We’re always looking for great people who believe in our mission and want to join our team. If you’re not sure just where you might fit in, reach out to us at careers@libertasmemphis.org or 901-609-3611. We’d love to talk with you about your future career at Libertas!

why teach at Libertas?

 
 
I found that what I felt in my soul for children
is being lived out here.
— Josh Shelley, first year teaching at Libertas

Why Choose Libertas?

Giving the Best for the Smallest

Rich, rigorous, personalized education through the liberal arts method of Dr. Maria Montessori. Studies show: Montessori closes achievement gaps.

A Supportive Community

A public charter school serving early childhood and elementary children in the historic Frayser community. Robust family engagement and wraparound services.

Committed to Teacher Sustainability

Small class sizes and teacher:student ratios. An Assistant Teacher in every classroom community. Competitive salary, benefits, and retirement. High teacher retention and satisfaction.

Investment in Career Development

Collaborate with a diverse and highly experienced team. Robust professional development opportunities. Arete Residency program provides financial sponsorship, training, and support to new or experienced teachers seeking a state teaching license and/or Montessori credential.


experienced teachers

Experienced Teachers can be hired as Lead Teachers at Libertas School while completing Montessori training and/or earning a Tennessee teaching license. Arete Memphis Public Montessori Residency is Libertas School’s in-house teacher preparation program. Arete is specifically designed to provide Montessori training while preparing teachers for meeting the demands of the public sector and serving children in high-need communities. Arete’s teacher training model includes:

1) High-quality Montessori training, qualifying candidates for a nationally recognized Montessori teaching credential; 

2) Integrated instruction in educator best practices based on state and national teacher preparation standards, qualifying candidates for Tennessee teaching licensure or endorsements (Early Childhood PreK-3 or Elementary K-5); 

3) Academic year residency supported by a Community of Practice and school-based coaching and mentorship.

 
 

New to Teaching: Libertas Teacher Apprenticeship

Our Teacher Apprenticeship is a 3-4 semester program that includes completing 280 hours of Montessori Residency training coursework, 2,000 hours of on the job learning, approximately 150 hours of independent classwork & study, and passing certification examinations, upon completion of which a candidate will earn both a state teaching license and a nationally-accredited Montessori teaching diploma. During the apprenticeship, the Apprentice Teacher will help their Lead Teacher run a peaceful, orderly, rich, nurturing classroom that cultivates children’s minds, hearts, and hands for lives of wonder, work, and love.

 
 

Assistant Teachers and Other Support Staff

Our Assistant Teachers receive in-depth training and support to equip them to help the Montessori Lead Teacher run a peaceful, orderly, rich, nurturing classroom that cultivates children’s minds, hearts, and hands for lives of wonder, work, and love.

In addition, our support staff are critical team members who support the mission of our school in Operations, Special Education, Academic Intervention, Family Engagement, Instructional Support, and our Attachment Village of socio-emotional and behavior support.

 
 

Our Team

Libertas has an excellent, diverse team of experienced educators and support personnel. Our average lead teacher has 10 years of experience. All lead teachers are certified and Montessori trained; all staff participate in ongoing professional development. 

BOB NARDOExecutive Director

BOB NARDO

Executive Director

JOSH SHELLEYPrincipal

JOSH SHELLEY

Principal

NANSA CATCHNGSDirector of Operations

NANSA CATCHNGS

People Officer

LEAH SAM

Dean of Family Engagement


community partners

  • Lifeline to Success

  • LeBonheur Children’s Hospital & Urban Child Institute

  • First 8 / Seeding Success

  • Teach901

  • Memphis Teacher Residency

  • Center for Black Educator Development

  • Frayser Exchange Club

  • National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector

  • University of Memphis

  • Man Up Teach

  • Memphis Symphony Orchestra

  • Southwest Tennessee Community College

  • Operation Taking Back 901


advocacy

Libertas and our parents advocate for our children. Here are some of the public officials who have visited our school or worked with us: Governor Bill Lee; Mayor Lee Harris; former Education Commissioner Candace McQueen; state representatives Mark White, Larry Miller, and Debra Moody; state senators Raumesh Akbari and Dolores Gresham; Board of Education member Stephanie Love; Shelby County Commissioners Van Turner, Tami Sawyer, Brandon Morrison, and Willie Brooks; and many more.

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Libertas is an equal opportunity employer. For information about our Title IX training, please see this link. Our Title IX contact can be reached at info@libertasmemphis.org or 901-609-3611 or 3777 Edenburg Dr, Memphis TN 38127