Upper Elementary Lead Teacher

Montessori de Santa Cruz is seeking a passionate, nurturing, and skilled Lead Teacher to guide our combined Upper Elementary classroom serving 4th–6th grade students. In this dynamic role, you will inspire a love of learning, foster independence, and support students during the important transition into upper elementary years.

We are a small, community-centered public Montessori charter school where relationships matter, class sizes are intentionally small, and children are known deeply by their teachers. Our Upper Elementary classroom is a combined 4th–6th grade environment with a small class size and a full-time classroom assistant assigned to support you.

This is a full-time, benefited position with a supportive leadership team and a collaborative school culture.

Why Join Our School?

• Small class size
• Full-time classroom assistant assigned to your room
• Student-to-staff ratio of approximately 1:13
• Combined 4th–6th grade classroom
• 4-day instructional week (Monday–Thursday)
• Only 1 Friday per month dedicated to Professional Development
• Full benefits package including health, dental, and vision
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Contract completion bonuses
• Close-knit, supportive school community
• Beautiful Montessori learning environment
• Opportunities for Montessori training and professional growth

Responsibilities

• Design and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons aligned with Montessori philosophy and upper elementary best practices.
• Lead a combined 4th–6th grade classroom with individualized, small-group, and whole-group instruction.
• Foster a warm, inclusive, and structured classroom environment that promotes curiosity, independence, leadership, and intrinsic motivation.
• Support academic growth in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies through integrated, hands-on learning experiences.
• Guide students in developing executive functioning, organization, collaboration, responsibility, and conflict resolution skills.
• Utilize effective classroom management strategies rooted in Montessori principles, respect, and positive guidance.
• Collaborate closely with your classroom assistant to ensure strong instructional delivery and classroom organization.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, classroom activities, and developmental needs.
• Monitor student growth using formative assessments, school-based evaluation tools, and state assessment data.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging prepared Montessori environment.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, intervention staff, and special education providers to support students with a range of learning needs.
• Participate in school-wide events, professional development, and collaborative planning with colleagues.

Qualifications

• Arizona teaching certification (Elementary Education preferred), or eligibility to obtain certification.
• Experience teaching upper elementary-aged students, preferably grades 4–6.
• Strong understanding of child development and academic expectations for upper elementary students.
• Experience with curriculum planning, classroom management, and differentiated instruction.
• Montessori credential preferred (or willingness to pursue Montessori training).
• Experience supporting diverse learners, including students with special education needs, is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our Ideal Candidate

You are:

• Patient, warm, and deeply child-centered
• Organized, proactive, and flexible
• Passionate about small-group, individualized instruction
• Excited by teaching in a mixed-age classroom
• Energized by working in a small community school
• Committed to creating a joyful, peaceful, and engaging learning environment
• Interested in growing professionally through Montessori training and collaboration

If you are seeking a position where you can truly know your students, teach with intention, and work in a supportive, close-knit environment with a healthy work-life balance, we would love to connect with you.

Pay: $37,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $37,000 - $50,000