About Our Academy

At Muskegon Montessori Academy for Environmental Change (MMAEC), we do education differently! Learning may begin in the classroom, but our students move from desks to dirt, planting seeds in soil, and tending to our gardens. Science and nature guide children at MMAEC to experience learning. We implement the Montessori Method to allow each child to empower and educate themselves to understand their own learning patterns. MMAEC knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands-on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students. 

• 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 promote understanding of the emotional and social development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student success, along with the implementation of effective intervention strategies. This position will support and uphold the mission and vision of the environmental academy.

What you'll do

Assessments and Evaluation:

• Conducts assessments and evaluations in accordance with family and student rights.
• Uses student, family, and school assessment results to identify needs affecting student learning.

Counseling and Psycho-Social Support:

• Provides social work counseling to students and parents.
• Conducts psycho-social assessment and diagnosis of behavior disabilities, offering recommendations and interventions within school, home, and community settings.

Student Support and Referrals:

• Makes referrals to public or private agencies with appropriate follow-up.
• Serves as a liaison between school, family, and community resources.

Case Conferences and Collaboration:

• Participates in Child Study Process and IEP process as required.
• Collaborates with other pupil personnel workers, school personnel, and community agencies in case conferences.

Personal and Emotional Well-being:

• Works with students individually to address personal problems related to home, family, health, and emotional adjustment.

Policy Development and Education Programs:

• Participates in the development of instructional policies and regulations.
• Collaborates with Health Education Teachers to implement the Academy’s sex education program.

Professional Development and Ethics:

• Conforms to the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics and Standards for School Social Work practice.
• Engages in appropriate professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills.

Record Keeping and Facilities:

• Maintains and administers the student records system in compliance with regulations and confidentiality.
• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.

Time Management and Responsibilities:

• Organizes time, resources, energy, and workload to fulfill responsibilities effectively.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Provides in-service training for staff in guidance programs, student conflict resolution, and self-awareness programs.
• Participates in appropriate professional development activities to improve knowledge and skills.
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the Principal.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid state certificate as School Counselor, or School Social Worker.
• Approval issued through the Office of Special Education.
• Exemplary work habits verified by previous employers.

Desired Requirements:

• Knowledge of and ability to follow and implement the Individualized (“IEP”) process.
• Knowledge of and skills working with students from all backgrounds.
• Demonstrated competence in all areas of focus.
• Social work case reporting and writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to counsel students, parents, and staff, individually and in groups.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.

About Choice Schools Associates

Muskegon Montessori Academy for Environmental Change (MMAEC) 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 Environmental Model, MMAEC is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.

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