare and submit lesson plans/subject syllabi to the middle school program director for review.
• Maintain a written record of all parent meetings, phone calls and emails.
• Maintain current attendance reports.
• Submit academic records and other required records during the year by set due dates
• Report all accidents immediately including preparing a written report and notifying parents.
• Report all unusual or significant incidents immediately, including preparing a written report stating the date, time and nature of the incident, including action taken.

Communication

• Prepare regular on-going communication with parents.
• Hold three conferences during the school year as well as a goal-setting meeting with students in August.
• Proactively initiate discussions with parents in the early stages of issues.
• Communicate and cooperate with the administration on program needs and changes.
• Communicate effectively with the other middle school teachers.
• Communicate effectively with children.
• Communicate effectively with parents.

Child Assessment

• Work with the principal and middle school program director on difficulties with children, parents and staff.
• Provide input to the admissions director or middle school program director on recommendations regarding re-enrollment, rejection or dismissal of any child as required.
• Make recommendations for testing or special needs services to the principal or middle school program director.

General Administration

• Assist the principal and program director in developing and implementing school policies and procedures, adult orientation, and educational design as requested.
• Attend weekly team meetings and periodic school staff meetings as required.
• Prepare annual goals, participate in peer consultations and self-evaluations, and consult with the principal and program director regarding professional growth and development.
• Assist with other projects, programs, and planning as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook.
• Adhere to AMS guidelines and professional standards.

Competencies

• Strong communication skills.
• High ethical standards.
• Professional and courteous.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a teaching team.
• Flexibility and openness to new ideas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and Montessori Secondary I certification (or willingness to take training to get that certification).
• Experience with and understanding of the developmental needs of adolescents.
• Ability to fulfill requirements of all state and local licensing agencies affecting RPMS.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

Do you have experience teaching in Middle School?

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Teaching: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

Montessori Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

To inquire or apply, contact Freddy Hernandez at fhernandez@rpms.org