Classroom Teaching Assistant - SY 2026 - 2027

AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF AN ACCREDITED  PUBLIC CHARTER MONTESSORI SCHOOL AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY IN WASHINGTON, DC

MONTESSORI CLASSROOM/TEACHING ASSOCIATE(ALL LEVELS)

Levels: Children’s House/Primary (3-6 year olds), Lower Elementary (6-9 year olds)

School Year:  2026-2027

Job Opportunity: Classroom Teaching Assistant

Location: Washington, DC

Report to: Montessori Primary or Elementary Coordinator

Start Date : August 2026

Schedule: Full-Time, 10-Month Position
Compensation: Starts at $35,100-$61,00 and is commensurate with degree(s) earned, licenses, credentials, and experience

Classroom Assistant/Teacher Associate 

Work with a Lead Teacher, getting hands-on experience. Learn classroom management and how to engage students in academic lessons.

About Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School’s mission is to offer a quality Montessori education infused with culturally inclusive principles to guide children to develop to their fullest potential.

Classroom Assistant Position Summary:

Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS is seeking Classroom/ Teaching  Assistants for out Primary through  Elementary grade  levels Levels at SSMA are:The Children’s House /Primary (3-6  year olds), Lower Elementary (6-9year olds), This position provides integral support to the Lead Guide to insure that children have an authentic Montessori learning experience. Individuals working on their Montessori Guide certification, initial teaching license (traditional) seeking a mentored internship opportunity under a SSMA Lead Guide are encouraged to apply.

Under the direction of the Lead Classroom Guide/Teacher, the Classroom/Teaching Assistant will work in a classroom comprised of students.  This position requires love, patience and respect for children. The Classroom Assistant will encourage the children to be independent and model for them appropriate manners and behaviors and help the lead guide teacher facilitate a classroom environment designed to promote social, physical, intellectual growth and learning excellence by following the philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

Provide Support to the Lead Classroom Teacher 

1. Manage the classroom in such a way that protects that lessons that the lead teacher is giving. 
2. Encourage the children to be independent and model for them appropriate manners and behaviors. 
3. Work with individual children or small groups as directed by the lead guide/teacher. 
4. Preparing the Montessori classroom environment to meet the students’ needs and interests. 
5. Take attendance daily for the Guide.
6. Provide instruction or serve as Co-Teacher/Guide under supervision of the Lead Guide.

Assist in the Maintenance of the Prepared Montessori  Classroom Environment 

1. Clean the classroom and replenish materials and supplies in the morning and afternoon. 
2. Move throughout the classroom during work periods to make sure the classroom continues to be clean, lively, and inviting. 
3. Make materials as required by the lead guide/ teacher. 

Assist in Data Collection and Record Keeping 

1. Participate in all training related to data collection and assessment. This includes taking daily  attendance in PowerSchool .
2. Gather written observations and input them in SSMA SIS and any other data keeping systems as directed by the lead guide/teacher.
3. Discuss observations with the lead guide/teacher and other teaching staff as appropriate.
4. Assist with the administration of Teacher developed or standardized assessments as directed.To include EC, LE and UE assessments.

Provide Primary Supervision During Non-Academic Times 

1. Provide supervision and enriching activities during nonacademic times including arrival,  lunch, recess, dismissal ,before and after care. 

2. Provide communication about students’ development during these times to the lead teacher. 

3. Enter attendance daily and support a culture of attendance’ for  families experiencing difficulties with coming to school.

Qualifications  and Experience:

• Possess a minimum of an Associate’s (required) or Bachelor’s degree (preferred)
• At least 3 years of prior working experience, preferably in a Montessori school and/or a diverse  public, private , independent or charter elementary school required 
• Possess a current First Aid and CPR Certificate,
• CDA certificate preferred but not required
• Bilingualism in Spanish , French, or Amharic a plus 
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S.,
• Must attend and complete a NCMPS or other (as selected by the  school) Montessori classroom assistant training (provided during August summer institute) and RBT training during the year.
• Have a sense of humor and a love of children.

Compensation: 

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with prior experience and education. This is a 10-month position. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included. 

Benefits

Shining Stars Montessori Academy  PCS offers the  following benefits to all full-time employees.

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance premiums subsidized by employer
• 401k Retirement Plan with employer match
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid sick and personal time off

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.  These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.  We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.