Lead Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Montessori Children’s Center | San Francisco, CA
Full-time | Starting at $35/hour, with higher pay based on experience and qualifications
Desired start: November 2026

Join a school that believes exceptional Montessori education begins with well-supported teachers.

Montessori Children’s Center is a classical Montessori school in the Parkmerced neighborhood of San Francisco, serving children ages 2-6.

Since 1976, MCC has helped generations of children develop independence, focus, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. Our classrooms are calm and thoughtfully prepared, our teaching is individualized, and our extensive outdoor space gives children daily opportunities to connect with nature.

Just as importantly, we are building a school where families feel proactively supported and teachers are consistently well cared for.

Why Teachers Choose MCC

• Discounted housing: Access to a discounted housing benefit in the Parkmerced neighborhood of San Francisco.
• Generous time off: Our academic calendar includes two weeks of winter break, one week of spring break, two weeks of summer break, mandated closures, and all federal holidays, in addition to sick and emergency leave.
• Health and financial benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Wellness and coaching: Designated wellness days, wellness amenities within the school, and access to a private professional coaching benefit.
• Professional growth: Ongoing professional development, opportunities for career advancement, and regular compensation reviews as the school grows.
• A supportive environment: Work alongside a collaborative team that values thoughtful communication, professionalism, and respect for educators.

Out-of-area candidates are welcome to apply.

About the Role

As our Lead Primary Montessori Teacher (also known as Lead Primary Guide), you will lead a Montessori environment for children ages 3-6 and protect the conditions that make authentic Montessori learning possible: a thoughtfully prepared classroom, an uninterrupted work cycle, careful observation, individualized presentations, and respectful relationships.

You will work closely with assistant teachers, families, and school leadership while helping each child develop independence, concentration, curiosity, confidence, and care for others.

What You’ll Do

• Guide individualized Montessori learning: Observe children closely and deliver developmentally appropriate Montessori presentations based on each child’s readiness, interests, strengths, and individual path of development.
• Prepare the environment: Maintain a beautiful, orderly, safe, and inviting Montessori classroom with complete, accessible materials and protected uninterrupted work cycles.
• Support the whole child: Foster independence, concentration, intrinsic motivation, grace and courtesy, positive social development, and responsive self-care.
• Lead the classroom team: Mentor and collaborate with assistant teachers, provide clear guidance, model Montessori best practices, and contribute to a respectful and supportive team culture.
• Partner with families: Maintain proactive and thoughtful communication with families, including daily updates and weekly progress reports through Illumine.
• Observe and document: Maintain objective observations and accurate records to guide curriculum planning, individualized instruction, family communication, and conferences.
• Extend learning beyond the classroom: Help develop and lead afternoon experiences in nature, gardening, art, music, movement, and other areas that respond to children’s interests and developmental needs.

All teachers also share responsibility for the active supervision, safety, care, and day-to-day functioning of the classroom and school.

Required Qualifications

• MACTE-accredited Primary 3-6 Montessori credential from an AMI, AMS, or IMC/CGMS-affiliated training program.
• At least 1 year of experience as a Lead Primary Montessori Guide.
• Minimum of 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, including the California-required core coursework, or an out-of-state or international degree or coursework determined to be equivalent to California’s ECE requirements.
• Ability to meet California childcare licensing requirements, including background clearance, health screening and TB requirements, and Mandated Reporter Training.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Ability to work comfortably at a child’s level, move throughout indoor and outdoor environments, and lift up to 30 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of teaching experience in a licensed Montessori childcare center or preschool.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting at $35 per hour or higher , based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous paid time off, professional development support, discounted Parkmerced housing, professional coaching, wellness benefits, and regular compensation reviews.

If you are an experienced Montessori educator looking for a school where you can do meaningful work, build strong relationships with children and families, and be supported as both a teacher and a professional, we would love to hear from you.

Apply to join Montessori Children’s Center and help shape the next generation of confident, curious, lifelong learners.

Montessori Children’s Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Montessori Children’s Center is a classical Montessori school in the Parkmerced neighborhood of San Francisco, serving children ages 2-6.

Since 1976, MCC has helped generations of children develop independence, focus, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. Our classrooms are calm and thoughtfully prepared, our teaching is individualized, and our extensive outdoor space gives children daily opportunities to connect with nature.

Just as importantly, we are building a school where families feel proactively supported and teachers are consistently well cared for.

Why Teachers Choose MCC
Pathway for professional growth: Develop your practice alongside experienced Montessori educators, with opportunities for ongoing training and career advancement.

Montessori training support: For the right candidate, MCC may support enrollment in a MACTE-accredited Montessori teacher training program.

Discounted housing: Access to a discounted housing benefit in the Parkmerced neighborhood of San Francisco.

Generous time off: Our academic calendar includes two weeks of winter break, one week of spring break, two weeks of summer break, mandated closures, and all federal holidays, in addition to sick and emergency leave.

Health and financial benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a retirement savings plan.

Wellness and coaching: Designated wellness days, wellness amenities within the school, and access to a private professional coaching benefit.

A supportive team: Work in a collaborative environment that values thoughtful communication, professionalism, and respect for educators.

Company Description

Montessori Children’s Center is a classical Montessori school in the Parkmerced neighborhood of San Francisco, serving children ages 2-6.\r\rSince 1976, MCC has helped generations of children develop independence, focus, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. Our classrooms are calm and thoughtfully prepared, our teaching is individualized, and our extensive outdoor space gives children daily opportunities to connect with nature.\r\rJust as importantly, we are building a school where families feel proactively supported and teachers are consistently well cared for.\r\rWhy Teachers Choose MCC\rPathway for professional growth: Develop your practice alongside experienced Montessori educators, with opportunities for ongoing training and career advancement.\r\rMontessori training support: For the right candidate, MCC may support enrollment in a MACTE-accredited Montessori teacher training program.\r\rDiscounted housing: Access to a discounted housing benefit in the Parkmerced neighborhood of San Francisco.\r\rGenerous time off: Our academic calendar includes two weeks of winter break, one week of spring break, two weeks of summer break, mandated closures, and all federal holidays, in addition to sick and emergency leave.\r\rHealth and financial benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a retirement savings plan.\r\rWellness and coaching: Designated wellness days, wellness amenities within the school, and access to a private professional coaching benefit.\r\rA supportive team: Work in a collaborative environment that values thoughtful communication, professionalism, and respect for educators.