Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
Role Overview
At Illuminate Montessori, our Lead Teachers are masters of the prepared environment, partners with families, and guides towards each child’s independence and growth.
The Lead Teacher represents leadership in their classroom, and overall community; Mentoring colleagues and providing and a high level of care and empowerment in a mixed-age Montessori classroom. This role is ideal for an educator who is deeply committed to Montessori philosophy, values collaboration, and embraces continuous growth. Our Lead Teachers typically work an 8 hour shift between the windows of 8:00AM - 5:30PM Monday through Friday, although individual schedules may vary based on the discretion of the Director
Our Core Values in Action
At Illuminate Montessori, we live our values every day:
The Child Always Comes First – We protect each child’s right to independence, dignity, and development at their own pace.
Commitment to Partnering with Families – We believe education is strongest when school and home work together
Be a Swan – We lead with calm professionalism, even in challenging moments.
Embrace Growth – We reflect, receive feedback openly, and commit to lifelong learning.
Lead Guide Core Responsibilities
Lead a Model Montessori Classroom
- Lesson planning maintaining developmentally appropriate yet challenging lessons
- Create and maintain a beautiful, calm, and orderly prepared environment
- Foster independence, confidence, and self-regulation through respectful, joyful interactions
- Collaborate closely with your Assistant Teacher to ensure consistency, clarity of roles, and a high-functioning classroom team
- Observe each child intentionally; document progress, strengths, interests, and growth areas to inform individualized guidance
- Collaborate closely with your Assistant Teacher to ensure consistency, clarity of roles, and a high-functioning classroom team
Build a Strong School Community
- Contribute to school culture through community events, classroom celebrations, and other unique events
- Proactively problem-solve student and classroom challenges through collaboration and professional reflection
Embrace Growth and Self-Motivation
- Actively participate in staff meetings, professional learning sessions, and one-on-one check-ins with leadership and Montessori Mentors.
- Receive and thoughtfully implement feedback from Lead Teachers, Montessori Mentors, and the Director
- Engage in ongoing professional development, reflecting a growth mindset and commitment to excellence in Montessori practice
Partner with Families
- Build authentic, trusting relationships with families through consistent, respectful communication
- Communicate regularly using Illuminate Montessori’s approved tools (email, newsletters, photo sharing platforms, conferences, etc.).
- Meet with families individually as concerns arise, approaching conversations with empathy, professionalism, and solution-focused thinking
-Provide resources and educate parents based on child's unique needs and goals
Requirements:
Qualifications
? Demonstrated ability to lead a classroom independently and mentor Assistant Teachers
? Demonstrated passion for the Montessori method
? Growth mindset and problem-solving approach
? Ability to embrace and exemplify Illuminate Montessori “Core Values"