Assist teachers and teacher associates as they facilitate student learning; model Montessori educational and discipline procedures, philosophies and methods; assist in the preparation, maintenance and delivery of an appropriate Montessori classroom environment and program

II. POSITION CHARACTERISTICS:

Recruited by: CVM Head of Instruction
Terms of Contract: Per union contract
Length of contract:  189 days, eight hours per day and training as required

III. POSITION RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Chippewa Valley Montessori (hereafter CVM) Head of Instruction
Coordinates with: Montessori Administrator and Head of Instruction, staff, students and parents
Type of coordination:  As directed by the CVM Head of Instruction

IV. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

This position requires extensive training through in-service opportunities, site visits and modeling within the classroom. The position requires a thorough understanding of Montessori's individualized curriculum, instructional materials, "gentle learning environment," levels of student responsibility, multi-age and multi-grade learning processes, and self-directed learning methods

1. Required Training, Experience and Qualifications:
   • Chippewa Valley Montessori Governance Board approved "Instructional Assistant" training or enrollment in such training 
   • Compatibility with Montessori philosophy and methods 
   • Ability to work in team environment 
   • Ability to work with students in an individual and/or small group setting 
   • Ability to appropriately utilize Montessori philosophy, materials, curricula and discipline models 
   • Ability to work independently 
   • ECASD clearance to transcript students and an appropriately ensured vehicle capable of transporting 3 or 4 students at a time
2. Desired Training, Experience and Qualifications:
   • Two years of college or post-secondary training or successful completion of the ECASD test for "No Child Left Behind" certification 
   • Proper use of the English language 
   • Appropriate written and oral communication skills
3. Special Requirements of the Position:
   • Compatibility with Montessori philosophy 
   • Knowledge of and ability to implement the Montessori curricula 
   • Knowledge of developmental stages of children 
   • Ability to utilize the discipline model adopted by the Montessori Governance Board 
   • Knowledge of Montessori methods and materials 
   • Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
   • Emotional stability, a sense of humor, patience, and initiative 
   • Ability to work in a multi-age setting with children from different cultures and ability levels 
   • Ability to maintain confidentiality 
   • Ability to facilitate student learning 
   • Ability to organize their own time and work 
   • The ability to be flexible, analyze and solve problems, model to students and take direction 
   • Ability to work well with students, parents and other staff
4. Necessary Skills:
   • Instructional Assistance
   • Material Preparation 
   • Material Maintenance 
   • Student Supervision 
   • Other Duties

V. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Instructional Assistance:
   • Work with individual students to facilitate mastery of educational materials and assignments
   • Adhere to Montessori instructional and behavioral standards
   • Assist students with materials presented by the teacher and/or Associate I
   • Assist with classroom management
   • Assist with projects
   • Supervise playground, media center, computer lab, lunchroom, and gym
   • Support teachers and supervise students during transition times
   • Check and monitor student work
   • Model integrity, curiosity, responsibility, respect, and creativity
   • Protect the peace and privacy of student work
   • Observe a minimum of two other Montessori classrooms or schools per year
2. Material Preparation:
   • Prepare instructional materials and the educational environment as directed by teachers and administration
   • Check, record and/or file student work and portfolios
   • Assist with maintenance of student records
   • Assist in the preparation, organization and management of supplies and materials
   • Assist with placement of educational materials for optimum learning
   • Prepare bulletin boards and other displays
3. Material Maintenance:
   • Dust and clean educational materials
   • Refill needed student supplies
   • Properly store all classroom materials and supplies
   • Ensure maintenance of an orderly, prepared environment
   • Assist with repair of materials and equipment
   • Maintain inventory of the classroom
4. Supervision:
   • Supervise students during non-instructional time inside and outside of the building ensuring the maintenance of "Montessori Manners"
   • Supervise movement room, library, halls, playground, dining room, media center, and computer lab as appropriate
   • Supervise student drop-off and pick-up
   • Protect the peace and privacy of children's work
   • Ensure appropriate student use of learning materials
   • Participate in the establishment and maintenance of an atmosphere of student and collegial support
   • Demonstrate the appreciation for racial, cultural, gender, ethnic, socio-economic and ability differences
5. Other Duties:
   • Help maintain strong relationships with parents, students, and staff characterized by mutual respect and goodwill
   • Assist on field trips
   • Administer first aid and medications
   • Assist with special school events
   • Participate in personnel professional growth opportunities provided by the CVM administration
   • Coordinate/train volunteers with the Head of Instruction and the Parent Volunteer Coordinator
   • Collect lunch, field trip, fine and other monies as necessary
   • Serve as receptionist when secretary is not present
   • Perform other duties as assigned

(New 6/04)