Lead Teacher: Orlando (Starting Summer 2023)

As Lead Teacher, you will lead a classroom of up to 20 children ages three through five within a network of high quality, tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschools in under-resourced communities. You will plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences. You will create learning opportunities that support the cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development of every child. You will build relationships and communicate regularly with families to support each child's development. In this role, you will support two assistant teachers and report directly to the Head of School.

You share our passion for the Montessori method and have honed your skills as an early childhood practitioner with expertise in child development, strong communication skills, and experience working with students and families from diverse backgrounds in low-income communities. Above all, you demonstrate passion for our mission to expand access to high quality preschool in under-resourced communities.

LOCATION

We are actively hiring for Montessori-certified Lead Teachers at our Kissimmee- Poinciana location to begin in summer 2023. Our other schools in the Orlando metro area may have openings in the future. Please confirm your location interest and availability on your application.

SCHOOL(S) CURRENTLY HIRING:

• Kissimmee- Poinciana (3701 Marigold Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34758)

SCHOOLS NOT CURRENTLY HIRING:

• Kissimmee- Highlands (800 W Donegan Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34741)
• Orlando- Mercy Drive (1766 Mercy Dr, Orlando, FL 32808)

Relocation support is available for this role.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, salaried position.
• The full salary range for this position is $52,000 - $86,000 per year. The upper third of the salary range is typically reserved for existing employees who demonstrate strong performance over time. Starting salary will vary by qualifications and prior experience.

• This role includes 18 paid days of scheduled breaks, 7 paid days of vacation, 3 paid days of personal time off, 7 paid days of sick (care) time, 10 paid holidays, and additional time off if required by applicable law. Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match, paid parental leave, an employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care, and more. Please see here for details.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience monitoring and maintaining accurate records on the progress of individual students
• Ability to meet all additional training and eligibility requirements of Florida, including clearing background checks, tuberculosis tests, and so on, with required documentation eligibility and training completion submitted through each state's respective child care regulatory agency prior to start of employment
• Ability to meet all credentialing criteria for lead early childhood teachers in Florida (please see here for a summary of credentialing criteria)
• Bachelor's degree
• Two or more years of experience as a lead teacher or guide, teaching children from infancy through third grade with strong outcomes
• Primary diploma from an AMI, AMS, or other MACTE-accredited institute

• Ability to supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely

• Demonstrated personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and experience working across lines of difference

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with children and families in low-income areas

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain teaching skills and participate in professional development activities
• Establish a positive relationship with families and students, providing regular communication with families about their children
• Monitor and maintain accurate records on the progress of individual students; use school-approved screening and evaluation tools
• Use the Bezos Academy curriculum and current research-based instructional practices to develop integrated units of instruction that meet both the group and individual needs of students
• Use Bezos Academy assessment tools/strategies such as observations, children's work samples, continuums of development, portfolios, etc. to help make instructional decisions for individual students
• Prepare and maintain a clean, orderly, and attractive Montessori environment with the instructional resources needed to meet the development needs of every child in the classroom
• Use relevant, approved technology to support instruction
• Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences
• Support the learning and development of assistant teachers
• Create an environment that demonstrates rapport with and respect and kindness for, all students as well as between students
• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues, and families regarding student progress and student needs
• Engage in on-going self-assessment and refinement of practice as well as in collaborative professional growth
• Participate in collegial activities and meetings designed to make the entire school a productive professional learning community

• Lift up to 20 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally to care for young children safely
• Assume postures at low levels (e.g. kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children

DESIRED, DEMONSTRABLE QUALITIES

• A positive, child centered mentality
• Standards that are unreasonably high
• Ability to think big, and see things that are not apparent
• A bias to get things done
• Character, competence, personal integrity, and actions that build trust
• Ability to operate at all levels
• Ownership philosophy
• Ability to execute and take action to accomplish goals along an unchartered path
• Strong judgement and instincts
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness
• Willingness to change and adapt when presented with new information or data
• Hires and develops bar-raising people
• High level of passion and energy applied to delivering results
• Focus on investing time and resources on things that help children
• Fearless pursuit of doing what is right for children
• Lifelong desire to learn
• Ability to invent new ways to address the needs of children while simplifying at every turn

FOCUS & DELIVERABLES (FIRST 12 MONTHS)

• Plan, prepare, and execute prepare Montessori environment and instructional activities for students
• Implement and execute Bezos Academy curriculum, assessment, and improvement tools
• Support with initial and ongoing communication with families
• Support Bezos Academy team in creating a warm and welcoming environment for all students and families, including the setup of all necessary school and classroom materials
• Support Bezos Academy team in recruitment of students and families for school launch (new schools only)

Please click here for a full job description.

Bezos Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Bezos Academy participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employee Form I-9 Information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. Bezos Academy only uses E-Verify once a candidate has accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. If E-Verify cannot confirm that an employee is authorized to work, Bezos Academy will give the employee written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so the employee can begin to resolve the issue before any adverse employment action is taken. For more information about your right to work, please see the Notice of Right to Work.