After School Teacher

Oak Grove Montessori School  in Mansfield, CT, is seeking to hire an After School Teacher to start in the 2025-26 school year serving children ages 3-12 years.

Applicants must have previous experience working with both early childhood and elementary aged children. Montessori experience is preferred, but not required. Candidates should be familiar with whole child education and child centered learning which are at the core of Montessori philosophy and pedagogy. The after school teacher would work in partnership with our returning after school teacher.  The extended care teacher positions have support and regular communication with our classroom lead and assistant teachers and will be supported in growing their understanding of Montessori education. Successful candidates will be flexible and collaborative team members who demonstrate an ability to relate sensitively to people of all ages and backgrounds; above all they will possess a deep and abiding love and respect for children.

Position and Work Hours

Oak Grove teachers begin the school year with an inservice and planning period on August 25-28, 2025 and finish out the school year on June 16, 2026. The first day of school for students is September 2nd and the last day is a half day and picnic on June 11th.  

• After School Teacher: Minimum hours are 3pm-5pm daily, Monday-Friday, with a flexible start time of 2-3pm to accommodate the scheduling needs of the employee.
• Additional hours subbing for teacher absences may be available as are summer camp session hours for those interested for summer 2025.

Monthly level meetings, professional development, and in-service training are part of the required commitments of the Extended Care employees.  A more thorough overview of the school calendar and professional days required is available on our website: 2025-2026 Calendar

Hourly rate is commensurate with experience.

The Extended Care program teachers will work in concert with the regular classroom teachers and assistants to create and maintain an environment where children may reach their full potential.  The teachers  encourage and guide children toward meaningful work and encourage and support them in their independence.  The teacher will ensure that learning environments and materials are prepared with the child in mind, are clean, tidy, maintained, and in good order.

Preferred Qualifications:

The candidate should have an interest in holistic, constructivist education and Montessori pedagogy, deep respect for the various age groups served, and relevant teaching experience. Qualified candidates will be dedicated to collaboration, professional development, Montessori philosophy and most of all, children.  From their deep and abiding love and respect for children, our faculty work in a collegial setting to be curious observers, reflective practitioners, and knowledgeable of Montessori and educational best practices to work toward Dr. Montessori's vision of educating the human potential.  While this cosmic task is a serious undertaking that requires calm confidence, a sense of humor and fun are vital characteristics as well. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Has an understanding of Montessori philosophy in accordance with Oak Grove Montessori School’s  mission and values.
2. Demonstrates an ability to relate sensitively to people of all ages and varied backgrounds.
3. Possesses a professional manner, personal characteristics and abilities necessary to work with children, including:
1.  respect for and faith in each child,
2.  sensitivity to individual’s needs and learning styles,
3. ability to provide appropriate challenges to each child’s learning and development,
4. exceptional amount of patience and flexibility
4. Demonstrates an interest in participating in ongoing professional development, especially related to the Montessori approach to education and school initiatives.
5. Meets all staff requirements of local and state regulatory agencies.
6. Maintains current First Aid and Pediatric CPR certification.

Essential Functions

1. Prioritizes the safety and well-being of students and staff at all times through adherence to best practices in education, Oak Grove Policies and Procedures, and AMS Code of Ethics.
2. Assists the faculty in ensuring an appropriate, stimulating program of activities, consistent with the Montessori philosophy
3. Shares responsibility for the care, maintenance, and cleanliness of the classroom, playground, and materials and ensures that these spaces meet all licensing, safety, and health requirements.
4. Prioritizes the safety and well-being of students and staff at all times through adherence to best practices in education, Oak Grove Policies and Procedures, and AMS Code of Ethics.
5. Communicates through the appropriate channels about any problems or concerns.
6. Attends Oak Grove events and professional development as requested by the Head of School.
7. Communicates with the teaching team or program level or, when necessary, the Head of School, about any problems or concerns.

About Oak Grove

Oak Grove Montessori School is an independent Montessori school serving Early Childhood (3-6 year olds) through Upper Elementary (4-6th grade), with a current enrollment of 50 students. We are committed to fostering a lifelong love of learning through the development of self-discipline and independence. Our intentionally small school community is situated on a sprawling natural campus in a rural neighborhood setting.  We are close to Hartford and the University of Connecticut campuses, within 1.5 hours of Boston and are also close to hiking and coastal areas, a huge draw for those who love outdoor recreation.  Our school has been established for over 40 years and employs a supportive staff of professionals dedicated to providing quality Montessori education to children.  

**This job overview is not designed to cover or contain a final comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to our Head of School, Leela Pahl at [email protected] .  Our website is www.ogms.org

Our Mission: Nurture the child.  Empower the student. Unleash the potential.

Oak Grove Montessori School is an equal opportunity employer.  OGMS is inclusive in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.