EdPost

Position: We are seeking a full time Montessori Preschool Lead Guide to join our team at Little Sparks Montessori. Overview: Little Sparks Montessori is a small, community-based preschool, nestled in the Longfellow neighborhood in South Minneapolis, for children ages 33 months to 5 years. We are looking for a guide to nurture the social, cultural, and educational identities of our students. Mission: The mission of Little Sparks is to cultivate a beautiful and safe community where children can naturally discover the world around them, foster compassion for all people, and become stewards of their environment. We aim to be a vital part of the Longfellow community. Vision: Our vision is simple &#8211; to foster development in each child in order to sustain a more engaged, passionate, and peaceful world. We achieve this by emphasizing and fostering individual development by safeguarding the child&#8217;s freedom to learn spontaneously, through encouraging independence, by providing opportunities for social development, and by promoting physical and intellectual development within a safe, nurturing and peaceful environment. Minimum Qualifications: * AMI/AMS Certification highly preferred (can be actively in process of completion) * Experience in a Montessori school or other early education school program * Management and leadership skills needed for leading a classroom * Willingness to grow with a new program, including providing regular feedback to the co-directors and identify opportunities for improvement * Commitment to the personal, social, and emotional growth of all children * Demonstrated dedication to anti-bias, anti-racist practices and ensuring that all cultures, languages, and backgrounds are respected, represented, and celebrated * Ability to communicate and partner with staff, classroom assistants, and parents in a respectful and collaborative way * Strong commitment to Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist classroom instruction and environment Preferred Qualifications: * Bachelor&#8217;s Degree in education or related from an accredited college * Connection to or knowledge of the Longfellow community in South Minneapolis * Experience as a lead teacher in a Montessori preschool setting * CPR/First Aid Certified (must be completed upon hiring) Responsibilities: * Align work with the mission and vision of Little Sparks Montessori * Implement Montessori curriculum in a safe, healthy, and nurturing classroom environment * Support each child's social, emotional, and intellectual growth and development * Encourage and assist in positive social interactions among children * Ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times * Utilize creative materials to enhance learning experiences * Use knowledge and understanding of early childhood development t plan and implement appropriate activities and learning experiences * Observe and assess children to create an individualized learning plan * Respectfully guide support staff in their duties * Schedule and facilitate parent-teacher conferences twice each year and provide consistent communication to parents year round * Identify and facilitate opportunities for professional growth and development for yourself and the team Benefits * Salary DOQ * 10 days paid PTO * 9 paid holidays (New Year&#8217;s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents&#8217; Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and following Friday) * Winter break (2 weeks) and spring break (1 week) paid * Professional development assistance * Additional benefits will be reassessed as the program grows * Opportunity to grow and develop a program * Support from assistant teachers and families who are familiar with the classroom, materials, and program Little Sparks will operate year-round, and the Lead Teacher will have the option to work during the summer program, or to take summers off. Commitment to Diversity Little Sparks is committed to diversity, including diversity in the workforce. We believe diverse teachers and staff allows us to better understand, communicate with, and educate our young learners and engage with their families. We will not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and candidates from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. Position Start Date: October 10th, or earlier. How to Apply: Email your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest to - info@littlesparksmontessori.com<mailto:info@littlesparksmontessori.com> We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in Little Sparks Montessori!