Primary Substitute Assistant - Temporary Role To Cover A Leave Of Absence

We are an independent, Montessori school in Chicago serving 560+ students and their families, starting at a parent-infant class and going up to 8th grade. We are a community of shared values working to fulfill a meaningful mission. NNM faculty, staff and parents strive for an equitable and inclusive school culture through intentional, reflective practice. We work together to challenge all students to think for themselves, pursue their ideas and become real learners for the real world. 

Learn more about us on our website: www.nnms.org

We are seeking candidates to fill a temporary Substitute Assistant position with the 3-6 age classroom, to start in late January to cover a leave of absence. This position will work until the end of the 2023/24 school year (no later than June 13th, 2024), with a potential to extend based on business needs and performance.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday, with shifts falling between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm during the school year, with adjustments or additional time as needed.

At NNM we are fortunate to have an in-house Substitute Assistant to support our primary classrooms. The primary assistant working in this substitute role supports our classrooms when there is a faculty absence or when additional resources are needed. They will work closely with our 3-6 Level Instructional Coach and 3-6 Level Lead and Assistant Teachers to set up a daily schedule that meets the needs of the school, specifically at the primary level (students ages 3-6 years). Within the assigned classroom, some of the responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Support the lead teacher as directed in matters regarding classroom, curriculum and students

• Provide instruction and follow up support on lessons to students as requested

• Help maintain attendance and other written or electronic records

• Assist in transitions to recess, lunch, carpool, after school and other activities

• Support classroom events and trips including, but not limited to: farm trips, family breakfast celebrations, and performances

• Assist in preparing, maintaining and cleaning the classroom environment and materials

• Observe student behaviors and step in when appropriate, communicating student progress or concerns with the lead teacher

• Act in a way that exemplifies and models NNM's expectations of grace and courtesy

• Assist in students' development of independence

• Attend and participate in meetings and training sessions for position, classroom, or level

• Other duties as required or assigned

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate the ability to be very flexible within the work environment and with colleagues.

Experience: 2 years' experience working with students ages 0-6 is required. Experience working in a Montessori school preferred.

Education: Bachelor's degree preferred.

As with any role at NNM, we look for people with the following characteristics:

• Ability to commit to equitable education and employment practices, anti-bias, anti-racist work and learning
• Effective communication, verbal and written, with children and adults
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to a variety of settings and environments
• Basic understanding of a child's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development
• Demonstrated ability to provide high level of support and assistance
• Physical ability and stamina to support small children throughout the day
• Investment in continuous learning and development

Full-time, temporary employment to start in late-January and end in mid-June 2024, with a possibility to extend based on business needs and performance.

• Pay Information: Eligible for a non-exempt salary, starting at $21 per hour.
• Benefits Information:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision packages available for both you and your dependents. HSA (health savings account) available as a tie-in to one level of medical plan.
  • Both individual and dependent FSA (flexible spending accounts) available.
  • Fully-funded short term disability and individual life insurance available, with option to upgrade to long term disability and group life insurance for an additional cost.
  • Robust paid time off policy that includes at least 10 paid days off per school year.
  • Paid school holidays can add up to 25 extra paid days off per year.
  • 403b retirement planning available, with a company match of 100% up to 6%.
  • Access to an EAP (employee assistance program) that provides up to 6 free consultations per year on a variety of life concerns.
  • Suite of voluntary benefits available, such as pre-tax transit deductions, pet insurance, accident & critical illness insurance, and more.