Expanding windows of opportunity through personalized place-based Montessori education.
Careers
PCM's founding team is growing! We welcome you to apply to partner with us in expanding Pullman and surrounding community families access to high-quality public education delivered through a whole-child, place-based, Montessori approach.
Before completing the first step of our application process for open positions, explore our website and thoroughly examine the job description provided to ensure a good partner fit. Also check out our criterion for all PCM staff. If you find we are a good fit and you are interested in one of our open positions, select the Apply Now button to begin the application.
Check back frequently as many of our positions will not open for application until late this winter.
We are supported by a fellow charter school, Spokane International Academy, in streamlining the application process by using their Nimble platform. You will notice when you open our application it says Organization: Spokane International Academy. Rest assured you are applying to PCM located in Pullman, Washington not Spokane International Academy. We are working with Nimble to change this pre-formatting to eliminate confusion.
Equal employment opportunity and respect in the workplace are fundamental principles at PCM. PCM prohibits and does not tolerate harassment, intimidation, bullying, discriminatory, or retaliatory behavior. All aspects of employment are based upon personal capabilities and qualifications. PCM shall not discriminate against any student, employee, or any other person on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, belief system/religion, color, marital-partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal. Furthermore, PCM shall not discriminate on any other ground that would be unlawful if done by any other public school. PCM shall take all steps necessary to ensure that discrimination does not occur, as required by state and federal civil rights, and anti-discrimination laws.
Any process complaints should be directed to the Civil Rights Coordinator, Jill Stansbury, by emailing JillS@mypcm.org
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND NON-DISCRIMATION NOTICE:
1. Broaden your impact by being a member of Washington’s first public Montessori charter school. You will be a partner in founding a high-quality program for children with the potential to contribute to shaping Montessori charter schools throughout the United States.
2. Benefit from a high level of purposeful and applicable professional development that is built into the week and year. Also benefit from PCM’s partnership with high-quality partners such at Teton Science Schools Place Network, National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector, and the Washington State Charter Schools Association.
3. Enjoy a family-friendly work environment with onsite childcare (for a fee) and a weighted lottery preference for children of full-time staff.
4. Participate in a program that empowers students to handle freedoms as they learn to act with responsibility.
5. Grow professionally with support from Tetons Science Schools Place Network to guide children in planning their own outings (going outs) where they interface with the local environment to learn from and contribute to their local community.
6. Engage in closing opportunity gaps for students by growing your skills in partnering with families and creating Montessori learning environments for diverse populations using cultural humility.
7. Participate in a growth and leadership program with support from an experienced Montessori coach trained at both the primary and elementary level which involves goal-setting, reflection, and mentoring as you cultivate the knowledge, skills, and mindsets necessary for success.
8. Experience ample opportunities to learn and grow within a collaborative community of professionals.
9. Partner with an organization dedicated to maintaining a diverse, equitable, and anti-racist work environment committed to pursuing a healthy work-life balance.
Why Join the PCM TEAM
PCM founders are not only committed to serving all students, helping them to develop to their full potential, but are equally committed to the same endeavor for ALL PCM staff. With this commitment in mind, PCM will make the time to engage all staff in developing their coaching skills through the Get Better Faster framework. Our weekly schedule, featuring Wednesday 1/2-day professional development/collaboration time, reflects this commitment. While pay is comparable to other districts of similar size and benefits for full-time staff are provided through the Washington State Retirement System and State Employees Benefits Board (SEBB), other indirect incentives include:
Why Choose Pullman as your home
Take a Remote Tour of Our Community
This three minute community video project by, Pullman2040, highlights what makes Pullman a great place to call home.
Pullman Proud: Welcome to Pullman
Facts about Pullman
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Pullman is the largest city in Whitman County, located within the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest in southeastern Washington State.
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Pullman is home to the area's largest employers: Washington State University and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.
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Pullman is a clean, safe and secure city and has recently been ranked as the 4th safest city in the State of Washington and was ranked the 6th best college town in the country as recently as 2012.
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Washington State University is Washington's only public research land-grant university. Pullman is 8 miles away from Idaho's only public research land-grant university, University of Idaho.
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For a big city infusion, Spokane is a 90 minute scenic drive away.
