Employment Opportunities

Hilltop Montessori School seeks a teacher who can become part of the collaborative Upper Elementary teaching team (for up to 26 UE students) supported by an art teacher, learning specialist team, music teacher, and fitness teacher, in addition to a collective of multi-generational staff throughout the school. This position is for the 2024-25 school year and beyond!

 This position will prioritize an individual who:

• Holds values that are aligned with the Montessori framework and principles.
• Is already familiar with equity, anti-bias, and teaching an equitable and culturally affirming pedagogy in the classroom and school system.
• Has experience working with children having a wide range of social, emotional, and behavioral experiences.
• Is a change maker, innovator, excited about working outside the box and bringing their gifts to a community of curious learners.
• Is transparent and comfortable in communication with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Maintains an environment that engages all types of learners and meets students where they are.

Upper Elementary Montessori credential is preferred but not required. 

Compensation is commensurate with experience with a base salary for a Montessori credentialed lead teacher starting at $44,000 and additional compensation for additional degrees, years of experience, and longevity with the school, bringing most teachers into the $50Ks. The base salary for an assistant is around $30,000, with the same additional compensation opportunities bringing many assistant salaries into the mid-$30Ks.

There is also a generous benefits package including: health insurance, matching retirement funds, professional development, short term disability (including maternity leave), tuition remission, etc. We also sponsor assistant teachers for obtaining their Montessori certification!

The Toddler Program Assistant is an active and contributing member of the Toddler Program Team, and is responsible for helping to maintain a safe, comfortable, and harmonious Montessori environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

To assist in establishing a Montessori classroom the Assistant Teacher will:

• Become familiar with the Montessori philosophy by attending a Montessori training
• Participate in classroom set-up before the start of school
• Organize materials and clean work areas as directed
• Ensure consumables (paper, paint) are stocked daily
• Meet with the Toddler Program Team to discuss goals for the class and for individual students
• Identify, create, and offer culturally affirming classroom materials, books, and learning engagements that center our commitments to equity and anti-bias work
• Assist in the making and preparation of classroom materials
• Engage in learning and becoming familiar with classroom lessons 
• Assist with regular diaper changing and toileting of students
• Record observations in Transparent Classroom, and share with the teaching team as needed
• Take attendance, prepare snack, set up and supervise lunch, supervise both lunch and dismissal recess and quiet time
• Help students to develop independence in self-care: toileting, dressing
• Help students maintain their classroom environment: cleaning, putting work away

To ensure a productive relationship with families, the Assistant will:

• Share all information from parents with the teaching team
• Keep all shared information confidential
• Be professional, positive, and welcoming in all dealings with families

To promote the school community the Assistant will:

• Be familiar and engaging with equity, anti-bias, and teaching an equitable and culturally affirming pedagogy in the classroom and school-wide.
• Keep paperwork and necessary student information up to date
• Take pride in and care for the school’s building and grounds: cleaning kitchen and work room after use, monitoring playground, etc
• Be familiar with the Parent & Family Handbook
• Adhere to the expectations stated in the Personnel Handbook
• Attend bi-weekly faculty/staff meetings, as possible
• Meet bi-weekly with the Children’s House/Toddler Program team, as possible
• Participate in yearly Montessori and Early Childhood Education professional development
• Visit one other school during the year

REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Meet the education requirements for a Northern Lights Career Ladder 1 within first year of employment
• Experience in a preschool environment, and/or a willingness to learn and embrace Montessori pedagogy
• Montessori assistant training within the first year of employment, if appropriate 
• CPR/First Aid within first three months of employment
• A clear record through fingerprinting
• The physical capacity to work with pre-school/toddler aged children (includes but is not limited to: bending, minor lifting, working on the floor)

Compensation is commensurate with experience with a base salary for an assistant starting at $31,000, additional compensation for degrees, years of experience, and longevity with the school, bringing many assistant salaries into the high-$30Ks.

The school also offers a generous benefits package including 10 sick/personal days, health care coverage, and (after a year of service) short-term disability and matching retirement contributions up to 3% of salary.

Hilltop is always looking for help with our youngest students! Substitutes may be asked to help cover for planned teacher absences, or last minute coverage. Reach out if you are interested in learning more!

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least one year experience in a preschool environment, preferably Montessori
• CPR/First Aid
• A clear record through fingerprinting
• The physical capacity to work with pre-school/toddler aged children (includes but is not limited to: bending, minor lifting, working on the floor)

This entry level role is a wonderful “foot in the door” position that has grown many staff people into full-time salaried positions at the school. This position is an hourly position ranging from $18-20/hour depending on experience.