AddressSCHOOL CONTEXT
Beechworth Montessori School (BMS) is a small independent school offering a comprehensive education based on the Montessori philosophy and the individual needs of the child. The school consists of a Tony Tots playgroup, an Educational Care program for children under school age, two Cycle 1 classrooms for 3-6 year olds, two Cycle 2 classrooms for 6-9 year olds and two Cycle 3 classrooms for 9-12 year olds.
THE MONTESSORI PHILOSOPHY
Maria Montessori’s view of education was child-orientated. It was her intention to formulate a system that allowed children to develop their potential in a non-competitive, caring and carefully planned environment, free of rewards and punishment. She studied the needs of children and then proceeded to provide a way for these needs to be met.
The children work with specially prepared equipment drawn from a broad-based curriculum. This “structured freedom” helps foster self-discipline, independence and initiative.
Socially the children are placed in a unique environment, as there is a three-¬year age range in each classroom. This allows them to learn from each other, and encourages the older children to help their younger classmates. All the children learn to respect the work of others and to respond with flexibility to new situations.
There are very few examinations at a Montessori school - the child advances as they master progressively more complex skills. In a relatively short time the children develop a very positive attitude towards themselves and to their work. Perhaps this is to be expected in an education system that considers the all-round development of the child to be its primary goal.
CHILD SAFE STANDARDS
Beechworth Montessori School ensures that the children in its care are protected to the best of its ability and in line with their duty of care and compliance with the eleven Child Safe Standards as specified by the Ministerial Order No. 1359 – Implementing the Child Safe Standards – Managing the risk of child abuse in schools and school boarding premises and in relation to the obligations of the Reportable Conduct Scheme established by the Child and Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic).
We are inclusive and welcoming of all children and families with particular attention to:
- The cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
- The cultural safety of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds including international students.
- Children with a disability.
- Children who are unable to live at home or are impacted by family violence.
- Children and young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+).
- Other students experiencing risk or vulnerability.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
- To develop and provide a high quality developmentally appropriate, Montessori educational program for the children for whom the teacher is directly responsible. This program is to be developed in consultation with the other teacher(s) and Principal and be responsive to the needs of the community.
- To provide leadership while working as a member of a cooperative team in order to provide a developmentally appropriate Montessori educational program.
- To operate in a professional manner at all times and ensure that the Beechworth Montessori School (BMS) meets the requirements of the Victorian Regulations and Qualifications Authority, Department of Education and Training, and the policies and procedures of the Beechworth Montessori School.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- The Director is directly accountable to the Principal of BMS.
- Prepare a Montessori learning environment that is inviting, ordered and strives to meet the needs of each child in the room.
- Present lessons from across the Australian Montessori National Curriculum to all children in the class accordingly.
- Plan and document the educational program, updating at a minimum, every term.
- Keep accurate records for student attendance, diagnostic assessments and ongoing student progress based on observations and mapping against the Montessori National Curriculum.
- Develop and record specific objectives/goals and if necessary, Individual Learning Plans for individual children in consultation with parents.
- To operate within the requirements of the BMS’s policies and procedures as well as funding and regulatory requirements.
Under the NCCD model, Classroom Directors are required to:
- Be the primary instructor of the whole class, including students with disability and are responsible for the academic instruction of every member of the class.
- Complete professional learning on the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and requirements under the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (DSE)
- Collect evidence relevant to the NCCD that captures the requirement of the students with additional needs and the levels of adjustments required for such students.
- Instruct the Education Support Assistant/Classroom Assistant to prepare and carry out the teaching lessons, as required to be adapted by you for the student with disability.
Inclusion of students with disabilities and the NCCD
(Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on Students with Disabilities)
The NCCD model is based on mandatory obligations to students under the national Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and Disability Standards for Education 2005(DSE) in all Australian schools. The NCCD draws on teachers' professional judgement and practices throughout the year supporting students with disability to access and participate in education on the same basis as other students.
COMMUNICATION
- Participate in parent information events, school performances, playground duties and excursions.
- Liaise with Principal, Assistant Principal (early Years), colleagues, specialists and parents regarding concerns about the student’s well-being.
- Provide regular information about the program in the newsletter.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE
- Attend staff, cycle and/or National Quality Framework (NQF) meetings.
- Ensure that correct safety procedures are followed with regards to occupational health and safety.
- Report to the Principal on urgent and ongoing maintenance that is required.
- Respect the confidentiality of information relating to parents and children and comply with the BMS Privacy & Confidentiality Policy.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Continue learning about Montessori philosophy and pedagogy by attending workshops, seminars and conducting observation of other Montessori classes and schools.
- Display an interest and take responsibility for your professional development.
- Participate in annual performance management and review of performance.
- Keep abreast of current issues relating to children’s education and to liaise with relevant childhood services and other professional services and organisations within the community.
This position description is a guide only and is not intended to be an exhaustive or exclusive list of the duties attached to this position. The position description is subject to review and modification by the Principal, in response to the strategic direction of the school, and the development of the skills and knowledge of the position.
Key Selection Criteria
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Teachers must hold qualifications to enable registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
- Current Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration.
- Current certification in First Aid, Anaphylaxis, Asthma and CPR.
- Genuine interest and experience in the education and support of children and their learning in a Montessori environment.
- Flexibility and ability to lead and work in a team.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other staff across a broad range of programs.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively with carers and parents.
- An ability to ensure confidentiality of information.
- Must be able to demonstrate an understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with children.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
- AMI/MWEI or other Montessori qualifications or the willingness and desire to undertake formal Montessori qualifications.
- Experience and knowledge of teaching in the Montessori Method.
- Qualifications and/or experience providing individualized learning for students with learning differences.
- Experience in managing a multi-aged classroom and developing lessons and materials for this age group.
CHILD SAFE STANDARDS
- Beechworth Montessori School promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children, including those with a disability.
- Beechworth Montessori School promotes the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal children, and encourages applications from Aboriginal peoples.
- Beechworth Montessori School promotes the safety and wellbeing of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and encourages applications from people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse background.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are to provide:
- A cover letter
- Current curriculum vitae
- Evidence and examples addressing the essential and desirable criteria
- Provide at least two referees who can be contacted by telephone
