Assistant Teacher - Upper Elementary (grades 4-6)

Are you an enthusiastic and responsible collaborator who loves working with upper elementary students (grades 4-6)? Do you find passion in guiding students to be their best selves socially, emotionally, and academically?  Cedar River Montessori is excited to announce an opening for an assistant teacher starting summer 2022 and continuing into the school year. Our school community values the rich cultures, traditions, and ethnicities our families come from, and we are looking for applicants who represent these diverse backgrounds. Members of BIPOC and LGBTQ communities are encouraged to apply.  

About us:

Located on 12 acres of forested wetland and pasture, Cedar River Montessori is an American Montessori Society accredited, independent, non-profit school for students ages 3 through 14 in Renton, WA. Cedar River Montessori students follow their natural interests as they explore their world, discovering the interconnectedness of personal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Students learn how to work independently and collaboratively, experiencing a transformative education as they grow into the next generation of engaged, global thinkers who compassionately challenge the status quo. Founded in 1981, we strive to be a diverse and inclusive community.

This job is for you if you:

• Are inspired by our mission and values of Advocacy, Intentionally Inclusive, Interconnectedness, Respect, and Joy
• Embrace outdoor experiences in all kinds of conditions
• Love children and supporting their development
• Have a commitment to high quality care and learning
• Are a skilled classroom manager, inspiring children to be their best selves and coaching them through solution-finding processes
• Delight in the details of maintaining a classroom space (both physical space and virtual space) for children to thrive
• Are a highly relational and effective communicator
• Are able to multi-task and manage a variety of supportive responsibilities
• Have a positive attitude and are able to roll with a dynamic and creative organization
• Care about equity, diversity, and social and environmental justice
• Enjoy working in a progressive, relational, collaborative, and nature-loving team of dedicated and talented individuals

Principal Responsibilities:

• Create and maintain a healthy, safe, and positive environment for children
• Support social-emotional learning and solution-finding opportunities using the Positive Discipline framework
• Communicate with teachers about the child’s development and daily experiences
• Collaborate with Cedar River Montessori staff to foster a sense of community and belonging
• Implement daily practices and routines within the classroom and throughout the campus
• Organize classroom materials and clean, disinfect, and sanitize the workspace to facilitating the learning process for each child
• Support the Montessori teachers, students, and families through excellent communication
• Model safe and responsible behavior during outdoor activities, and motivate students to participate in all types of weather
• Help guide the child through self-directed activities, allowing the child to develop at their own pace and promote independence
• Foster a nurturing and stimulating non-competitive environment
• Supervise lunch, recess, and a portion of before- or aftercare, initiating games on the playground and facilitating conflict resolution as needed

Education/Experience:

• Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree or actively working toward degree completion
• Experience working with elementary-aged children and families in a group setting
• CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens certified or be willing to obtain
• Positive Discipline training, or willing to take
• Antibias/Antiracist training, or willing to take

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills with children and colleagues
• Strong decision-making skills to respond to risk management, emergencies, or difficult situations
• Ability and desire to support the classroom teacher and students
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally

Desired Behavioral Traits and Attitudes:

• Leader, team player, fun, outgoing, passionate, organized, flexible, creative, resourceful, critical thinker, results-oriented, and self-motivated.  Passionate about Cedar River Montessori’s mission and environmentally conscious.

Benefits and Compensation:

Hourly pay range $18-20/hour. Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits. Matching retirement, paid professional development, paid time off and vacation. This is a full-time commitment, 9:00-5:30, Monday through Friday.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit resume with cover letter to Erin Karnofski, Head of School, at erin@cedarrivermontessori.org.