Job Description: Apprentice Teacher

Role Summary: The Teacher Occupation Apprenticeship is a 3-4 semester program that leads to both a Tennessee state teaching license and a nationally accredited Montessori teaching diploma. The apprenticeship includes completing 280 hours of Montessori Residency training coursework, 2,000 hours of on the job learning, approximately 150 hours of independent classwork & study, and passing certification examinations, upon completion of which a candidate will earn a state teaching license and Montessori credential. During the apprenticeship, the Apprentice Teacher will help their Lead Teacher run a peaceful, orderly, rich, nurturing classroom that cultivates children’s minds, hearts, and hands for lives of wonder, work, and love.

Role summary and information

• Assist the Lead Teacher in setting and maintaining a peaceful, orderly classroom culture and reinforce the instruction taught to students. At times, take the Lead Teacher position when giving lessons to individuals, small groups, in pull-out lessons, or in Lead Teacher absence.
• Participate in building relationships with families to foster open and responsive communication about student growth and needs.
• Full-time role. Work hours vary with the published school calendar; instructional hours are roughly 7:35 AM - 3:30 PM (faculty meetings until 4:30 on Wednesdays). Assist with periodic school events outside of the regular schedule.
• Start date: Apprentices must begin by June but can begin earlier if a position is available. In-person Montessori training begins June 10, 2024, with a self-paced 15-hour pre-course that must be completed before the training begins.
• Reports to: Lead Teacher and Residency Manager and/or Apprenticeship Coach; evaluated by Principal.
• Measures of success for the position to include student academic growth, family satisfaction, observation feedback, performance evaluations, and related indicators.
• Key relationships: Students and Families, Teachers, School Leaders

Key responsibilities

Planning and Instruction

• Work with the Lead Teacher to observe and support children, prepare and protect the environment, and give lessons as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Answer children’s questions, grade assignments, and give lessons and assessments as directed by Lead Teacher.
• When class is not in session, assist by entering grades or typing up class observation notes, preparing Montessori works, and cleaning and organizing the classroom.
• Assume Lead Teacher role during lead teacher absences.

Classroom Culture

• Ensure that the classroom is a peaceful, orderly environment that is conducive to learning and teaching so that children and adults can work without being interrupted or distracted.
• Foster habits of excellence, including order and, grace & courtesy, through schoolwide and classroom-level practices and rituals, such as connecting before redirecting, using a warm and firm tone, matching children with works in the environment, tending the heart of virtue through presenting beautiful literature, and sharing responsibility for all our children.
• Be a model of character and striving toward virtue for students.
• Supervise students within the classroom and outside of the classroom on the playground, during bathroom breaks, at lunch time and on field trips.

Family Communication

• Participate in classroom family communication and meetings.
• Assist in preparing quarterly report cards and biannual family conferences.

Professional Development and Relationships

• Check-in with Lead Teacher in formal meeting at least weekly.
• Participate in weekly after-school mentorship meetings with apprenticeship coach and/or other staff members.
• Observe and provide feedback at least twice per term to Lead Teacher.
• Participate in formal check-in with academic support team member regularly.
• Participate in teacher meetings and pairings, team and school-wide planning and professional development, and data reviews.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Traits

• Bachelor’s degree (an education degree is NOT required)
• Commitment to working in a Montessori school in an underserved community
• Interest in and commitment to Montessori and liberal arts
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Warm and firm demeanor
• Love of learning
• Flexibility, initiative, and personal responsibility to work in fast-paced, startup environment
• Fortitude for the challenges we will face
• Work collaboratively, with a growth mindset
• Give and receive feedback in a spirit of craftsmanship.

Compensation

• Apprentices earn at least $32,000 per year (with salary increases each semester), and upon program completion can be hired as a lead teacher earning $47,000.
• Eligible for increases or stipends for performance and/or additional duties.
• Paid sick leave. Deferred pay model distributes salary throughout the year (including breaks and vacations).
• Full time employees are eligible for health insurance benefits, which we sponsor at an above-market rate. We also offer dental, vision, and other benefits, and retirement plans similar to local schools.

Application process

Interested candidates should apply online at www.LibertasMemphis.org, where candidates can also learn more about our school. Please submit a resume, at least three references, and a cover letter (required) explaining why you would be a good fit for this position. Please direct any questions to info@LibertasMemphis.org. Libertas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.