Job Title: Teacher
About Us: California Montessori Project (CMP) is a successful public charter school network based in the greater Sacramento area with an exceptional TK-8 Montessori program that is tuition-free and open to all students. The network serves over 3,000 students on seven campuses. CMP is authorized through, and maintains strong relationships with four school districts: Elk Grove Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District and Buckeye Union School District.
CMP teachers are supported in pursuing dual-certification, holding a Montessori certification from an AMS-accredited training center and a California state credential. The CMP Leadership Team, including the Governing Board, Directors, Principals, and Deans, provide stability and focused guidance to the organization. CMP’s commitment to equity and student success is anchored in the frameworks of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which build sustainable systems and promote whole-child development.
CMP Mission: The Mission of the California Montessori Project is to provide a quality, tuition-free, TK-8, Montessori education that challenges our students to reach their full potential.
Summary/Objective
Teachers play a crucial role in the foundational education of young learners. CMP teachers merge Montessori curriculum/philosophy with Common Core State Standards in a multi-age classroom to create a stimulating and engaging curriculum and learning environment that fosters intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. Teachers develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, assess student progress, communicate with parents/guardians, and collaborate with colleagues to ensure a comprehensive educational experience.
Essential Functions
Curriculum & Instruction
- Develop and implement lesson plans that integrate Montessori philosophy and curriculum with California Common Core State Standards.
- Deliver engaging, differentiated instruction across multiple subjects, including language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
- Create and update individualized work plans for each student, supporting diverse learning styles and developmental needs.
- Use Montessori materials and methods to foster independence, curiosity, and problem-solving.
Student Assessment & Progress Monitoring
- Track, evaluate, and document student academic progress using formative and summative assessments.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of student attendance, grades, and progress reports.
- Adjust instruction based on assessment data to meet individual student needs.
Classroom Environment & Behavior Support
- Establish a safe, inclusive, and nurturing classroom environment that promotes respect, collaboration, and active participation.
- Implement Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and other proactive classroom management strategies.
- Apply behavior intervention plans (BIPs) when appropriate, de-escalating conflicts and modeling positive social behaviors.
Family & Community Engagement
- Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about student progress, behavior, and accomplishments.
- Lead parent-teacher conferences and other family meetings to strengthen school-home partnerships.
- Actively support school events, extracurricular activities, and community-building initiatives.
Collaboration & Teamwork
- Collaborate with colleagues, administrators, and support staff to plan curriculum, address student needs, and coordinate campus initiatives.
- Oversee, mentor, and collaborate with teaching assistants to ensure a cohesive and supportive classroom environment.
- Contribute to a positive, professional school culture by engaging in team meetings, committees, and shared planning.
Professional Growth & Compliance
- Participate in professional development opportunities to strengthen instructional practices and fulfill certification requirements.
- Pursue and maintain required credentials, including California teaching certification and Montessori training.
- Adhere to CMP policies, procedures, and state/federal education regulations.
Competencies
- Student-Centered Practice - Commitment to fostering independence, curiosity, and holistic development in students.
- Classroom Management & PBIS - Skilled in implementing proactive behavior support strategies, fostering a respectful and orderly environment.
- Assessment & Data-Driven Instruction - Proficiency in assessing student progress and using data to inform teaching practices.
- Family & Community Engagement - Strong communication and relationship-building skills with parents, guardians, and the community.
- Collaboration & Teamwork - Ability to work effectively with colleagues, administrators, and teaching assistants to support student learning.
- Adaptability & Flexibility - Capacity to adjust instruction and classroom approaches based on student needs and changing circumstances.
- Professionalism & Ethical Practice - Maintains confidentiality, models integrity, and adheres to professional standards.
- Continuous Growth Mindset - Dedication to ongoing professional learning and Montessori/educational best practices.
- Organizational & Time Management Skills - Effectively manages multiple responsibilities, deadlines, and classroom priorities.le: Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate instruction
Supervisory Responsibilities ( if applicable)
Work Environment
- Classroom Environment: This role works in classrooms where conditions can vary. This may include exposure to noise, varying levels of student engagement, and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Emotional Demands: Working with students can be emotionally demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Must remain patient, compassionate, and composed, even in challenging situations.
Physical Demands
The role of a teacher involves various physical demands due to the nature of working with students. These demands may include:
- Mobility: Moving around the classroom, assisting students with mobility challenges, and transitioning between activities.
- Lifting: Occasionally lifting and arranging classroom materials.
- Sitting and Standing: Engaging with students, teachers, and activities while both sitting and standing for extended periods.
- Adapting to Student Needs: Quickly responding to unexpected situations, such as helping a student who is experiencing a behavioral challenge.
Safety Measures
- Safety Protocols: Following established safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all students.
- Proper Techniques: Utilizing appropriate techniques for assisting students with physical disabilities or behavioral challenges to prevent injury to both students and staff.
- Health Considerations: Adhering to health and hygiene standards and being mindful of any allergies or medical conditions that students may have.
Travel Requirements
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree
- Valid California teaching credential
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with students, colleagues, parents, and specialists
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment
Preferred Education and Experience
- Montessori experience
- Experience working with elementary- and/or middle-school-aged students in a classroom setting
Compensation and Benefits
- Time Off: Sick leave, paid holidays, vacation (as applicable by position),
- Retirement: 403(b) and 457 retirement plans through CalSTRS Pension2 according to California state law, California Education code and CMP policy.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for Full Time Positions: Comprehensive coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
- Childcare Support: Access to free before and after care through Club M for employees with students enrolled at a CMP campus (subject to availability; application fees apply).
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Options for health care and dependent care.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.
- Mental Health Support: Access to Nivati, a mental health platform offering counseling, coaching, and wellness tools.
AAP/EEO Statement: It is the policy of California Montessori Project to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy applies to all employment practices including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and termination.
Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
All of our teachers hold dual credentials: a California teaching credential (with ELL authorization) and a Montessori credential. For the California teaching credential, we are looking for applicants who have their California Multiple Subject credential or who will be intern-eligible by July 1. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without employer sponsorship.
Please note that California now has additional requirements for TK teachers. A TK teacher must have either:
While we prioritize applicants who are already Montessori trained, we realize that most applicants will need Montessori training after they are hired.
Montessori training is age based, with different training for ages 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and 12-18. These trainings take between 1-2 years to complete, often taken concurrently while working as a teacher in a classroom. California Montessori Project (CMP) will pay the tuition of Montessori training for the ages/grades in a teacher's classroom.
Interested in learning more about Montessori? AMS has a short article on it here: https://amshq.org/About-Montessori/What-Is-Montessori
Be sure to also completely fill out the application and attach all of the following. Please note that failure to follow directions could lead to non-consideration.
