Montessori Teacher: Primary Lead Guide

Position Summary

The Primary Lead Guide is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and engaging Montessori learning environment for ages 3 through 6 years old. The Lead Guide must support and nuture each child's academic, social, emotional, and physical development. The Lead Guide implements Montessori philosophy and curriculum while fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership

• Prepare and maintain a beautiful, orderly, and developmentally appropriate Montessori environment.
• Present Montessori lessons and materials according to Montessori philosophy and best practices.
• Observe, assess, and document each child's progress and development through Transparent Classroom
• Develop individualized learning plans based on student needs and interests.
• Maintain accurate student records and progress reports.

Child Development & Guidance

• Foster independence, self-confidence, and respect among students.
• Support the social-emotional growth of each child through positive guidance techniques.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children in the classroom.
• Model grace, courtesy, and respectful communication.

Family Communication

• Build positive relationships with families through regular communication and partnership.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences and provide updates on student progress.
• Address family questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Participate in school events, open houses, and community-building activities.

Team Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor Assistant Guides and classroom support staff.
• Collaborate with colleagues and administration to support school-wide initiatives.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and training opportunities.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative school culture.

Licensing & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with all state licensing regulations, health and safety requirements, and school policies.
• Ensure proper supervision ratios and classroom procedures are consistently followed.
• Complete required documentation, incident reports, and assessments as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Montessori certification from an accredited Montessori training program (AMI, AMS, MACTE-accredited, or equivalent) for ages 3-6 years old or willing to participate in AMS training program.
• Experience working in a Montessori classroom.
• High School Diploma.
• Trained in CPR/First Aid.
• Comfortable communicating with parents, creating lesson plans, and presenting information in English.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with staff and families.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and actively engage with children throughout the day.

Preferred

• Experience working in a licensed childcare or private school setting.
• Experience supervising or mentoring assistant teachers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of Montessori philosophy and child development.
• Ability to observe and respond to the individual needs of children.
• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and families.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respectful community building.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, from 8am-4:30pm with occasional evening or weekend events, parent meetings, or professional development opportunities. This is an all-year-round position and does not follow public-school summer closures.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• AMS Montessori professional development opportunities
• Tuition discount for eligible children

About Our School

At Illuminante Montessori at Montclair, we are dedicated to nurturing independent, capable, and compassionate learners through authentic Montessori education. Our teachers are passionate educators who inspire children to explore, discover, and reach their full potential in a supportive and joyful learning environment.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience working with preschool age children (3-5 years old)?
• Do you have experience working in a Montessori school with children aged 0-5 years old?

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Dumfries, VA 22025 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $60,000