Lower Elementary Lead Guide

Status: Full-time (Exempt)
Classification: 10-month Faculty
Supervisor: 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 a Montessori-trained Lower Elementary Lead Guide for the 2026-2027 school year beginning August 6, 2026. Under the general direction of the Lower School Director, the ideal candidate will lead a Lower Elementary classroom and will oversee students 6-9 years of age. The Lower Elementary Lead Guide will challenge each child to reach their fullest potential academically, emotionally, and physically in a prepared Montessori environment.

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, preferably in Education or a related field, Master’s degree preferred

• Montessori Elementary (6-12) Credentials (AMS, AMI, or MACTE accredited)

• Minimum three years teaching experience at the Lower 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 “can-do” attitude

• Ability to work independently and collaborate in teams with a wide range of individuals

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

• Student-centered, collegial, passionate, innovative

Essential Duties & 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 students in the classroom at all times

• Prepare, maintain, and supervise a Lower Elementary Montessori classroom environment in which the furnishings and materials are developmentally appropriate and provide academic purpose

• Deliver established Lower Elementary Montessori scope and sequence, ensuring alignment with the School’s curriculum standards

• Maintain a supportive and collaborative partnership with administration and colleagues to assist with curriculum development and implementation within the context of the School's overall program and mission

• Collaborate actively and participate within a divisional team and partner with interdisciplinary specialists to support student growth and learning

• Provide a supportive and collaborative partnership with the classroom assistant by clearly communicating responsibilities and expectations 

• Partner with Student Support Services to ensure student success, developmental readiness, and appropriate interventions when needed

• Administer and review  standardized tests with fidelity,  ensuring results and data are used to inform instructional planning and individualized student support needs

• Maintain a receptive and data-driven approach, integrating assessment insights into daily teaching practices

• Engage in ongoing professional development that supports continuous growth and excellence in Montessori education

• Attend all required faculty and team meetings

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

• Maintain a strong home/school partnership by ensuring consistent, timely, and respectful lines of communication with parents through school-sanctioned communication methods

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date student record keeping, lesson planning, progress reports, and parent conferences via our internal educational record-keeping system Transparent Classroom.

• Participate in and help lead Parent Education events, including some evening hours, to strengthen community knowledge and understanding of Montessori philosophy and practice

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

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

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The Lower Elementary Lead 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

• 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 from current employer (or most recent employer if not currently employed) and background investigation. 

To apply

Please upload a resume and cover letter. No phone calls please.

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.