Join Our Creative Community at Montessori on the Lake!
Nestled along a peaceful lake, Montessori on the Lake is a private Montessori school and child care center serving children from 3 months through 8th grade. Our beautiful campus features spacious classrooms and outdoor learning environments that line the tranquil lakeshore, creating an inspiring setting where children learn, explore, and grow every day.
We believe that happy, supported teachers create exceptional learning experiences. This Monday through Friday position allows you to enjoy your weekends free to rest, recharge, and pursue your own creative passions. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that include: generous paid time away from work, tuition discounts for staff children, and a collaborative team environment where educators are valued and encouraged to grow. Across our three campuses, there are opportunities for professional advancement and leadership within our organization.
We are seeking a creative, enthusiastic, and engaging Woodshop & Theater Teacher to inspire elementary and middle school students through hands-on learning and the performing arts. We are looking for someone who enjoys building, creating, designing, and helping children discover their unique talents. The ideal candidate is artistic, energetic, and passionate about fostering confidence, creativity, craftsmanship, and self-expression.
A background in theater and performing arts is highly desirable, as students participate in theatrical performances throughout the school year, but not required. Experience in woodworking is not required and we are happy to train the right candidate who is eager to learn.
Responsibilities
- Plan and teach engaging woodshop and theater lessons for elementary and middle school students.
- Introduce students to the safe use of age-appropriate woodworking tools, materials, and techniques while fostering creativity and craftsmanship.
- Guide students through hands-on projects that develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and fine motor skills.
- Direct and support theatrical productions, helping students develop acting skills, stage presence, teamwork, and confidence.
- Incorporate music, movement, storytelling, and performance into theater instruction. Experience in theater is a plus.
- Foster a positive, inclusive classroom environment where every student feels encouraged to participate, take creative risks, and express themselves.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers and school administration to integrate creative arts into the broader curriculum.
- Maintain an organized, safe, and engaging classroom and workshop environment.
- Participate in school events, performances, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.
Qualifications
- Experience working with children.
- Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to inspire creativity while maintaining a safe and structured learning environment.
- Bachelor's degree in education, theater, fine arts, industrial arts, or a related field preferred, but not required.
Preferred Qualities
- Creative, artistic, imaginative, and enthusiastic.
- Passionate about project-based, hands-on learning.
- Enjoys mentoring children and helping them build confidence through creativity.
- Patient, encouraging, and able to build positive relationships with students.
- Comfortable working with students across multiple grade levels.
- Experience directing student performances or productions is a plus.
- Montessori experience is appreciated but not required—we provide support and training for educators who are excited to learn our philosophy.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Education:
Experience:
- Theater: 1 year (Preferred)
- Woodshop: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Lake Forest, CA 92630 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
