Lower Elementary Montessori Co-Teacher

Application deadline: Until filled Estimated state date: August 19, 2026

WHO WE ARE:

Whitmore Lake Public Schools' Montessori Magnet Program, Go Like the Wind Montessori School, is a diverse community of learners and compassionate educators. Our dedicated team provides an authentic Montessori education where children from birth to 6th grade can become independent thinkers, collaborative learners, creative problem solvers and compassionate citizens. Since being founded in 1987, GLTW has been a not-for-profit tuition-based school. In 2022, it merged with Whitmore Lake Public Schools to become a public Montessori school. The program remains tuition-based for infant, toddler and young primary students (3 and 4 years olds) with a tuition-free Magnet program for grades K-6th. We are eager to grow our program to include Middle School and beyond. The Whitmore Lake Public School District is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized education to all students. Beyond the classroom, we are committed to serving the needs of families in Whitmore Lake and the surrounding communities. At the heart of everything we do is our tight-knit Trojan community, including our students, families and our staff. We work hard and take pride in making every day a great day to be a Trojan, whether with a traditional or Montessori approach. #TrojanPride Come be a part of our community as we inspire a lifelong love of learning.

SCHEDULE & SALARY DETAILS

Full-time position beginning at at $45,450 with a Bachelor's degree or $52,015 with a Master's degree. Increase on the WLEA Salary schedule with previous experience.

WORK LOCATION

Go Like the Wind Montessori School, at WLPS Main Street Campus 8845 Main Street, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

WHO WE NEED:

We are seeking a qualified, talented, enthusiastic lower elementary teacher to plan and implement a multi-age instructional program rooted in Montessori for a lower elementary classroom as part of the lower elementary teaching team. We want someone who can celebrate a child's natural desire to learn, facilitate each student moving at their own pace through the curriculum, and embrace each student's unique learning style. You will need to be able to differentiate instruction for each individual student based on their academic growth plan. With the support of a co-teacher, you will be responsible for guiding and assessing learning, managing the classroom, and supporting the children and families daily. We are seeking someone who is/has: Nurturing, calm, and respectful with an open attitude towards all children and families Kind, thoughtful, and strong at guiding children in self-motivated learning, and helping stimulate their natural desire to learn Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive Willing to integrate lessons and assessments with the traditional Montessori curriculum Excellent written and oral communication skills Successfully completed a background check

WHAT YOU NEED

A Valid Michigan Teacher certificate At least one year of full-time experience teaching children is required

WE WILL LOVE IT IF YOU HAVE

Lower Elementary Montessori Teacher Certification (AMS or AMI) preferred

IN THIS ROLE

Curriculum Planning, Preparation & Instruction Plan and implement age-appropriate Montessori curriculum in the classroom and outdoors for children in grades first through third Maintain an attractive, well-kept classroom that encourages children to create, explore and make decisions with confidence using materials and activities that are rotated throughout the year Maintain a safe, clean, and caregiving environment that implements the practices of hand washing and safe food handling procedures, and assures the well-being and safety of all of the children in that environment Set classroom expectations for students, parents, and assistant teachers modeling appropriate behavior Help the children to think creatively, solve problems independently, and respect themselves and others with Grace and Courtesy lessons Set up and clean up the classroom at the beginning/end of the school year, as well as implementing a daily cleaning schedule with support staff Maintain and order (or request from administration) materials and supplies within classroom budget Supervise and guide assistant teachers as needed Direct and implement all aspects of the daily activities including the daily Montessori work cycle Ensure the Montessori philosophy is the undercurrent of daily routines, including snack and lunch set up and clean up Maintain a record keeping system to track the children's progress. Participate and adhere to all specialized student plans i.e. Individual Educational Plans (IEPs), 504, Behavior Plans, etc. Observe, record, and report significant learning/behavior concerns of children to the Montessori Principal. Perform all duties necessary to establish and run a thriving Montessori lower elementary classroom and perform any other duties as assigned Communication Maintain respectful and open lines of communication with parents. Respond to parent concerns and questions in a timely manner Create weekly email newsletters highlighting the week's activities, upcoming events and Montessori curriculum with photos of the students for parents. Meet regularly with team teacher(s) for planning weekly/monthly lessons, reviewing children, revitalizing/revising classroom Communicate openly and professionally with team teacher(s) and other staff members Prepare for and participate in Parent-Teacher Conferences Professional Responsibility Maintains teaching skill and participates in professional development activities Comply with all continuing education requirements Attend staff meetings, professional days and other activities designed to make the school a productive learning community Adhere to all district and school policies and guidelines established by the district's policies and employee handbook Assist in the development of and participate in school functions, including Open Houses, Orientations, whole school events, parent education events, etc. Act as an ambassador for the school community Record Keeping & Data Assessment Maintain student records, reports, evaluations, inventories and tests Complete all progress monitoring and benchmark assessments on time as scheduled by administration, including district-required standardized testing Participate in all assessment-related trainings and data meetings Prepare student progress reports and assessment reports as required by administration

WHAT WE PROVIDE

Competitive salary Paid holidays and snow days Paid time off Customized retirement plan options Excellent compensation package including full-family health coverage with long-term disability, medical, dental, vision and life insurance Health Insurance Opt-Out Cash Bonus Childcare tuition discount Professional development, career growth, and promotion opportunities Small School with a positive school culture built on support and collaboration Whitmore Lake Public Schools, 8845 Main Street, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, physical handicap, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, political belief or age in admission, treatment or participation in its programs, services and activities or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact the Superintendent's Office, 8845 Main St., Whitmore Lake, MI 734-449-4464.