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The combination of being a university town, an agricultural research hub and a fertile agricultural area keeps Pullman's economy bufford from large economic swings.
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Pullman has great access to parks and outdoor activities.
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The region has a rich geological history that illuminates the rich rolling hills of the Palouse and the scablands of central Washington state.
Classroom Positions
OUR stand-alone Kindergarten (K) program
“It is necessary that the human personality should be prepared for the unforeseen, not only for the conditions that can be anticipated by prudence and foresight...Adaptability - this is the most essential quality.” Maria Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence, p. 61
At our very core PCM believes that ALL students deserve an education that meets them where they are, respects the learners’ capabilities and natural tendencies, and fosters their growth academically, social-emotionally, and in life-skills development. We fiercely advocate that high-fidelity PUBLIC Montessori is the most EQUITABLE option to achieve this goal. While funding for early childhood education is limited in many states, we do not believe this should be a barrier to accessing a high-quality Montessori education. Data supports that, even with a stand-alone K program, high-fidelity Montessori provides better long-term results for learners. Thus, PCM has poised itself with a stand-alone K that can easily be expanded to a full primary program when funding becomes available. We are optimistic this opportunity will present itself in the future! To ensure we can accommodate the breadth of needs presented by a stand-alone K, we have kept the student population in our classes low while maintaining the 1:1 Montessori Guide to Assistant ratio; we have hired a full-time Montessori Coach; we have expanded our classroom materials to ensure we have Montessori works to address all levels in the primary classroom and we have carefully integrated key pre-reading and reading resources to help those students entering with no experience. To start strong PCM has forged strategic partnerships, including with National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector, Public Montessori in Action and Teton Science School Place Network. Join us to be the change you want to see in education!
Note: all teachers must be or be willing to become dual certified, holding an applicable grade level WA State teaching certificate (or equivalent) and a Montessori teaching certificate appropriate for the grade-levels served. A highly qualified Montessori certificated candidate will be considered without current WA State certification if they are willing to apply for WA State provisional certification and show documented acceptance to a qualified WA State teaching certification program such as Northwest Educational Development (NWED). PCM's Montessori Coach will support employees in this situation.
Position/Certification
Job Description
Opening Date
TeacherS/GuIDES
PCM founders believe that for teachers to feel truly valued, they must be treated as the professionals they are. We believe teachers must be provided with excellent support and professional development (PD) to remain responsive and empowered to meet ever-changing student needs. Our Team collaborates weekly to discuss students, examine available data, identify student and program needs, plan interventions, and ensure we are all working cohesively to create a consistent high-quality experience for all PCM students and families.
PCM employs research at all levels to inform its practices, including tailoring of its PD plan. According to research, teachers are not satisfied with traditional PD formats, citing that system-driven, compliance-based PD is not effective. Rather, teachers describe ideal PD as relevant, interactive, and delivered by someone who understands their experience, and that it is sustained or ongoing over time. With this in mind, PCM leaders will help ensure that PD is responsive to teachers’ needs, has a clear focus, is driven by data, and that everyone is accountable to established goals. To that end, and in alignment with our mission, vision, and culture, PCM will create a school wide professional learning community (PLC) where our Team, like our students, take the role of empowered, self-directed learners focused on a single objective—helping all students reach their full potential. This more personalized approach to PD is attentive to the collective and individual needs and preferences of PCM’s Team.
Wednesday 1/2-day collaboration and professional development time combined with a full-time Montessori instructional coach, ensures teachers are well supported and equip with a broad tool kit to meet the needs of students.
Our Montessori classrooms strive to comply with AMI best practices and feature a Teacher, referred to as a Guide, supported by a trained classroom assistant.
$10K Moving Incentive!
