About Our Academy

At Battle Creek Montessori Academy, we celebrate children’s natural desire to learn, encourage them to move at their own pace, and embrace their unique learning style. Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed environments that foster independence, exploration, and a love for learning. Utilizing the Montessori method, our hands-on, experiential approach, helps students develop a deep understanding of core academic subjects while cultivating essential life skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.

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 provide support and personalized assistance to students with diverse learning needs. They aim to create an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. Through individualized care plans, they work to address students' unique challenges, whether they be academic, behavioral, or emotional, fostering growth and development while promoting independence. Their ultimate objective is to ensure that each student they serve has the opportunity to reach their full potential, both academically and personally, while fostering a sense of belonging within the educational community.

What you'll do

Curriculum Instruction & Support:

• Supports student with a disability in a 1:1 capacity
• Completes daily documentation of student with Individualized Education Plan (IEP) 
• Works with the Special Education team to support student\
• Assists the classroom teacher in supporting instruction and engaging student in learning.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the Academy, and the community under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• 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 classroom teacher experiences in large and small groups. 
• Assists the classroom teacher with assessing learner needs, progress and achievement.
• Assists the classroom teacher in maintaining individual student records, when asked. 
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the classroom teacher or school leader.

Classroom/Student Support:

• Works cooperatively with parents/guardians
• Guides students in working and playing harmoniously and safely with other children. 
• 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. 
• Implements proactive behavior and learning strategies under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Provides Personal Care Services (EX:  Toileting, medical, etc…)

Student Recruitment and Retention: 

• Shares responsibility for marketing the Academy in the community by participating in school-wide and community events.  

Professional Development & Leadership:

• Participates in regularly scheduled meetings and sharing of relevant information.
• 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.  
• Attends professional development for positive behavior support.

Facilities:

• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness and safety of the learning environment and the appropriate and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.   
• Assists the classroom teacher in keeping the classroom neat, clean, and orderly to provide work and study areas conducive to learning.  
• Assists the classroom teacher in preparing the classroom for instruction. 
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the Principal.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or obtain an associates’ degree (or higher); or meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment: 
• • Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics; or 
  • Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness, as appropriate. 
• Ability to communicate with students, staff, and guardians in a professional manner.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Exemplary work habits verified by previous employers.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

 Desired Requirements:

• Valid Michigan teaching certification.
• Experience working with At-Risk students.   
• Experience in an educational setting with school-age children.

About Choice Schools Associates

Battle Creek Montessori Academy (BCMA) 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, BCMA 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.