Lead Preschool Teacher - Guidepost Montessori

We are now hiring a Lead Preschool Teacher for our Children's House classroom at our lovely Guidepost Montessori at West Alex school in the Alexandria, Virginia area! 

Get the opportunity to empower 3 to 6-year-olds to gain independence, self-confidence, and an enduring love of learning!  

Your Role  

We're looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated Lead Guide (Teacher) to support a mixed-age class of preschool age children in a Montessori environment.  

In a Montessori class, guides (teachers) carefully prepare an environment that fosters independence and captivates a child's interest. Guides provide personalized support to each child. They work with children individually and in small groups, demonstrating how to use the materials and perform activities with them, and giving precise language to understand their experiences.   

Because of the carefully prepared environment and individualized support, children in a Montessori class have tremendous liberty to explore the environment and work on materials of their choice for as long as they want. Most importantly, the support and materials help every child develop skills, confidence, and a firm conviction that they are capable.   

We're looking for a Lead Guide who will bring their best in order to support every child in reaching their highest potential!  

Children's House Lead Guides:  

• Observe each child closely to understand and meet their physical, intellectual, and emotional needs   

• Prepare a beautiful, orderly environment that fosters concentration, independence, and deep learning  

• Cultivate independence and self-confidence by helping children 'do it all by themselves'   

• Provide individual and small-group lessons to support each child's development in practical skills, literacy, math, and so much more  

• Form personal connections with each child and cultivate a community of respect  

• Communicate and collaborate respectfully with parents to provide the best possible support for every child  

The Montessori Prepared Environment  

Every classroom at Guidepost comes equipped with the full range of high-quality Montessori materials for the Children's House curriculum, as well as a budget for guides to personalize their space. Each classroom is set up according to the Montessori principles of beauty and order and is designed to enable every child to learn, concentrate, and confidently achieve their independence.   

A Guidepost Montessori Children's House space features:  

• Child-sized furniture and ample floor space for children to work independently or in small groups  

• Practical life materials for children to sweep, set the table, dust, prepare meals, and so much more   

• Curriculum for independence: in dressing themselves, feeding themselves, caring for the space etc.  

• Scientifically designed, hands-on learning materials for gaining core knowledge in math, literacy, science, and so much more   

• All materials made accessible to children on low shelves and all art at the child's level  

• Cozy reading areas, real plants, and plenty of natural light 

• Breakable objects made from natural materials like wood, metal, and glass rather than plastic  

If you're passionate about giving children the tools they need to succeed, eager to partner with parents on their child's journey, and longing to join a collaborative community of peers, then the team at Guidepost Montessori would love to hear from you!  

An ideal candidate has:  

• Obtained or willing to obtain a Montessori diploma for 3-6 

• Experience working with children ages 3-6 in a group setting such as daycare, aftercare, or preschool 

• Familiarity with child-led philosophies such as Reggio Emilia or Montessori and/or open to learning more! 

• At least 30 Early Childhood Education or Child Development semester hours from an accredited college or university

• Earned a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development or a related field (Preferred)

What we offer:  

• The opportunity to contribute to a high-quality Montessori program that serves the individual needs of each child  

• Sponsored Montessori diploma and ongoing professional development through the Prepared Montessorian Institute   

• 75% tuition discount for two children at any school in our network (we serve children from 3-months-old through 12th grade)  

• A network of supportive peers and mentors who appreciate your valuable contributions and regularly share best practices   

• Abundant career growth and promotion opportunities 

• A competitive salary 

• Health, dental, and vision insurance 

• Paid time off and paid holidays  

About Us  

Guidepost Montessori is a growing network of 120+ Montessori schools, serving children ages 0-12 in our Nido, Toddler, Children's House, and Elementary programs. And with schools from Shanghai to Paris and California to New York, as well as virtual school and homeschooling support, there are countless opportunities for passionate educators to support children on their individual path to success.    

At Guidepost, we believe children are capable and we design an education for independence. We're on a mission to radically transform education based on this belief—for children, parents, and educators!   

Our mission? Children who fully experience and joyfully achieve their own development; children who can reach their highest potential and flourish—in school and in life!  

If you love children and have been looking for the right opportunity to grow, join our school community by applying below!