School counselor & SEL COORDINATOR
At PCM the school counselor works in concert with the Director of Specialized Programs and Montessori Instructional Coach to design and deliver a school counseling and social emotional learning skills (SEL) program that supports the diverse needs of our students. PCM will support 145 students in the 2023-24 SY. In a Montessori environment the importance of growth in SEL skills is equivalent to the importance of academic growth. We recognize meeting the mental and social emotional needs of students is imperative to their growth and flourishing. The PMC counselor will lead, advocate, and collaborate to promote equity and access for all students by connecting their school counseling program to the school’s mission, vision, values, and pillars. They also uphold the ethical and professional standards of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). This position will also be instrumental in building out PCM's SEL programming to create a vertical and horizontal alignment within the school
0.5 FTE PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE) TEACHER/GUIDE
PCM has envisioned and created the framework, for a Physical Education for Life program, that supports students learning in the classroom, provides them skills and exposure to traditional and non-traditional physical activities, while meeting standards and students physical needs. The PE Teachers (called a Guide) at PCM will be instrumental in continuing to bring this vision to life. Partnering with community based organizations will be a unique feature of this position in order to provide non-traditional opportunities to students (ex. biking, fly fishing, climbing, etc.). We are looking for a creative and active person appropriately certified for this role on our team.
Classroom support Positions
classroom Instructional Assistants
Instructional assistants (IA) are an integral component of a high-fidelity Montessori classroom. PCM Instructional Assistants help to maintain the classroom environment, allowing the teacher to assume the role of educational scientist, and are trained as interventionalists to support students with varying needs in the classroom environment. The relationship between the teacher and assistant also models collaboration to students and introduces another adult mentor to expand adult relationships for those students most at risk. Instructional Assistants are as equally supported with PD as teachers.
Instructional Assistant candidates must have their AMI Assistant Certificates or agree to complete a three-week approved assistant training course paid for by PCM.
PCM is EXPANDING! We currently have 3 classroom IA positions open: Stand-alone Kindergarten, Younger Elementary (1st - 3rd), Older Elementary (4th-6th), and Adolescent Community (7th-9th).
Special Education (SPED) Para / instructional assistant
The Special Education Instructional Assistant or aka Paraprofessional will support the Director of Specialized Programs to ensure each of our IEP students receives the support they need in the classroom environment. PCM's specialized program staff partner and collaborate with general education staff to deliver SDI to students and create a unified front of support.
SUBSTITUTES (Instructional Assistants, Teachers, Office Support, Food Service)
There are several substitute opportunities at PCM including Guide/Teacher, Instructional Assistants (IA), Office Support, Food Service, and Bus Driver (this is a separate application). Subbing in the classroom at PCM is different from subbing in a traditional school setting. PCM subs normally serve as the second adult in the room. Unless a sub is Montessori trained and possesses a state certificate or is emergency certified, they will not be asked to lead the Montessori classroom environment. For this reason we can accept subs who do not have state certification. This will require the sub to obtain emergency certification though. If you have more questions about how subbing works at PCM please reach out to the main office 509-336-5909.
Regardless of the sub position, all sub candidates must pass an OSPI sanctioned background check (paid by the candidate) and must complete a minimum number of trainings specific to their role to qualify. Training time is paid for by PCM.
PCM subs are guaranteed a minimum of 4 hours. The pay rate for subs varies by role and ranges between $19.89 - $23.15 per hour.
What Will I Need to be Considered for a Sub Position at PCM?:
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Application form
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Fingerprint/background check (completed within the last two years and on file with OSPI) o if you have not completed this please pick up a fingerprint/background check packet from the PCM main office
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Washington State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release
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Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
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Copy of social security card and driver's license (or other appropriate identification)
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W-4 Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate
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Department of Retirement Systems Eligibility documentation
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Verification of receipt of Staff and Volunteer Handbook
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Direct Deposit Authorization (optional)
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* If applying as a certificated sub: copy of WA State Teaching Certificate
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* If applying as a certificated sub: copy of College Transcripts (must be an official copy, electronic is fine)
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* If applying as an emergency sub (i.e. you would like to sub in the classroom and do not possess a WA State Teaching Certificate) - if approved by PCM as an emergency sub we will initiate your request with OSPI and you will need to complete this request in your e-certification account. For more information on accessing your e-certification account (or establishing it for the first time) please visit https://www.k12.wa.us/certification/e-certification-washington-state-educators)
A note for Classroom subs (Guide/Teacher or IA):
We consider applicants that have a WA State teaching certification as well as those who have no teaching certification but possess bachelor's degree or higher. Those without a teaching certification who have a bachelor's degree or higher may be sponsored by PCM as an emergency sub. We ask all sub candidates to engage in an on-site interview that is followed by the candidate observing in two of our classrooms to ensure the experience is a good fit and they understand the scope of the work.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
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Experience working with school-age children
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Demonstrated dynamic, positive qualities and personal characteristics necessary to build trust and effective working relationships with staff, parents, and students
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Passion for Pullman Community Montessori’s mission, matched with a strong work ethic
Preferred Qualifications:
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Degree in Education
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WA state or equivalent teaching certification OR the ability to obtain a Washington State Emergency Substitute Certificate which includes successful completion of an OSPI sanctioned fingerprint/background check
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Experience in Montessori and/or charter schools
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Ability to communicate in language(s) other than English
Essential Job Related Activities:
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Maintain a positive, calm, and safe learning environment
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Support the Instructional Assistant, who will assume the Teacher/Guide position upon the Teacher/Guide's absence. An IA roles and responsibilities guide will be shared and is classroom specific.
