Montessori Infant/Toddler Teacher

Seeking Full-Time, Year-Round Toddler Co-Lead or Assistant Teacher for Seeds of Wonder, a nature-based Montessori early childhood program in Kittery, Maine. This position begins on October 1, 2026.

Established in 2021 as a partnership between Brixham Montessori Friends School and White Pine Programs in York, ME, Seeds of Wonder’s mission is to nurture each child’s sense of wonder, curiosity, and kinship with the natural world through a collaborative approach to nature-based Montessori education. Children ages 18 months - 5 years spend equal time indoors and outside year-round. Located within the Kittery Community Center, our program uses the Rogers Park Conservation Area as the setting for our outdoor classrooms.

If you are collaborative, innovative, and deeply committed to nature-connected learning within a Montessori framework, please send a cover letter and resume to Alison Bell, Executive Director of Seeds of Wonder at

Job Description

Education and Training:

• Infant/Toddler Montessori certification preferred
• A degree in environmental education/outdoor education and relevant fields, early childhood education, or extensive professional experience in relevant fields of work.
• Bachelor's degree, preferably in education, family studies or environmental studies
• Experience or willingness to be trained in: Positive Discipline, Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS), and Health and Safety, Forest School
• If not already part of the Montessori community, a willingness to be trained in Montessori practices

Job Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of Montessori teaching experience or strong background in nature education, the arts and sciences, or related fields
• Knowledge of child development from 6 months - 3 years of age
• Teaching groups of children in traditional and non-traditional settings, with preference for outdoor experience
• Training and experience with special needs and at-risk children, helpful but not required.

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to collaborate and work in a team environment
• Demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and ability to “think outside the box”
• High level of comfort with the outdoors
• Genuine love of children, families and all things in art and nature
• Values an inclusive, holistic and community-driven approach to teaching and learning

Physical Ability/General Requirements:

• Capable of walking on uneven, hilly ground, through snow and cold and rainy weather.
• Capable of carrying 50 lbs outdoors.
• Minimum age of 21 years old.
• Willing to have a background check upon hire as well as any time as an employee.

Role Expectations

• Co-Lead Montessori and nature-based programming across all four seasons in all weather conditions for children ages 12-18 months.
• Work directly with co/lead teachers and administrators to ensure that programs are delivered at a high level, with a focus on developmentally appropriate activities.
• Ability to be a dynamic team member working in a collaborative education setting.
• Model professional, ethical and safe behavior for staff, volunteers, and program participants.
• Maintain program property and materials including infrastructure, gear, program materials, and bathroom facilities.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings throughout the program year.

Administrative & Preparatory Work

• Contribute to program curriculum and student evaluations.
• Communicate with families consistently throughout the program year.
• Complete administrative tasks as required by school leadership that relate to your role.
• Participate in administrative meetings as they relate to your role.
• Participate in all-school community events such as Parent Education nights and seasonal celebrations

Safety

• Follow and ensure adherence to safety and risk assessment procedures by other staff, volunteers, and students.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $43,000-$46,500 (52 weeks per year /34 hours per week)
• 3% Retirement Matching Contribution
• Bi-weekly Health Care stipend
• Paid Holidays: Up to 10 days
• Paid Vacations: Up to 5 weeks
• Paid Personal and Sick Days: Earned Paid Leave up to 80 hours per year
• Paid Professional and Teacher Work Days
• Professional Development Stipend: $500
• Up to 70% tuition reduction for children of full-time employee enrolled at Seeds

Pay: $43,000.00 - $46,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $43,000 - $46,500