Lead Montessori Teacher

Who are we?

Montessori Children’s Center (MCC) in San Francisco has been a leader in Montessori education since 1976. We are dedicated to helping children feel that they belong in the world and that the world belongs to them.

Who do we serve?

We are a classical Montessori preschool and kindergarten for children aged 2 to 6, where each student’s evolution is nurtured individually, where families feel proactively supported, and where teachers are consistently well cared for.

How do we serve our teachers?

We deeply value the experience, care, and dedication that educators bring to a thriving school community. We recognize that teaching is both joyful and demanding, and we believe that all teachers deserve ongoing appreciation and support.

That support includes generous time off. Our calendar includes two weeks of paid summer break, two weeks of winter break, one week of spring break, mandated closures, and all federal holidays, in addition to sick and emergency leave. We also believe that great educators never stop learning, so we offer opportunities for both personal and professional development, as well as pathways for career advancement.

To help sustain a healthy work-life balance, MCC integrates wellness into the workday. Staff have access to wellness amenities within the school, designated wellness days, and an external benefit for professional coaching or therapy. Our goal is to create a workplace where teachers feel respected, nurtured and ready to grow.

About the role:

The Lead Montessori Teacher (referred to as the Lead Guide in a Montessori classroom) will play a vital role in shaping a nurturing and enriching learning environment for children aged 2 to 6. They will inspire young minds through hands-on exploration and a love of learning, guided by authentic Montessori principles. This position offers the opportunity to create meaningful relationships with children, families, and a supportive team, all while fostering each child’s independence, creativity, and growth. 

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children in the classroom.

• Provide care and support to meet the individual needs of the children.

• Supervise children actively in the classroom and outdoor spaces during work, meal, and rest periods.

• Create and maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.

• Implement the Montessori curriculum, using appropriate Montessori materials and techniques.

• Observe and assess each child’s development, providing individualized learning plans and Montessori material presentations.

• Maintain regular communication with parents regarding their child’s progress and development.

• Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

• Prepare and organize classroom materials to support children’s learning.

• Facilitate group activities and encourage social interaction among children.

• Ability to work at a child's level for extended periods of time. 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.

• Assist children with self-care and hygiene.

• Ability to perform light opening/closing duties, e.g. preparing snacks, sweeping, sanitizing tables, putting down/picking up nap cots, washing snack dishes, stocking, and organizing supplies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of 1 year of Lead Montessori Guide teaching experience with a focus on children aged 3-6. 

• A minimum of 12 semester units in early childhood education or child development.

• MACTE-accredited 3-6 Montessori credential (AMI, AMS, or IMC/CGMS).

• Clear background check (criminal history, fingerprinting through CA DOJ, FBI, and Child Abuse Central Index).

• Completion of Mandated Reporter Training within 90 days of employment.

• Completion of health screening, including a tuberculosis (TB) test, prior to employment.
  
  Compensation and Benefits:

• Starting at $30 per hour, with pay determined by experience and qualifications.

• Health and dental plan, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, retirement savings plan, and professional development opportunities.

• Access to therapy/coaching benefit. 

• Regular compensation reviews with the goal of proactive increases as the school grows.