Lead Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

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

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 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

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"