Company Description

We are an independent Montessori school in Chicago serving over 500 students and their families, starting at a parent-infant class and up to 8th grade. We are a community of shared values working to fulfill a meaningful mission. NNM faculty, staff and parents strive for an equitable and inclusive school culture through intentional, reflective practices. We work together to challenge all students to think for themselves, pursue their ideas and become real learners for the real world.

Learn more about us on our website: www.nnms.org

Job Description

We are seeking a Montessori-trained, Toddler Lead Teacher, to join our Young Children's Community (YCC) here at Near North Montessori for the 2025/2026 school year!

The YCC Teacher supports and nurtures young children and is passionate about creating and maintaining a beautiful educational environment while following the Montessori philosophy. The YCC Teacher provides an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of students. This position monitors and evaluates student performance, develops and implements plans to improve student performance, and maintains required records and follows required procedures and practices.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, with shifts falling between 8:00am and 6:00pm during the school year, with adjustments or additional time as needed. This role may also include an opportunity to work summer camps if desired.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Guide the daily instruction of the curriculum appropriate to the ages 18 months to 3 years old level of the classroom based on Montessori training and NNM policies and practices Implementing activities to meet the physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs of the children Setting an example for children by modeling honesty, respect, kindness and understanding Maintaining the safety and well-being of children in the classroom by providing a safe and prepared environment Fully participating in and collaborating with NNM team members and Administration in furtherance of the school's mission Engaging in clear, respectful, and effective communication with children, parents, team members and administrators Train and manage the assistants, interns, and other support staff assigned to the class providing regular performance feedback Report to the proper authority any pertinent information on the happenings of the day Use equipment and supplies safely and conscientiously, keeping the physical environment clean and orderly Provide a safe and secure environment. Be familiar with emergency procedures Carry out all specific procedures and responsibilities as outlined by the NNM Staff Handbook and the lead teacher Acquire professional training in the educational field by attending educational conferences, training workshops and other related activities Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested

Qualifications Bachelor's Degree or higher from an accredited institution in Education, Middle or High School teaching or a related discipline; Montessori training and certification at the primary level, require Prior experience as a Guide in a Young Children's Community level Montessori classroom Montessori 0-3 Credential required (or willingness to immediately begin training in order to obtain) Successfully complete CPR and First Aid course Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, verbal and written, with children and adults Advanced understanding of a child's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development Demonstrated commitment to professional development and growth Demonstrated commitment to anti-bias, anti-racist practices: able to work with and teach groups of diverse individuals in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways Team-focused, growth-minded, flexible attitude with commitment to participating in and contributing to a positive faculty culture and workplace Demonstrated proficiency in working with current educational and related technologies

Additional Information

Full-time employment to start in August of 2025; however we would like to have this position filled by June of 2025.

Pay Information: The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $65,000 based on skills and experience.

Near North Montessori offers a variety of benefits which include: Medical, Dental, and Vision options Short Term & Long Term Disability EAP Program & Pet Insurance Flexible Paid Time off Professional Development Opportunities

Near North Montessori believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. The School's equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, conditions, and privileges of employment.