Bright Water Elementary and Preschool

Job Description: Montessori Lead Guide

For the Academic Year 2017-2018

Dear Potential Member of Our Team and Family:

We are honored that you are interested in a position in our community. We believe that all of us should pursue a
position that fulfills our passions and interests. We look forward to learning more about you and finding out if your
skills are right for a position at Bright Water Elementary and Montessori Schools.

We are currently looking for experienced Lead Guides (Teachers) for our Upper Elementary (E2) community.

About us: Bright Water Elementary and Montessori schools inspire a passion for learning in an intentionally diverse
Montessori community of children from 16 months to the 6th grade. We nurture independence, a love of learning,
self-esteem, cooperation, creative thinking, and respect for self and others.

Our Ideal Candidate: Bright Water is a combined charter school and preschool serving a diverse group of children
and families in an urban setting. We are looking for people who will thrive in our fast-paced, innovative, and often
challenging environment. In order to succeed here, candidates must be:
Mission-driven and prepared to work urgently toward closing the achievement gap and ending educational
inequity through achievement of student outcomes.
Invested in the Montessori approach to education as truly transformational, both for the child and the world.
Motivated to work in a social justice-oriented school, which includes reflecting on our own racial biases and
developing a culturally responsive curriculum for our classrooms.
Comfortable interacting with diverse families and have experience with creating a welcoming and inclusive
environment for all students.
Able to persevere in the face of everyday challenges, both big and small.

Requirements & Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree
AMS- or AMI-credentialed or willing to work toward certification.
Minnesota Teaching License *

Benefits from Working with Bright Water:

A family-friendly work environment with preferential enrollment for children of staff into the Childrens House
through 6th grade program.
Professional development that is continuous throughout the school year.
Generous vacation time.
Comprehensive benefits package.
A collaborative, supportive, and joyful team and community.

Definition: A Guide at Bright Water manages a prepared Montessori environment designed to help each child to
reach his/her fullest potential, in accordance with Montessori philosophy.

Reporting: The Teacher reports to the Head of School.

Responsibilities:
Classroom Management
Competently perform the tasks necessary for helping each child reach his/her fullest potential, in accordance
with Montessori philosophy;
Prepare and maintain a Montessori environment;
Use the Montessori materials, and encourage the childrens use of all of the materials in all subject areas;
Maintain an inventory of the classroom;
Share alternative curriculum ideas with colleagues, for the purposes of 1) getting feedback, and 2) distributing
effective materials and techniques;
Learn new concepts and skills for new tasks in an appropriate time frame;
Follow the discipline policy of BWS including Conscious Discipline;
Serve as a model of an inquisitive learner who can excite the children's interest in classroom activities;
Protect the physical and mental well-being of the children;
Protect the working atmosphere of the classroom;

Professionalism
Arrive on time, be present throughout all contracted hours, and be devoted to her/his work during contracted
hours; (See the staff handbook for information on excused absences.)
Cooperate cordially with colleagues in the classroom and the school as a whole;
Conduct her/himself in a professional and positive manner in the school and at all school functions, and in any
environment where staff or school families might be present;
 Bright Water Elementary and Preschool
Job Description: Montessori Lead Guide
For the Academic Year 2017-2018

Serve as a model of respect, grace, and courtesy for the children and colleagues;
Respect confidentiality in accordance with school policy and state and federal law;
Attend regular staff meetings;
Attend staff development, including CPR, First Aid, all restitution training and continuing education, and
maintain current license;
Attend school functions and meetings as listed in the staff handbook;
Work with staff to plan and conduct parent education activities;
Participate in other activities as requested by the Head of School;
Maintain current and accurate academic records of lessons presented to each child and their progress;

Reporting
Hold at least two conferences yearly with parents. Complete the appropriate Conference Report promptly;
Communicate regularly with parents in regard to their childs work, development, and needs;
Maintain current attendance records and deliver to Administrative Assistant monthly;
Report any and all accidents or incidents and prepare a report. Notify parents of the accident or incident;

Working with Assistant or Paraprofessional

Participate in the hiring of the Assistant or Paraprofessional, as needed;
Conduct training in classroom procedures and practice during the two weeks prior to school;
Provide written instructions regarding procedures, practice, and expectations for the classroom for the
Assistant / Paraprofessional to follow;
Supervise and provide guidance to the Assistant / Paraprofessional on an on-going basis;
Schedule a regular meeting with the Assistant / Paraprofessional to discuss the work of the classroom;
Conduct a regular performance review of the Assistant / Paraprofessional;

Work with Special Features

Facilitate the smooth integration of special education, music, foreign language, art, and other special features
(including work with students with 504 plans) into the work of the classroom;
Work with the Special Education Teacher to implement IEPs and to serve special needs in general;
Attend regular meetings with Special Education staff

Application Process:
Step One: Submit an application that includes a resume and a cover letter;
Notes: Please submit the resume and cover letter as a single attachment. E-mail it to
work@brightwatermontessori.org with the subject line LASTNAME-Lead Guide Application.
Step Two: Selected candidates will be invited to interview

* The MN Board of Teaching may issue a one-year full professional license, two times, to a certified Montessori
Teacher. (2016 Minnesota Session Laws, Chapter 189, Article 24, Section 1, Subdivision 10). See MNDOE website.

Statement of Non-Discrimination: Bright Water Montessori Schools is committed to a policy of equal treatment
and opportunity in every aspect of its relation with its applicants, staff members, and families, without regard to
race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military
status, pregnancy, or parenthood. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.