Lead Preschool Teacher - Guidepost Montessori

We are hiring Lead Teachers for our Children's House (ages 3-6) classroom at our new Guidepost Montessori school we are opening in the Columbia, Maryland area! Apply today to join our founding team and work in a meaningful position empowering children to gain independence, self-confidence, and an enduring love of learning! 

We offer a competitive salary of $45,000 - $53,000 annually!

Your Role

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

In a Montessori class, teachers carefully prepare an environment that fosters independence and captivates a child's interest to be more than a daycare. 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 Teacher who will bring their best in order to support every child in reaching their highest potential! 

Preschool Teacher (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! 

Ideal Candidates

• Are interested in pursuing certified Montessori training through our Prepared Montessorian Institute (fully-sponsored) or has previously obtained a Montessori diploma for 3-6
• Have experience working with children ages 3-6 in a group setting such as daycare, aftercare, or preschool
• Have familiarity with child-led philosophies such as Reggio Emilia or Montessori and/or open to learning more!
• Meet the education and experience requirements for the state of Maryland
• Have at least 1 year experience working in licensed child care setting or 1 year of college
• Have 90-hour pre-service training or be willing to obtain at own expense before start date

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
• 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!