Assistant Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Role Overview

At Illuminate Montessori, Assistant Teachers are essential partners in creating a peaceful, purposeful, and joyful learning environment. They support the Lead Teacher in maintaining the prepared environment, guiding children with respect, and contributing to a strong, collaborative school community.

This position is an hourly non-exempt role and every Assistant Teacher is responsible for accurately reporting all hours worked using the Illuminate Montessori time and attendance system.

Our Core Values in Action

At Illuminate Montessori, we live our values every day:

The Child Always Comes First – We protect each child’s right to independence, dignity, and development at their own pace.

Commitment to Partnering with Families – We believe education is strongest when school and home work together

Be a Swan – We lead with calm professionalism, even in challenging moments.

Embrace Growth – We reflect, receive feedback openly, and commit to lifelong learning.

Assistant Guide Core Responsibilities

Support Montessori Pedagogy and Prepared Environment

Maintain a clean, orderly, and developmentally appropriate prepared environment

Complete classroom prep work to ensure materials, routines, and physical space are ready for children.

Engage children with warmth, respect, and joyful presence, always fostering independence and self-regulation.

Protect concentration and the Lead Teacher’s presentation time through thoughtful redirection and calm classroom management.

Ensure constant active supervision of children, maintaining safety and compliance with mandated ratios at all times.

Partner Through Communication & Collaboration

Collaborate closely with the Lead Teacher to uphold consistent routines, expectations, and classroom norms.

Share any notable student concerns, family updates, or safety issues promptly with the Lead Teacher.

Interact with parents positively during brief daily exchanges

Build a Strong School Community

Support classroom celebrations, community events, and school-wide initiatives that strengthen family engagement.

Assist in community outreach events, parent education opportunities, and broader school programming.

Treat common areas the same you would your classroom

Embrace Growth and Self-Motivation

Participate in staff meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and scheduled mentorship sessions.

Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and Director to problem-solve classroom challenges in a constructive and solution-focused manner.

Welcome feedback from Lead Teachers, Montessori Mentors, and the Director, implementing it promptly and thoughtfully.

Demonstrate a growth mindset by engaging in ongoing professional development and Montessori learning.

Reflect regularly on personal strengths, areas for improvement, and professional goals aligned with Illuminate’s AG Core Competencies.

Qualifications

? Experience working with children of the appropriate age group

? Passion for or desire to learn the Montessori method of education

? Ability to work well with other adults

? Growth mindset and problem-solving approach

? Ability to embrace and exemplify Illuminate Montessori “Core Values”