Montessori Partnership Coordinator en Des Moines Public School District

TITLE: Montessori Partnership Coordinator

POSTION TYPE: SPEC

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

Required:

1. Valid Iowa teaching license.
2. Montessori Elementary I and II credentials.
3. Minimum five years of successful Montessori teaching experience.
4. Experience providing professional learning or instructional coaching.
5. Building or district-level leadership experience.

Desired:

1. Master’s degree in education, Montessori Education, or Educational Leadership.
2. Experience managing partnerships or graduate-level program design.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Montessori Partnership Coordinator serves as a strategic leader and liaison between Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) and Drake University to design, implement, and sustain the DMPS/Drake Montessori Master’s Degree Program. This position provides leadership coaching, curriculum alignment, and program oversight across DMPS Montessori sites to ensure coherence with district priorities, university standards, and NCMPS requirements. The coordinator supports teachers, leaders, and program participants through ongoing professional learning, implementation coaching, and system alignment that strengthens Montessori practice and outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Coordinate all aspects of the DMPS/Drake Montessori Master's Degree Program, including course development, sequence, outcomes, and yearly program review. 
2. Lead alignment of Montessori curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices with DMPS frameworks and Iowa Core Standards.
3. Provide coaching and professional learning for teachers and leaders to strengthen Montessori implementation and instructional effectiveness.
4. Collaborate with district departments and Drake University to align systems, communication, and program operations.
5. Serve as practicum supervisor and provide leadership coaching within Montessori classrooms.
6. Collect, analyze, and interpret data to evaluate program success and guide continuous improvement.
7. Manage program budgets and resources in alignment with district and university priorities.
8. Support participant recruitment, selection, onboarding, and ongoing professional development.
9. Develop and facilitate high-quality professional learning for teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators.
10. Build and sustain partnerships with local and national organizations to enhance Montessori pathways and teacher preparation.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

1. Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
4. Assist with other duties as may be assigned

EVALUATES: NA
POSITION INVENTORY:  C45

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

FT/PT: Full Time

DAYS: 260       HOURS: 8.0

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Standing, walking, sitting, climbing stairs, bending/stooping, driving, ability to lift 30 pounds and carry 35 feet. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: Indoors the majority of the time.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Approved By: Emily Behrens

Date:1/23/2025