Lead Teacher / Lead Guide – Toddler Classroom
Role Overview
At Guidepost Montessori, our Lead Teachers are masters of the prepared environment, partners with families, and guides toward each child’s independence and growth.
The Lead Teacher provides leadership within the classroom and the broader school community by mentoring colleagues, maintaining a high level of care, and empowering children in a mixed-age Montessori environment.
This role is ideal for an educator who is deeply committed to Montessori philosophy, values collaboration, and embraces continuous growth.
Lead Teachers typically work an 8-hour shift between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, although individual schedules may vary at the discretion of the Director.
Our Core Values in Action
At Guidepost Montessori, we live our values every day:
The Child Always Comes First
We protect each child’s right to independence, dignity, and development at their own pace.
Commitment to Partnering with Families
We believe education is strongest when school and home work together.
Be a Swan
We lead with calm professionalism, even in challenging moments.
Embrace Growth
We reflect, receive feedback openly, and commit to lifelong learning.
Minimum Hiring Requirements
Candidates must:
- Currently hold Massachusetts EEC Lead Teacher Qualified Certificate in Infant/Toddler
- Complete and maintain all required EEC trainings, including but not limited to:
- First Aid & CPR Certification
- EEC Essentials 2.0 Certificate
- Successfully pass all required background record checks, including BRC
Lead Guide Core Responsibilities
Lead a Model Montessori Classroom
- Plan and maintain developmentally appropriate, engaging, and appropriately challenging lessons
- Create and maintain a beautiful, calm, and orderly prepared environment
- Foster independence, confidence, and self-regulation through respectful and joyful interactions
- Collaborate closely with the Assistant Teacher to ensure consistency, clarity of roles, and a high-functioning classroom team
- Observe each child intentionally and document progress, strengths, interests, and areas for growth
- Use observations and documentation to inform individualized guidance and support
Build a Strong School Community
- Contribute to school culture through community events, classroom celebrations, and other special events
- Proactively problem-solve student and classroom challenges through collaboration and professional reflection
- Model professionalism, calm leadership, and commitment to the school community
Embrace Growth and Self-Motivation
- Actively participate in staff meetings, professional learning sessions, and one-on-one check-ins with leadership and Montessori Mentors
- Receive and thoughtfully implement feedback from Lead Teachers, Montessori Mentors, and the Director
- Engage in ongoing professional development
- Reflect a growth mindset and commitment to excellence in Montessori practice
Partner with Families
- Build authentic, trusting relationships with families through consistent and respectful communication
- Communicate regularly using Guidepost Montessori’s approved tools, including email, newsletters, photo-sharing platforms, conferences, and other school communication systems
- Meet with families individually as concerns arise, approaching conversations with empathy, professionalism, and solution-focused thinking
- Provide resources and parent education based on each child’s unique needs, goals, and development
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a warm, reflective, and collaborative educator who believes deeply in Montessori principles and is committed to creating a peaceful, respectful, and engaging classroom community. This person leads with professionalism, communicates clearly with families and colleagues, and is excited to grow as part of a mission-driven school community.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
