Lower Elementary Assistant Guide

Status: Full-time (Exempt)
Classification: 10-month Faculty
Supervisor: Associate Lower School Director
Location: In-person instruction at the MSR Campus in Raleigh
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Position Summary
The Montessori School of Raleigh (MSR) seeks an experienced Lower Elementary Assistant Guide for the 2026–2027 school year beginning August 6, 2026. The ideal candidate will support the Lead Guide in fostering a prepared, engaging, and developmentally appropriate Montessori Lower Elementary environment that encourages independence, collaboration, curiosity, and respect for each child’s academic, social, and emotional development.

Overview
Established in 1974, The Montessori School of Raleigh (MSR) & Carolina Preparatory Academy (Carolina Prep) is a vibrant and exceptional independent Montessori and International Baccalaureate (IB) World School institution in the Triangle area serving 400 students aged 15 months through 18 years. The school is committed to the intellectual, ethical, and personal development of our students. Our Montessori programs for Toddler - Upper Elementary students (15 months - grade 6) are located on a beautifully-designed campus situated on 10 acres in North Raleigh, comprising five buildings in a child-centered, village-like setting surrounded by wetlands and protected forest. Our International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma programmes for middle and high school students (grades 6 - 12)  are housed on an expansive 40-acre wooded campus in the Brier Creek neighborhood of  Durham. Driven by our core values of “Respect,” “Integrity,” “Community,” and “Love of Learning,” MSR and Carolina Prep welcomes prospective employees of all backgrounds. We are committed to attracting and retaining the highest quality faculty and staff through a comprehensive compensation plan, including competitive salary and an expansive benefits package. MSR and Carolina Prep are accredited by AMS and Cognia, and authorized by the IBO.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in elementary education or related field

• Montessori credentials preferred (AMI, AMS, or MACTE) with Lower Elementary training preferred

• Minimum two years teaching experience at the elementary level

• Committed to the mission and core values of MSR

• Develops and maintains positive relationships with students, colleagues, parents, and other members of the MSR community

• Flexible team player with a “can-do” attitude

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team of diverse individuals

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse learning community

• Student-centered, collegial, passionate, and innovative

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Adhere to and uphold American Montessori Society (AMS) guidelines, professional standards, and ethical practices at all times

• Ensure the physical, emotional, and social safety and well-being of all students throughout the school day

• Support the preparation, maintenance, and supervision of the Lower Elementary Montessori classroom environment, ensuring materials are organized, complete, and developmentally appropriate

• Assist in the implementation of the established Lower Elementary Montessori scope and sequence under the direction of the Lead Guide

• Support students in developing independence, responsibility, and executive functioning skills within the work cycle

• Provide consistent supervision and guidance during classroom work cycles, group lessons, transitions, outdoor time, meals, and enrichment periods

• Partner closely with the Lead Guide by clearly understanding and fulfilling assigned responsibilities and maintaining open, respectful communication

• Collaborate with colleagues, divisional team members, and interdisciplinary specialists to support student academic, social, and emotional development

• Support Student Support Services initiatives by assisting with observations, documentation, and implementation of recommended strategies and accommodations

• Assist with classroom observations, data collection, and preparation for assessments as directed by the Lead Guide

• Maintain a receptive, reflective approach to feedback and contribute to a data-informed and student-centered classroom culture

• Participate in ongoing professional development to deepen understanding of Montessori philosophy, child development (ages 6–9), and instructional best practices

• Attend all required faculty meetings, team meetings, and professional development sessions

• Represent the School positively and professionally in interactions with students, families, colleagues, and the broader community

• Support home/school communication by reinforcing consistent, respectful interactions with parents through school-sanctioned communication channels

• Assist with maintaining accurate classroom records, materials inventory, and documentation within Transparent Classroom as assigned

• Support Parent Education events and school community activities, including occasional evening hours

• Commit to working one week of the School’s summer program during SummerScape 2027

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Lower School Director, Lower Elementary Team Lead, Lower School Director, or Head of School

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
Lower Elementary Assistant Guide  can expect to:

• Function effectively in a fast-paced school environment, managing a wide variety of priorities, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts

• Demonstrates warmth, patience, flexibility, and a genuine respect for young children

• Work primarily in a traditional classroom environment, with daily periods of time outdoors

• Supervise groups of students and regularly engage with parents, staff, and visitors 

• Perform physical tasks associated with classroom instruction and supervision, including occasionally lifting and carrying up to 30 lbs.

• Turn, bend, and reach

It is the policy of The Montessori School of Raleigh to make employment decisions on the basis of qualifications for a specific job without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national or ethnic origin, age, veteran status, or the presence of a disability, except where such is a bona fide occupational qualification. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference check with current employer (or most recent employer if not currently employed) and background investigation. 

To apply
Please upload a resume and cover letter.

About Raleigh-Durham
The Raleigh-Durham area is consistently ranked among the top places to live with strong job growth and a high quality of life. Top universities, a rich diversity of arts and cultural offerings, excellent health care, and lower than average housing costs, draw people in from all over the nation. Our mild climate and proximity to both beaches and mountains makes the Raleigh-Durham area an ideal place to live.