Primary Teacher

Summerland Montessori School is a non-profit independent school nestled in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in Summerland, British Columbia, just north of Penticton and within commuting distance of Kelowna to Oliver. Summerland Montessori School is a multi-age school, featuring small class sizes, ranging from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5. Summerland Montessori School is known for play-based learning, our strong sense of community, lots of outdoor fun, a collaborative culture, a commitment to professional development for our team, and meeting students where they are with their individual learning. The school has an AIM French program that students learn from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5.

We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated teachers. Our ideal candidates will have experience teaching elementary grades and an understanding of the Primary Program: A Framework for Teaching and the BC Early Learning Framework; developmental levels of children aged 4-10. Our school faculty has experience with the following training and/or certifications: Montessori, hands on learning, Reggio (play based learning). Candidates with prior experience or a strong interest in developing their skills in these teaching philosophies are highly encouraged to apply.

Joining our non-profit independent Montessori school team allows for more schedule flexibility than working within the public education system. This is an annual contract positions, contract renewals are offered to qualified candidates at the end of each school year.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

These may include, but are not limited to:

Work collaboratively with colleagues to support the development of an inquiry-based, Montessori-focused approach to teaching and learning

Foster caring, committed, and supportive relationships with students and families

Create a classroom environment that promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect and care

Participate in professional development training related to Montessori and other educational initiatives

Design, prepare, and deliver learning experiences that facilitate authentic engagement and meet students where they are on their educational path

Identify and select instructional resources and methods to meet diverse student needs

Prepare reports, conduct parent-teacher conferences, and communicate with parents on an ongoing basis to foster an open and supportive relationship that our school is known and admired for

Model a strong work ethic, high standard of commitment, and maintain excellent professionalism in all interactions with colleagues, students and parents

Participate in community building events, both in and out of school hours

Promote and support the mission, vision and values of the school

Qualifications

Bachelor of Education and/or Montessori Teaching Certificate

Additional Preferences (not required):

Interest in pursing Montessori training

Interest or experience in discovery-based philosophies (e.g., Reggio, play-based)

1-2 years teaching experience

Valid First Aid

Salary and Benefits:

Salary based on the school’s approved teacher salary scale, dependent on experience and schedule availability

Extended health and dental plan

RRSP matching

Regular professional development

Unlike for-profit private schools, as an independent non-profit school, we operate on budgetary constraints. We want to be able to provide an accessible independent school education for a diverse range of the community population. While we are unable to be competitive with private and public-school salaries, we make up for it with schedule flexibility, professional development opportunities, benefits, and an incredibly supportive, warm and welcoming school and work environment.

Applications

Applications must be submitted to Shandel Larsson, smsheadofschool (at) shaw (dot) ca.

Applications will be reviewed in order they are received.

Please Submit:

Cover letter

Resume

Copy of Bachelor of Education Degree and Montessori Teaching Diploma

Two letters of reference, one of which must be from your most recent Principal/Supervisor

Most recent teaching evaluation

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