Montessori Teachers

Teachers in Montessori classrooms in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) have a special role in students' education. Help shape our children's futures by joining one of our eight Montessori schools.

The Teacher's Role

Guiding Students

Montessori education is student-led and self-paced but guided, assessed, and enriched by knowledgeable and compassionate teachers. Rigorously trained teachers carefully observe children in the environment, identifying children’s interests and abilities and developing personalized learning plans tailored to each child’s needs. Teachers guide the learning, introducing new lessons and levels of difficulty as appropriate.

Preparing the Montessori Environment

Teachers introduce materials to students sequentially to meet the developmental needs of the students. Inherent in the use of Montessori materials is the understanding of the power of discovering answers on one’s own. The teacher prepares the environment of the Montessori classroom with carefully selected, beautifully arranged materials. In a Montessori classroom, teachers use their knowledge of child development and academic outcomes to prepare an environment that is simultaneously stimulating and academically, physically, socially, and emotionally accessible.

Teachers offer the encouragement and tools needed to allow children’s natural curiosities to drive learning and provide choices that help them learn, grow, and succeed. Students are to become active learners. Teachers provide environments in which students have the freedom and the tools to pursue answers to their own questions. Internal satisfaction drives the child’s curiosity and interest and results in joyous learning that is sustainable over a lifetime. The teacher helps children understand how to care for materials and clean up after themselves to help keep the classroom orderly and attractive.

Monitoring Student Progress

Teachers monitor progress against MPS and Wisconsin standardized tests and expectations. Teachers also gather data on academic preparedness, independence, and global citizenship.

Working for MPS

Want to be part of one of the largest clusters of public Montessori schools in the country? MPS is seeking qualified Montessori teachers at all levels.
 

Why MPS Montessori?

• MPS is committed to growing Montessori options in Milwaukee to meet increasing demand.
• MPS has the only dual-language (English/Spanish) Montessori program in Wisconsin.
• The Milwaukee Board of School Directors is invested in developing high-quality Montessori programs through a five-year strategic plan.
• A district Montessori coordinator supports teachers and schools.
• The Montessori Advisory Committee captures family, staff, and community voices and shapes a vision for the future.
• MPS full-time positions (minimum 30-hour work week) are eligible for great benefits. 
   

Credential Support

To teach at one of our Montessori schools, you must hold American Montessori Society (AMS) or Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) certification, in addition to being certified by the State of Wisconsin. MPS offers sponsorships to cover costs for two pathways:

1. Traditional licensed teachers gaining full Montessori credentials
2. Non-teaching degreed professionals earning a Montessori credential and license

Licensure support is also available for Montessori teachers seeking to acquire a Wisconsin teaching license.
 

Other Supports for Montessori Teachers

• Regular coaching
• New teacher induction process and mentoring
• New Educator Institute
• School support teachers in every school
• Training in culture and curriculum
• A close-knit community of Montessori professionals