Montessori Academic Dean / Instructional Coach - Primary House (PK3-Kindergarten) - SY2026-2027

Job Description

Job Description

AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF AN ACCREDITED PUBLIC CHARTER MONTESSORI SCHOOL AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY IN WASHINGTON, DC

NEW JOB POSTING

Montessori Academic Dean / Instructional Coach — Primary House (PK3–Kindergarten)

School Year: 2026–2027
Department: Academic
Reports To: Principal
Location: Washington, DC
Employment Type: Full-Time / 12-Month Position
FLSA Status: Exempt
Start Date: July 2026 or Until Filled
Compensation: $95,000–$110,000 annually, commensurate with education, Montessori credentials, leadership experience, and certifications, plus benefits.

About Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School’s mission is to offer a high-quality Montessori education infused with culturally inclusive principles that guide children to develop to their fullest academic, social, emotional, linguistic, and cultural potential.

Located in the Catholic University–Brookland community of Washington, DC, Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School is an accredited public charter Montessori school and professional learning community committed to authentic Montessori practice, equity, bilingual immersion, global citizenship, and whole-child development.

The school’s Guides, teachers, and staff live the mission of providing a culturally infused and authentic Montessori education grounded in the philosophy and writings of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Position Summary

The Montessori Academic Dean / Instructional Coach — Primary House serves as the instructional and operational leader for the Children’s House Primary Program (PK3–Kindergarten). The Dean leads a “House” model focused on creating a cohesive Montessori learning community rooted in authentic Montessori practice, joyful learning, cultural responsiveness, and whole-child development.

The Dean provides leadership, instructional coaching, supervision, and support to Primary Guides, Classroom Associates, specialists, interventionists, and support staff while collaborating closely with the Principal to ensure instructional excellence, Montessori fidelity, operational effectiveness, and compliance with DCPCSB and OSSE expectations.

This role includes approximately:

• 80% leadership, coaching, supervision, and administrative responsibilities
• 20% classroom teaching/modeling and direct student engagement, as needed

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Coaching

• Promote reflective instructional practice, collaboration, and continuous professional growth among Primary staff.
• Provide instructional coaching through classroom observations, modeling, co-planning, co-teaching, and constructive feedback.
• Mentor Primary Guides, Classroom Associates, resident fellows, and specialists to strengthen Montessori practice and instructional effectiveness.
• Support staff in implementing culturally responsive instruction, positive discipline, grace and courtesy, and restorative practices.
• Facilitate professional learning communities, instructional planning meetings, and Primary Academic Team meetings.
• Support implementation of assessment systems, observation practices, progress reporting, and intervention supports.
• Ensure consistency and alignment across all Primary classroom communities.

Montessori Program Leadership

• Lead and sustain authentic Montessori Children’s House classroom environments aligned with Montessori accreditation standards and best practices.
• Ensure fidelity to Montessori philosophy, prepared environments, and proper use of Montessori materials.
• Conduct classroom inventory reviews and monitor Montessori classroom standards and preparedness.
• Support developmentally appropriate programming across practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, cultural studies, and social-emotional learning.
• Collaborate with staff to maintain beautiful, organized, child-centered learning environments.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate Primary instructional staff and support personnel.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and retention of Primary Guides, Classroom Associates, and substitute teachers.
• Support professional growth planning and recommend relevant Montessori and instructional professional development opportunities.
• Foster teamwork, collaboration, professionalism, and mission alignment across the Primary House.

Student, Family & Community Engagement

• Support a positive school culture grounded in equity, inclusion, respect, and Montessori grace and courtesy.
• Collaborate with the Principal regarding student well-being, safety, social-emotional supports, and classroom management systems.
• Assist with parent education events, curriculum nights, open houses, and family engagement initiatives.
• Support classroom newsletters, family communication systems, and school-wide communications.
• Partner with families to support student development, independence, and school readiness.

Operations, Compliance & Administration

• Ensure compliance with Montessori accreditation standards, OSSE regulations, DCPCSB expectations, and school policies.
• Support mandated reporting responsibilities and student safety procedures.
• Assist with academic scheduling, substitute coverage, classroom operations, and annual budgeting for Primary programming and materials.
• Monitor attendance systems, instructional documentation, student records, and classroom operational systems.
• Assist with planning school-wide events, transition activities, and enrichment programming.

Essential Functions as Montessori Guide / Lead

• Apply Montessori philosophy and child development principles to support the developmental growth of young children.
• Develop and support learning experiences across practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, cultural studies, and social-emotional learning.
• Foster intellectual, physical, social-emotional, and moral development for all students.
• Maintain student academic and attendance records.
• Support strong family communication and partnerships.
• Assist with classroom material maintenance, preparation, and instructional modeling.

Required Competencies

• Deep commitment to authentic Montessori education and whole-child learning
• Strong instructional leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills
• Knowledge of early childhood development and Montessori Primary practices
• Excellent communication, organization, and public speaking skills
• Ability to inspire, guide, and supervise instructional teams
• Commitment to equity, culturally responsive education, and inclusive school communities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines effectively

Education & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• Montessori Primary Credential (AMI, AMS, IMC, or MACTE-accredited equivalent)
• Minimum of 3–5 years of Montessori Primary teaching and/or instructional coaching experience
• Leadership, supervisory, or program coordination experience
• Eligibility to work in the United States

Preferred

• Master’s degree or PhD in Education, Educational Leadership, Montessori Education, or related field
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Experience in public charter, urban, or diverse school settings
• Knowledge of DCPCSB and OSSE requirements
• Passing Praxis Core and/or relevant subject-area exams

Compensation & Benefits

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee wellness and professional growth, including:

• Employer-supported health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution/match
• Short-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays and school breaks
• Professional development and Montessori leadership opportunities
• 100% tuition assistance for Montessori teaching certification

Equal Opportunity Statement

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School has an institutional commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its programs, activities, hiring, or operations.