School Name: Mountain Shadows Montessori School
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Employment Type: Full-Time
Start Date: 07/01/2023
Description:
Mountain Shadows Montessori School (MSMS) is dedicated to finding a Director of Education that will be a long-term asset to our organization, who has the skills to perform a wide variety of leadership and administrative tasks that support the high-quality AMI Montessori Classroom environments, and who will be the Educational representative of the school within the administration, marketing, and in both our school and broader communities. This is a full-time, salaried position. The Director of Education must be on site for the entirety of the school day (8 AM – 4 PM, Monday through Friday). You may be asked to help with classroom staffing on days MSMS is short-staffed.
The role includes but is not limited to the following:
Oversee the educational programs by supporting teachers under the AMI guidelines and assuring the class is operating under the AMI guidelines
Able to help support new teachers with parent conferencing and classroom management
Observe twice weekly with new teachers and provides notes and support the classroom teachers and staff to enhance the quality of their programs
Aids teachers with students experiencing behavioral challenges or learning needs by observing these students, working with them directly, or supporting the teacher in finding special resources to support the child when needed
Liaison between parents and teachers when conflicts arise around pedagogy
Helps to set up procedures and support for children with special needs. Help to build a list of professionals to support children with individual needs
Updates internal staff as well as parent handbooks in conjunction with the Head of School
Educational leader and support for both teachers and parents during parent/teacher meetings (when Montessori educational voice is requested for guidance)
Meets with each level (Toddler, Primary, and Elementary) to support consistency of programs across classrooms, parent education opportunities, and admissions
Supports enrollment transitions and their timing, including communication with teachers, staff, and parents
Updating internal enrollment reports and classroom rosters, and projections
Collaborates with teachers to guide classroom placements of new students or of students moving up to new classrooms
Conducts individual staff evaluations and coaching as well as classroom staff team coaching and support
Ensures that teachers and staff have growth opportunities, including well-thought-out continuing education courses that match the needs of the staff and community
Works with teachers and assistants to build/strengthen their relationships
Lead parent volunteers and represent the educational component of all school and community and parent education events
Build strong relationships with teachers, students, colleagues, parents, and broader communities that embody Montessori principles and values
Foster student retention through school communications, marketing opportunities, and by supporting parent/teacher relationships
Creates annual substitute list for staff and list of specialist resources
Representative of the school to the community and builds community relationships
Helps to promote the school at festivals and community events in conjunction with teaching staff and HOS
Confidently, professionally, and thoughtfully respond to individuals via phone, email, and social media messaging
Handle parent communication: both proactive and problem-solving
Lead school tours and build community with prospective families and oversee new student enrollment steps and contracts
Provide strategic input and partner with the Head of School and School Board
Maintain staff files in alignment with federal, state, and city requirements, including supporting staff with annual Continuing Education requirements
Manage the process to secure and maintain necessary licenses, affiliations, and accreditations
Support staff needs within and outside of the classroom
Confidently use technology-based hardware, software and websites such as GSuite, Microsoft Office, Zoom, and WordPress
Create regular newsletters to educate parents about our Montessori programs and curriculum
Help teachers maintain classroom environments with materials and supplies
Helps to set agenda for weekly staff meetings
Helps organize all schools functions in collaboration with the staff or parent volunteers, for example, Peace Day, Parent Ed Nights, etc., and works with the teachers/HOS to set create an events calendar that fosters retention and builds a collaborative and fun community spirit
Leads hiring of new teachers and assistants in conjunction with the Head of School
Facilitates Parent Education events in collaboration with the teachers and staff
Collaborate with Head of School in fundraising efforts that are strategic for the school and align with Montessori values
Works with HOS to create a positive staff culture of support, teamwork, and enthusiasm for the school
Personal Qualities:
Enjoys spending time and engaging with young children and other educators
Strong organizational skills and a willingness to complete a variety of tasks
An affinity for connecting with people
Communicates with warmth, openness, and transparency
A high degree of personal initiative
Detail oriented but also able to see the big picture
Meticulously organized, flexible, and solutions-oriented, with strong time management skills
A role model for the community
Sense of humor and an aptitude for creating a warm and benevolent team culture
A team player that can manage their own roles and jump in to support in any aspect of our program when needed–subbing in a classroom, plunging a toilet, supporting an event
Socially engaged, collaborative, and passionate about supporting a dedicated team of education professionals
An impeccable oral and written communicator with a sincere interest in our mission and community
Belief in a differentiated, whole-child, whole-person approach to education
Interested in Montessori education, its impact on our local community, and its unique ability to meet the developmental needs of the individual
Embodies Montessori values
A lifelong learner and love of learning
A champion of teachers and children
Education and Experience:
AMI Montessori teaching credential is required
Five years of classroom Montessori teaching experience strongly preferred
Previous Director of Education experience preferred
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education or related field
Experience working with preschool and elementary-aged children
Leadership experience
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Experience working with populations with diverse student needs
Must meet state requirements for education and additional center/school requirements may apply
Must be willing to undergo a background check
Website: www.mountainshadows.org
Benefits:
Health insurance
Competitive salary based on experience
Paid time-off and paid holidays
Tuition discounts for the children of full-time staff
A staff culture that is supportive, collaborative and dedicated to our mission
An inspiring, beautiful location in beautiful Boulder, Colorado with views of the Rocky Mountains and acres of farmland