About Our Academy

One of the greatest gifts we can give our kids is an environment that creates a sense of belonging. Four Corners Montessori Academy brings students from the "Four Corners" of the Metro Detroit area into a true community of learners that embrace Maria Montessori's teachings and her ideals of diversity, peace education and individualized learning. FCMA prioritizes hands-on learning and learning real-life skills by implementing student-led activities and multi-age classrooms. We welcome and invite you to find your belonging here at Four Corners Montessori Academy.

Qualities of a Success Candidate:

• A genuine love for working with children and a strong commitment to their holistic development. They should prioritize the child's individuality, independence, and self-directed learning, fostering an environment that supports these values.
• The ability to guide children through their learning journey with patience, allowing them to explore and make discoveries at their own pace. They should also be flexible in adjusting their teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each child.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

About the role

To foster a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for students, setting them on a path of academic and social success. By supporting the lead teacher, they aim to create engaging lesson plans that promote age-appropriate development in areas such as language, motor skills, and social interactions. Through patient guidance and individualized attention, they encourage children's curiosity and exploration, helping them develop a love for learning. Additionally, they collaborate with parents and caregivers, ensuring effective communication and involving families in their child's educational journey. As a vital member of the preschool team, the associate teacher strives to provide a positive and enriching experience that builds a strong foundation for each child's future.

What you'll do

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Assists the GSRP Teacher in preparing classroom or laboratory for instruction.
• Helps the GSRP Teacher collaboratively prepare lesson plans and distribute lesson materials.
• Participates in Team Teaching and instructs students under the supervision of the GSRP Teacher.
• Demonstrates understanding and implementation of the PQA and the teaching practices described therein.
• Demonstrates understanding and implementation of MDE's Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Prekindergarten.
• Demonstrates understanding and implementation of BCHS Child Care Licensing Rules.
• Follows the Academy approved GSRP curriculum and the GSRP grant policies and procedures as the instructional model.
• Assists the GSRP Teacher in maintaining individual student records when asked.
• Assists the GSRP Teacher in keeping the classroom neat, clean and orderly to provide work and study areas conducive to learning.
• Collects and displays suitable materials for bulletin boards and other educational displays.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the Academy and the community.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, which include the art of questioning, clarity of assignments, communicating, an atmosphere of mutual respect, independent thought and expression and student and teacher experiences in large and small groups.
• Effectively implements and uses the Academy-approved screening assessment tool and ongoing developmental assessment and is able to explain and interpret the information for students' parents.
• Effectively uses home visits to introduce the program and staff to the parent, develop collaboration for the child's learning, and gather, or report, assessment data.

Classroom Management:

• Works cooperatively with parents and guardians to enhance confidence in the GSRP Teacher.
• Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
• Assists GSRP Teachers with supervision of students during play periods and lunch periods.
• Demonstrates genuine concern for students in a climate characterized by high personal and student expectations.
• Promotes responsible citizenship through actions as a role model.
• Provides a classroom atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair and consistent practices, respect for individual children and development of responsible citizenship.

Student Enrollment & Retention:

• Shares responsibility for marketing the GSRP Program, and the Academy, in the community.

Professional Development & Leadership:

• Participates in the development of policies and regulations that affect instruction and conditions of success.
• Shares responsibility for professional, cooperative staff relations and for out-of-class activities important to the operation of the Academy.
• Conducts himself or herself according to professional, ethical principles.
• Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group and the Academy.
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the Principal.

Facilities:

• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness of the learning environment and the appropriate and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.
• Assumes responsibility for adherence to all licensing regulations and for educating others on the regulations.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• CDA certificate or Associates degree in Early Childhood Development.
• Compliance with all requirements established by the DLARA's BCHS' child care licensing staffing requirements including.
• Exemplary work habits verified by reference check.

Desired Qualifications:

• Valid State of Michigan Teaching Certificate.
• Knowledge of and skills working with At-Risk students.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience in an educational setting with school-age children.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.

About Choice Schools Associates

Four Corners Montessori Academy is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Montessori Model, Four Corners Montessori Academy is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding Montessori schools within the state. The Montessori Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.