Montessori Teacher

Position Title: Lead Teacher

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Program Director

Work Location: In Person – Santa Fe, NM

Position Summary

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the planning and implementation of the Montessori curriculum within the classroom and for creating a prepared environment that supports the academic, social, and emotional development of each child. This role provides instructional leadership, establishes classroom expectations, and sets academic and social goals for students.

The Lead Teacher maintains consistent communication with families regarding student progress and engagement and ensures that students are cared for, supervised, and actively involved in meaningful learning experiences throughout the school day.

About Desert Montessori School

Desert Montessori School (DMS) is an independent Montessori school serving children ages 2 through 12 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. DMS provides a thoughtfully prepared learning environment grounded in Montessori principles and informed by best practices in contemporary education.

The school is committed to maintaining strong academic standards, respectful communication, and a safe, developmentally appropriate environment that supports the growth of the whole child.

Key ResponsibilitiesInstruction & Classroom Leadership

• Plan and implement Montessori curriculum in alignment with program standards
• Create and maintain a prepared classroom environment that supports independent learning
• Establish classroom expectations and maintain a positive, respectful tone
• Set academic and social goals for students and monitor progress

Student Supervision & Engagement

• Ensure students are properly supervised and cared for throughout the school day
• Foster a safe, orderly, and responsive classroom environment
• Support students’ academic, social, and emotional development

Family Communication

• Maintain regular and professional communication with families regarding student growth and engagement
• Participate in conferences and school-wide family engagement efforts

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the Facilitating Teacher to support classroom operations
• Share responsibilities within the teaching team while retaining primary instructional leadership
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development activities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field
• Montessori Certification or willingness to pursue one during the first year of hire
• Demonstrated classroom teaching experience
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with families and colleagues
• Commitment to student-centered, developmentally appropriate education

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with mixed-age classrooms
• Experience collaborating within a teaching team

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: $47, 000 - $60, 000

Benefits may include:

• Paid time off
• Professional development support
• Retirement plan options
• Tuition remission (if applicable)
• Maternity/Parental Leave (if applicable)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Desert Montessori School is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification under applicable law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $47,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person

Salary : $47,000 - $60,000