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Help to maintain appropriate student records including daily pictures, grades, and attendance reports
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Support in maintaining the classroom procedures and rules
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Maintain confidentiality at all times
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Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing
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Demonstrate professionalism at all times (appearance, actions, decisions, etc.)
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Work with minimal supervision and remain flexible
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Learn the basics of supporting a Montessori environment by reading the volunteer handbook and engaging in short, self-paced professional development modules
Head of School
The HOS will be responsible for oversight and accountability for school-wide operations and finances, primary liaison to the governing board and charter authorizer, provider of external-facing leadership on communications, partnership-building, and fundraising, facilities and business management duties.
Special Education (SPED) Teacher-Director of Specialized Programs
As PCM is committed to guiding ALL students to reach their full potential, we will employ a full-time SPED Teacher – Director of Specialized Programs beginning our first year of operation. The SPED teacher will collaborate with the Montessori coach, teachers, and classroom assistants to support students with elevated needs and help ensure all PCM staff members are working together collectively to provide a unified front of support. Based on student needs, this team member will also act as a liaison between our local educational service district and local service providers to secure the intervention team needed to provide the necessary services, accommodations, and modifications to students and families.
Administrative Positions
Leaders that are intentional and that make smart strategic choices to promote a school environment where teachers are supported and held to high expectations are a foundational component of a high-quality school. PCM also believes the expectations we hold for our students, displayed through our core values, We Are LEADERS and our school norms (accountability, character, integrity, and a growth mindset), should be reflected by the adults they come into contact with and who model leadership in their school, both within the school and broader community.
To that end PCM will be led by a Head of School (HOS) and supported by a Montessori Coach (MC). The HOS and their contracted support possess the financial, operational, and academic experience and acumen to lead a thriving nonprofit public school and retain the innovative mindset and vision to support a whole-child developmental model like PCM's. The Montessori Coach brings additional academic experience and acumen.
Montessori Coach
The role of the Montessori Coach (MC) is integral in supporting a high-fidelity Montessori model and supporting instructional staff in their journey of professional flourishing. The MC serves as the instructional coach, instructional staff professional development coordinator, and Nautilus-Child Study Lead for the PCM program.
Office Manager
The office manager fills a dynamic role with the responsibility of managing the operation of the front office with a smile: managing data bases; greeting families; supporting administrative needs; providing support services for students, families, and the public; and monitoring school compliance.
Office Assistant
The office assistant supports the office manager in their duties. This position is a full-time position with benefits.
Food Service Professional
The Food Service Professional prepares meals for students in alignment with the national school meal program guidelines. This position is supported by the Food Service Manager at a sister charter school.
0.8 FTE School Nurse
The school nurse supports student success by providing health care through assessment, intervention, and follow-up for all children within the school setting. The school nurse addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social health needs of students and supports their achievement in the learning process. This role includes providing preventive and screening services, health education and assistance with decision-making about health, and immunization against preventable diseases.
School Bus Driver & sUB DRIVERS
The school bus driver is responsible for ensuring student punctuality and safety to and from school. They are capable of safely driving in all weather and road conditions and can maintain order during transit while upholding our LEADERS values.
Operations team positions
PCM is dedicated to creating a community of professionals that model PCM's culture with all stakeholders and provide personalized support for its students and families. We also believe that expanding our definition of community beyond our classrooms and direct school environment is essential for creating a positive culture of excellence and inclusion while integrating the diverse resources of our community to enrich and support the student experience. To achieve our mission and goals, a diverse team of specialized operational staff is imperative.