Marlo Tsuchiyama is the Board President for Silver Sands Montessori Charter School.  She has been working in a Charter School environment since the 2003, and served as the Director of Finance and Technology for a local charter school in Las Vegas, NV from 2005 to 2007.  Since then, her focus has been her family and this project of starting up an exciting new charter school.  Ms. Tsuchiyama has a Bachelor of Science degree from UNLV, and 14 years experience in accounting and business systems analysis in the hotel/casino, banking, and software development industries; highlights included being a part of the pre-opening team of the MGM Grand Resort/Casino and the Monte Carlo Resort/Casino in Las Vegas.  A very proud Mom of two boys, ages 10 and 8 who are currently flourishing in a Montessori school, and a beautiful two year old girl.

Carol Andrew (Bio coming soon!)

Judd J. Balmer, Esq. is the Board Vice-President for Silver Sands Montessori Charter School.  He is the founder of JUDD J. BALMER, ESQ., LTD., in Henderson, Nevada.  Mr. Balmer represents plaintiffs in personal injury and property damage matters, concentrating his practice on toxic mold litigation, construction defects, and related insurance bad faith issues.  He has represented hundreds of clients affected by mold in their single family homes, condominiums, apartments, mobile homes, and workplaces against builders, landlords, homeowners’ associations, real estate professionals, remediation companies, environmental professionals, insurance companies, and others, recovering millions of dollars for his clients.  Mr. Balmer has tried numerous cases to verdict and has argued before the Nevada Supreme Court.  He has lectured locally and nationally on topics concerning mold litigation.  Mr. Balmer received his Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Connecticut College in 1994 with majors in Government and German Studies.  He was elected to Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society.  Mr. Balmer received a Certificate in German Language and Culture with highest marks from the Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, where he studied from 1991 to 1993.  In 1994, He worked as a legislative intern for the Senate Deputy Minority Leader in the State of Connecticut General Assembly.  In 1997, Mr. Balmer received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arizona, where he served on the editorial board of the Arizona Law Review.  He has been a member of the Nevada Bar since 1997 and is licensed to practice law in all state and Federal courts in the State of Nevada.  Mr. Balmer has been a member of the Nevada Trial Lawyers Association since 1997.  He lives in Boulder City, Nevada, with his wife of 13 years, Irene, and their four children, Sebastian, Thorsten, Julian, and GiGi. He is also a competitive soccer coach for Heat FC in Henderson, Nevada.

Miah Daughtery (Bio coming soon!)

Sharon Groesbeck (Bio coming soon!)

Joan P. Sando was the Founding Director of Explore Knowledge Academy Charter School in Las Vegas, NV.  Dr. Sando earned an Ed.D from USC, a Masters Degree from Cal State, San Luis Obispo, and a B.A. from Cal State Northridge. Her experience includes 17 years of teaching, 13 years of administration in a California District and 8 years of experience with EKA Charter School.  Dr. Sando has teaching and administrative licenses in Nevada and California.

Christopher A. Steele is currently a managing member of RI Properties, LLC and St.Rose Executive Suites, LLC, and is a Professional Securities Trader.  Mr. Steele is also a Board Member and Due Diligence Chair for Vegas Valley Angels investment organization.  He earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration from UNLV, and has a strong record of achievement and development of business with experience in many areas including NPV, IRR, MIRR, budgeting, forecasting, marketing, labor/contract law, food & beverage cost control.

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Silver Sands Montessori Charter School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Executive Director/Education Director

Per NRS 386.590, applicants for this position require:

(a) A valid teacher’s license issued pursuant to chapter 391 of NRS with an administrative endorsement;

(b) A master’s degree in school administration, public administration or business administration; or

(c) At least 5 years of experience in school administration, public administration or business administration and a baccalaureate degree.

The Education Director/Executive Director shall provide direction and leadership in the management of curriculum, instruction, and daily operations of the school, and maintaining compliance with the charter agreement and charter school laws; foster a safe and caring environment for the education of children; interact with children’s parents on a daily basis both formally and informally, as needed; and provide guidance and participate in setting up fundraising goals and events. Director experience in a Montessori environment is essential; strong leadership, interpersonal and community outreach skills; effective organizational management skills; excellent communication skills with both adults and children.

Preference will be given to administrators with either Primary or Elementary Montessori training (e.g. AMS/AMI certification), and a strong understanding of the Montessori philosophy. 

Pay: Salary is dependent of experience

Montessori Teachers

– Primary (Preschool to Kindergarten)

Applicants require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and a Nevada teaching credential. Preference will be given to teachers with Montessori training (e.g. AMS/AMI certification), and a strong understanding of the Montessori philosophy. 

Pay: Salary is comparable to Clark County School District

– Lower Elementary (1st thru 3rd grades)

Applicants require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and a Nevada teaching credential. Preference will be given to teachers with Montessori training (e.g. AMS/AMI certification), and a strong understanding of the Montessori philosophy. 

Pay: Salary is comparable to Clark County School District

– Upper Elementary (4th thru 5th grades)

Applicants require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and a Nevada teaching credential. Preference will be given to teachers with Montessori training (e.g. AMS/AMI certification), and a strong understanding of the Montessori philosophy. 

Pay: Salary is comparable to Clark County School District

– Middle School (6th grade only for the 2010-11 school year)

Applicants require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and a Nevada teaching credential. Preference will be given to teachers with Montessori training (e.g. AMS/AMI certification), and a strong understanding of the Montessori philosophy. 

Pay: Salary is comparable to Clark County School District

Support Teachers (All levels)

Applicants require Associates Degree or higher and 1 to 3 years of verifiable teaching or child care experience and ability to pass background and fingerprint checks.  Preference will be given to support teachers with Montessori training (e.g. AMS/AMI certification), and a strong understanding of the Montessori philosophy.

Pay: Hourly, Dependent on experience

Part-Time Specialists to teach specials such as PE, Music, Art or Spanish

Applicants require Associates Degree or higher and 1 to 3 years of verifiable teaching experience and ability to pass background and fingerprint checks.  Preference will be given to specialists with Montessori training (e.g. AMS/AMI certification), and a strong understanding of the Montessori philosophy.

Pay: Hourly, Dependent on experience