Position
- Aide in Montessori Primary Classroom (Ages 3-5) Location
- Lincoln Park, Michigan Start Date
- Summer 2026 About St.
John Paul II Classical Catholic School St. John Paul II Classical Catholic School offers a Montessori preschool (including religious education through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) and Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Catholic Classical curriculum. Position Summary St. John Paul II Classical Catholic School is seeking a dedicated and experienced Assistant Teacher to help guide a mixed-age Montessori Primary classroom of children ages 3-5, beginning Summer 2026. This position is ideal for a Catholic educator with Montessori familiarity or experience
- a person who brings faith, warmth, patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of the developmental needs of young children.
The Assistant Teacher is responsible for helping the Lead Teacher prepare and maintain an inspiring Montessori learning environment that supports each child's growth spiritually, intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally. They will attend to tasks that free the Lead Teacher to focus on the children and presentations ("protecting the lesson"), maintain harmony in the classroom environment by protecting the child's freedom (freedom to choose lessons to revisit, to be free from interruption, and to be free from emotional and physical harm), build strong relationships with children and families, and work collaboratively with colleagues across the school. Key Responsibilities To make possible the work of the Lead Teacher (the guidance and delivery of individualized Montessori and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd lessons); the Assistant protects the lessons from interruption. To assist the Lead Teacher in the preparation and maintenance of the prepared Montessori environment. To supervise the classroom as directed by the Lead Teacher; to protect the developing concentration, coordination, and self-sufficiency of the students, carefully balancing when to intervene and when to avoid creating a child's dependence on an adult. To model appropriate behavior, and gracious and courteous conduct. To work with individual and small groups of children as directed by the Lead Teacher; the Assistant will review lessons, the Lead Teacher always gives the initial presentation of the lesson. To attend to the proper care of children who may need assistance with bathroom accidents and personal hygiene needs. To assist with the supervision of children in the playground area. To strive to develop the ability to observe scientifically, "see" the children, shed misconceptions, and clear the mind of preconceived notions (to observe without showing that we are actually looking at a child or a situation, to keep detailed records of observations which are documented with objective language, to avoid reaching conclusions, to be vigilant about protecting the children's privacy and not discussing observations with people not directly involved with the child). To help maintain current and accurate classroom records concerning children. To help protect the confidentiality of each child in the classroom by not discussing a child's development with anyone (including the parent) other than the Lead Teacher and Principal. To foster strong, trusting relationships with students that promote empathy, resilience, self-regulation, and joy in learning through respectful, deliberate adult-child interactions (calm, soft voices, explanations for processes rather than abrupt commands, adults at child's level with eye contact when speaking with individual children). To keep an inventory of supplies needed and maintain a tidy storage area for all supplies. To prepare classroom materials with guidance from the Lead Teacher, and to repair materials as required. Participate in training, classroom setup, staff meetings, school-wide events, and ongoing professional development as requested. Skills & Experience Experience working with young children is a must, education in the fields of Early Childhood and Child Development is strongly preferred Previous Montessori experience and/or Level I Catechesis of the Good Shepherd experience is strongly preferred. Demonstrated strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills Demonstrated flexible, patient, responsive approach to working with young children Candidates should expect to crawl, sit, kneel, go outside in varied terrain and weather, and carry up to 50 lbs. Critical Qualities Strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and a deep love for His Church Developed prayer life, and passionate about helping children grow as intentional disciples of Jesus Authentic, charitable, and joyful Humble, with a willingness to learn and a genuine openness to constructive criticism Professional, dependable, and responsible Self-starter with a strong work ethic Creative problem solver, flexible, and patient A collaborative spirit and a positive, team-oriented mindset Desire to journey with parents, families, and children in a long-term relationship Why Join St. John Paul II? A warm, Catholic, collaborative faculty that values professional growth and innovation. Small class sizes and a supportive administration that trusts and empowers its educators. A beautiful indoor and outdoor learning environment that reflects Montessori values. A deep commitment to nurturing the whole child—spiritually, intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally To Apply Interested candidates should email their resume, a cover letter, and a statement of faith to: principal@jp2catholic.com. In your letter, please share what draws you to this position and to working in a Catholic, Montessori environment. If you have taken the Kolbe A Index, please share your results as well.
