Position: Spanish Speaking, Lead Primary Teacher

Spark Montessori is an authentic Montessori school that seeks a Spanish speaking, Montessori trained teacher to lead our Spanish-English Dual Language program.

Key Candidate Skills and Attributes:

Alignment with organizational mission and values (see below)
Fluency in Spanish and English
Passion for the Montessori pedagogy and working with young children
Adaptive and supportive to the needs of the children and the overall school community
An independent thinker with a bias towards purposeful action
Exhibit patience, organization, and leadership in the classroom
Ability to collaborate with other Montessori teachers in the classroom
Receptive to input, feedback, and ideas
Willing and able to creatively and proactively solve problems
Commitment to continuous professional development and growth

Credential Requirements:

AMS or AMI certified at the Primary level (2.5-6)
At least 3 years of experience working in a Montessori classroom
Meet the DCFS requirements for a teacher

Compensation: Compensation will be competitive and based on experience.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Professional Development Support, Tuition Remission, Paid Breaks, Holidays, Personal, and Sick Days

School Location: 4326 N California Ave. Chicago, IL

Spark Montessori’s Mission

Provide an authentic, dedicated, and modern Montessori experience for children so that they may discover and nurture the unique Spark within themselves, build self-discipline, awareness, intellectual independence, and competence through important reality-oriented, sensory focused works, and apply their skills and passion towards constructing a happy, fulfilled, self-actualized life.

Spark Montessori’s Organizational Value

Commitment to Montessori Principles/Practices: Spark Montessori will approach every school decision with a commitment to the core principles of a Montessori education.

Respect for the Child and Childhood: Children are capable of far more than they are given credit for. They have their own unique needs, ideas, and passions that must be respected, cherished, and supported. Similarly, childhood is a short, yet critical period of time that needs to be protected from the pressures and politics of the adult world.

Support the Whole Child and the Whole Family: The modern child and the modern family have needs that go beyond academics and childcare. Spark Montessori will strive to provide an environment that supports the whole child at their own personal stage of development. And provide opportunities for families to build memories, learn, and grow together.

Growth Mindset: There are no fixed human qualities. Everyone is capable of growth with the right mindset. We become what we focus and work on and so we will focus on the things that we can change and influence.

Collaborative Culture with Open Door Policies: Great things happen when people with unique talents and passions collaborate to create something of value. This requires open communication and leadership that is receptive to continuous improvement and engagement. Parents will feel open to engage through open, continuous feedback loops that listen and adapt when appropriate.

Community Outreach & Engagement: There are countless opportunities to engage with the community at large. This includes community organizations, public facilities, and local businesses. Spark Montessori will actively build those connections so that it may have a broader impact and expose children to the ‘real world’ and community in which they live.

Open to Modern Research and Technologies at Appropriate Ages: The world is changing quickly and so we must be willing to evolve with modern research on child development without compromising the underlying philosophy of Montessori.

Approach the World with Joy and Reverence: When we are present in the world, we build a sense of reverence for all of the beauty and joy that is possible.

If interested in this opportunity to join our leadership team, we would love to speak with you. Please send your resume to Sara Hruska (sara@sparkmontessori.org) and schedule time to speak.

Full Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Phone (required)

List your Montessori training(s) and any academic degrees, including the name of the institution(s) you graduated from and major(s).

Summarize your career objective and where you see yourself in 5 years.

What attracted you to Montessori?

Please describe your teaching experience for children aged 0 - 6 years old.

For each of your three most recent jobs, please provide a title, how long you were there, a brief description of your duties, and why you left.

Have you ever taught a classroom entirely in Spanish? What makes this prospect appealing to you?

Tell us about one of your more challenging interactions with a parent. What was their concern? How did you handle it?

Tell us about a time that challenged you emotionally and how you approached finding a resolution.

Tell us about a time when you had a conflict with a colleague and how you worked towards resolution.

What actions or habits do you take to replenish yourself to maintain fulfillment in a giving profession?

What are your salary requirements?

Please upload your resume. (.doc, .docx, .pdf)

How did you hear about us?

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Are you legally able to work in the United States? (required)
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By submitting this form, I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that false or misleading information in my application or interview may result in my employment being terminated. I authorize Spark Montessori and its agents to investigate and verify all of the statements made in this application and I authorize all persons, companies, schools or other entities listed on the application to give Spark Montessori any information regarding employment, education, and character references. I hereby release Spark Montessori and all of said persons, companies, schools and other entities from all liability for any damage that may result from providing this information. I understand that failure to satisfactorily meet a background check will result in my employment being rescinded or terminated.