Lower Elementary Teacher Assistant
Our Mission: Mountain Sun Community School holistically nurtures, challenges, and guides each unique child to discover academic skills using Montessori principles, explore the natural world, create through self-expression, and belong to a collaborative, diverse, and peaceful community.
OBJECTIVE
Mountain Sun Community School seeks a Lower Elementary Teacher Assistant primarily to support and strengthen the Lead Teacher in their work with children, parents, and colleagues guided by the mission of the school. The Lower Elementary Teacher Assistant will facilitate the implementation of the Mountain Sun philosophy in a safe, healthy, and nurturing school environment that supports each child’s social, emotional, and intellectual growth and development.
Reports to: Assistant Head for Faculty and Head of School
Advised by: Lead Teacher
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Classroom Support
Assist in establishing and maintaining a harmonious and prepared Montessori classroom environment.
Support the Lead Teacher by observing students, assisting with classroom management, and helping maintain a calm and focused learning atmosphere.
Take initiative in maintaining the classroom throughout the day, including organization and care of materials.
Assist with supervision during indoor and outdoor learning activities.
Collaboration with the Lead Teacher
Work closely with the Lead Teacher to support student learning and classroom routines.
Observe student progress and communicate observations to the Lead Teacher.
Assist with lessons and presentations to individuals or small groups of students as directed.
Build a collaborative, open relationship that supports feedback, professional growth, and effective teamwork.
Supporting Students and Families
Foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students.
Encourage independence, responsibility, and peaceful conflict resolution among students.
Use Positive Discipline strategies when supporting student behavior.
Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when interacting with students and families.
Direct family communications or concerns to the Lead Teacher as appropriate.
Support diverse learners through accommodations and modifications as directed by the Lead Teacher and support team.
Field Experiences
Assist with planning and facilitating safe and enriching field trips and overnight experiences.
Support communication with parent drivers and chaperones.
Help gather and manage materials needed for field experiences.
Participate in the program’s two annual campouts and support students and families during these events.
School Community Engagement
Participate in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and school events.
Maintain familiarity with the school’s Family Handbook and Staff Handbook.
Contribute to a collaborative and respectful community of educators and learners.
Additional Responsibilities
Support students individually as identified by the Lead Teacher.
Help students organize work plans and prioritize their work.
Prepare and maintain learning materials related to personal areas of interest or expertise (such as natural sciences, art, or outdoor education).
Occasionally prepare and lead lessons in collaboration with the Lead Teacher.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
Experience working with elementary-aged children (preferably in a Montessori setting)
A Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred
Montessori training or experience preferred
A commitment to Montessori philosophy and child-centered education
Strong collaboration and communication skills
Patience, flexibility, and a nurturing approach to supporting students
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
A passion for fostering peaceful classroom communities
PHYSICAL AND PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS
Ability to actively supervise children indoors and outdoors
Participation in outdoor activities, field experiences, and campouts
Commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful learning environment
BENEFITS
Mountain Sun Community School offers a supportive and collaborative work environment along with benefits that include:
Tuition remission for eligible employees
401(k) retirement plan
Opportunities for professional development
A mission-driven community dedicated to peace education and whole-child learning
TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest to employment@mountainsunschool.org with the Subject Line “Lower Elementary Teacher Assistant.”
