Montessori Guide

Job Summary

A Montessori Guide compassionately supports and aids the children in their spiritual, physical, moral, social and mental development. The Guide is an observer trained to recognize the appropriate time to present materials and lessons to children to fulfill their developmental needs. The Guide also serves as a model of the attitude and behaviors cultivated in the classroom community. These include: respect, kindness, patience, warmth and joy of learning. Their extensive training prepares them to negotiate the delicate balance of honoring the child's interests and independence while guiding the child to understand the limits of their independence that come from their responsibility to themselves, as well as the people and environment that surrounds them.

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ's mission present and enduring in the schools. In order to fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ's mission and entrusting to them various responsibilities. Positions employed in this School help extend the ministry of the School leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description. The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the School leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential Duties

• Carries the primary responsibility for the development and implementation of the educational environment and curriculum consistent with Montessori standards, policies, and procedures
• Provides appropriate material and resources for students to engage in learning
• Uses effective instructional methods and models according to professional standard practice
• Provides instruction and assessment for understanding
• Maintains current and accurate records according to school policies
• Practices positive, consistent discipline in the management of the classroom.
• Communicates with parents regarding academic, behavioral, and safety concerns
• Supervises the classroom assistant, substitutes, and parent volunteers
• Nurtures and guides the assistant under his/her supervision, including mentoring the assistant in the Montessori philosophy and teaching the assistants how to use materials properly
• Participates in professional development activities designated by the principal, which may include Montessori workshops, curriculum meetings and planning for the Montessori program
• Maintains a neat, clean, well-organized, and attractive prepared environment consistent with Montessori pedagogy
• Communicates with the principal about any problems or concerns
• Attends all events listed in the school calendar as requested. (i.e. Mass, Devotionals, performances, etc.)
• Implements the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as the religious formation of the children (if trained)
• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of child development, learning, and behavior.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process.
• Skill in using job-appropriate technology.
• Skill in demonstrating professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.
• Skill in collaborating with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning.
• Ability to manage student behavior in the classroom setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.

Certifications and Training

• Must meet the minimum requirements for the teaching field as set forth by the Diocese and TCCB ED.
• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 60 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.
• Must meet staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese and school administration.
• Must begin Level I of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechist certification training within a year of date of hire.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

Bachelor degree and Montessori certification from a Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE)

or

Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and Montessori certification from a MACTE accredited program - required

Experience

or Two-thirds of the Montessori certification training and approval of the superintendent