24-25 Lower Elementary Lead/Guide

Status: Full-time (Exempt)
Job Title: Lower Elementary Lead Teacher/Guide
Pay Range: $45,000 - $70,000 (Depends on Experience)

Full Time: 184 working days beginning August 1 and ending July 31

Location: In-person instruction at Montessori Peaks Academy campus in Littleton, CO
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Supervisor: Principal

Position Summary
Montessori Peaks Academy (MPA) seeks an Lower Elementary Lead Teacher (1st-3rd grades) for the 2024-2025 school year. Under the general direction of the Principal, the ideal candidate will lead a Lower Elementary classroom and will oversee students 6-9 years of age. The Lower Elementary Lead Teacher will challenge each child to reach his/her fullest potential academically, emotionally, and physically in a prepared Montessori environment.

Overview
Montessori Peaks Academy (MPA) was Jefferson County’s first Montessori Charter School, opening its doors in September 1997.  Montessori Peaks Academy (MPA) offers programs for children from preschool (age 3) through 8th grade. Kindergarten through 8th grades are tuition free.  Preschool (ages 3 and 4) is a tuition-based program.  MPA also offers a one-day per-week HomeSchool enrichment program for grades K- 8.   

MPA strives to be an educational journey, preparing each child to uniquely contribute to our shared community. Montessori philosophy and methodology is based on the education of the whole child. This not only includes cognitive and academic development, but also concentrates on the emotional, physical and social development of the child. Honoring the individual child is one of the main guiding principles of the school and its curriculum.

Outdoor education is a strong component of our Montessori environment. The school sits on 8.5 acres of land and features multiple gardens, a natural watershed, a bee habitat and pollinator space, as well as many other opportunities for children to grow and learn outdoors.

There is a Montessori-trained lead teacher and assistant teacher in each classroom, allowing for small student to teacher ratios. MPA offers Music, Art and Physical Education as part of our curriculum for each classroom, kindergarten through 6th grade.

Qualifications

• Montessori Elementary (6-9 ) Credentials (AMS, AMI, or MACTE)  OR
• Colorado Teaching License with:
  • Commitment to completing Montessori training (AMS, AMI, or MACTE)
  • Potential Montessori Peaks Academy funding for Montessori training (AMS, AMI, or MACTE)
• Committed to the mission and core values of Montessori Peaks Academy (MPA).
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with students, colleagues, parents and other members of the MPA community.
• Flexible team player with “can-do” attitude.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate in teams with a wide range of individuals.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse learning community.
• Student-centered, collegial, passionate, innovative.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Adhere to Montessori guidelines and professional standards.
• Prepare and maintain a Montessori environment in which the furnishings and materials are developmentally appropriate and provide academic purpose.
• Deliver established Montessori scope and sequence.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of students in the classroom.
• Collaborate and participate within a level team and with interdisciplinary teachers.
• Provide a supportive and collaborative partnership with the Assistant by communicating clear expectations of the Assistant’s role.
• Maintain a supportive and collaborative partnership with administration and colleagues to assist with curriculum development and implementation within the context of the School's overall program, mission, and core values.
• Partner with Student Support Services to ensure student success and developmental readiness.
• Participate in ongoing Professional Development.
• Attend all required faculty and team meetings.
• Collaborate and participate within a level team.
• Maintain a strong home/school partnership by ensuring consistent, respectful and open lines of communication with parents.
• Be available to parents through written communication, setting up conferences, and educating parents in Montessori philosophy.
• Maintain student record keeping, lesson planning, parent reports, and parent conferences.
• Participate and help lead Parent Education evening events.
• Other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The Lower Elementary Lead Teacher can expect to:

• Work in a fast-paced environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts.
• Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled classroom environment, with periods of time outdoors.
• Supervise groups of students and regularly engage with parents, staff, and visitors.
• Occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.
• Turn, bend, and reach.

MPA will provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, sex, age,

disability, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, political

belief or activity or status as a veteran.  The policy applies to all areas of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, transfer, termination, layoff, compensation, benefits, social and recreational programs, and all other conditions and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should first be directed to the MPA Board of Directors’ designated representative. Further inquiries may be directed to: The Executive Director of Employee Relations, Jefferson County Public Schools, 1829 Denver West Drive, Building #27, P.O. Box 4401, Golden, CO 8401-0001.

To apply
The school offers competitive salary and benefits. Please send a cover letter and resume to jen.webb@jeffco.k12.co.us with the subject line of “Lower Elementary Lead Guide - your last name.” No phone calls please.

About Littleton, Colorado
Whether you’re looking to go on an outdoor adventure, spend some time shopping or sit back and enjoy a beautiful view, the City of Littleton has it all.  Founded in 1890 after 245 residents voted to incorporate the town, the 13-square-mile city is now home to more than 44,000 people. Littleton has top-ranked schools, higher education and more than 2,000 diverse businesses.  Littleton embodies a strong sense of community through its historic downtown, active trail system and numerous community events. There are more than 59 parks and open spaces. Two light rail stations offer easy access to Downtown Denver, or explore the Rockies within 30 minutes.