We are an independent, Montessori school in Chicago serving 560+ students and their families, starting at a parent-infant class and 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 a Junior High Math/Science Teacher to join our team here at Near North Montessori!

The Near North Montessori (NNM) Teacher / Guide provides for instruction of students by developing, selecting, and modifying instructional plans and materials and presenting them using instructional techniques which meet the needs of all students. The Teacher / Guide provides an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of students. This position monitors and evaluates student performance, develops and implements plans to improve student performance, and maintains required records and follows required procedures and practices.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, with shifts falling between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm during the school year, with adjustments or additional time as needed. This role may also include required daytime & overnight field trip participation. This is a school year role, starting in August and ending in mid June each year. There will be an opportunity to work summer camps if desired. We are searching for someone to start in August 2024 for our 2024/25 school year!

Responsibilities include:

• Teach assigned classes at the junior high level, specifically: 
  • Two 7th-grade, year-long math classes focused on Algebra
  • One science/STEM class per rotation; five to six units over the course of the year
  • One elective class per rotation; three units over the course of the year
  • One or two small group advisory meetings per week with 8-10 individual advisees (students)
• Implement and help to enhance curriculum for STEM and other courses, follow established guidelines for instruction, pace, and assessment at the junior high level
• Maintain attendance, grades and other written or electronic records in a timely and efficient manner
• Create strong, positive student and parent partnerships by establishing good communication practices; provide meaningful input, observations and feedback on student progress and development
• Plan and run student/parent conferences
• Attend and support classroom and level-wide events and trips including, but not limited to: weekly Flex Fridays, day trips, multiple overnight camping trips, Independent Study presentations, May Mayhem performance and Parent Education events
• Attend & support two required, end of year, week-long, overnight field trips: One in early May and one in early June.
• Prepare and maintain the classroom environment and materials
• Assist in carpool and lunchtime responsibilities as assigned
• Observe student behaviors and intervene when appropriate, communicating student progress or concerns other faculty and administration; enforce student policies and rules effectively
• Maintain order and manage the class in a subtle and non-disruptive manner during lessons; work with other faculty to preserve and protect lessons and student work
• Treat children with unconditional positive regard and provide individualized care for needs
• Collaboration with other members of the faculty, administration and staff on experiential, interdisciplinary and community-based opportunities that add to the school community
• Uphold and reinforce positive behavior by modeling or drawing attention to ground rules and the school's portrait of a graduate
• Remain in contact with the whole class and sense changing mood or activity
• Conference with individual children about their work
• Attend and participate in Levels meetings, Faculty meetings, parent education events and other school-wide events, as directed by your supervisor
• Acquire professional training in the educational field by attending educational conferences, training workshops and other related activities
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested

• Bachelor’s degree required, studies or work concentrated in math and/or science field preferred
• Montessori training, or willingness to complete Montessori Adolescent training within 2 years
• Prior teaching experience, preferably with middle school students
• Effective and professional communicator, verbal and written, with students and adults
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to a variety of settings and environments
• Demonstrated proficiency in working with current educational and related technologies
• Team-focused, growth-minded, flexible attitude with commitment to participating in and contributing to a positive faculty culture and workplace

Full-time employment to start in August of 2024; however, we'd like to have this position filled by April of 2024.

• Pay Information: Eligible for an exempt salary, starting at $52,500 per year.
• 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.