Director of Montessori Pedagogy
Organization: Illuminate Montessori
Location: DMV Area (multi-site; travel required)
Reports To: Executive Director
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt, At-Will
Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000 annually + benefits
About Illuminate Montessori
Illuminate Montessori is a network high-fidelity Montessori schools serving children and families across Texas. We are committed to delivering authentic Montessori education with excellence, consistency, and integrity.
Our Promise: A Place Families Trust, and Children Love.
Employment Status
This is a full-time, exempt, at-will position. The Director of Montessori Pedagogy reports directly to the Executive Director.
Position Summary
The Director of Montessori Pedagogy is responsible for programming excellence and instructional excellence across the schools network. This role provides programmatic support through classroom observation, modeling best practices, curriculum development, and guide coaching to ensure high-fidelity Montessori implementation.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director partners closely with Heads of School to lead network-wide pedagogical strategy. The Director serves as the steward and authority for Montessori philosophy and practice, ensuring that classroom programming reflects authentic Montessori principles, developmental appropriateness, and academic rigor—while supporting guides and leaders in continuous growth.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a seasoned Montessori senior leader who brings deep pedagogical expertise, strong observation and coaching skills, and a commitment to protecting Montessori integrity at scale.
This role is for a leader who:
- Protects Montessori fidelity while supporting growth and organizational scale
- Leads adults through observation, modeling, and feedback grounded in trust and clarity
- Thinks systemically while keeping the child at the center of every programmatic decision
- Is energized by building sustainable Montessori systems, culture, and leadership capacity
Key Responsibilities
Network-Wide Pedagogical & Programmatic Leadership
- Report directly to the Executive Director and partner with Heads of School to ensure consistent, high-quality Montessori programming across all campuses
- Lead network-wide Montessori pedagogy and programming strategy aligned with schools’ long-term vision
- Serve as the steward and authority for authentic Montessori philosophy, practice, and implementation
Programming Excellence & Classroom Fidelity
- Conduct regular classroom observations across the network to assess guide competencies, lesson delivery, and fidelity to Montessori principles
- Evaluate prepared environments for order, independence, engagement, and developmental alignment
- Identify strengths and areas for growth in classroom programming and guide practice
- Provide clear, timely, and growth-oriented feedback to guides and school leaders
- Provide guides on parent to guides interactions
Curriculum & Pedagogy Development
- Design, refine, and oversee a world-class Montessori curriculum rooted in authentic Montessori philosophy
- Ensure curriculum and pedagogy are developmentally appropriate, academically rigorous, and aligned with Montessori scope and sequence
- Develop and maintain curriculum frameworks, pedagogical resources, and programming guides
- Review, evaluate, and recommend instructional materials and classroom resources
- Develop assessment instruments to evaluate programmatic effectiveness and instructional quality
Modeling Best Practices & Guide Development
- Model best practices in Montessori lesson presentation, classroom leadership, and professional conduct
- Provide programmatic support through demonstration lessons, classroom modeling, and reflective coaching
- Coach Lead Guides and Assistant Guides through observation, feedback, and individualized development plans
- Support and guide educators through AMS/AMI/MACTE Montessori certification pathways
Instructional & Programmatic Support
- Assist guides in identifying and responding to individual student needs within the Montessori framework
- Support alignment between classroom practice, child development, and family understanding when appropriate
- Monitor and support consistent implementation of Montessori practices across classrooms
Performance Management & Professional Feedback
- Partner with Heads of School to develop and implement Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) when needed
- Support instructional accountability with professionalism, clarity, and compassion
- Ensure feedback practices support guide growth while maintaining high expectations for fidelity and excellence
Professional Development & Training
- Develop and present Montessori-aligned curriculum materials and in-service training
- Facilitate professional development for guides and administrators, both virtually and in person
- Lead pedagogical days, leadership workshops, and targeted instructional trainings
- Facilitate teacher collaboration and professional networking to share best practices and strategies
Program Expansion & Classroom Launches
- Support the launch of new classrooms and programs, including environment design and materials alignment
- Ensure new programs open with strong fidelity, readiness, and programmatic excellence
Network Collaboration & Programmatic Transformation
- Collaborate with senior guides, regional pedagogical leaders, and Heads of School
- Facilitate professional relationships and shared accountability across campuses
- Implement network-wide programmatic improvement and transformation initiatives
- Maintain alignment with school policies while advancing continuous improvement
- Partner cross-functionally with Executive Leadership, Operations, and Enrollment teams
Core Competencies & Values Alignment
- Montessori Integrity: Deep fidelity to Montessori philosophy and child development
- Programming Excellence: Ensures consistent, high-quality Montessori implementation
- Adult Leadership & Coaching: Skilled observer, modeler, and feedback provider
- Systems Thinking: Designs scalable, sustainable pedagogical systems
- Collaboration: Builds trust and shared ownership across campuses
- Cultural Leadership: Models professionalism, grace, and accountability
- Change Leadership: Leads growth with clarity, resilience, and solutions
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field
- Master’s degree required
- Minimum 15 years of experience in early years education or early childhood development
- 10+ years of experience working with children ages 0–6
- 10+ years of experience training guides and developing Montessori curriculum
- 5+ years leading programming at a multi-school or network level
- AMI and/or AMS Montessori certification
Work Authorization
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Sponsorship is not available for this role
Accountability & Success Measures
- Increased enrollment across the network
- Improved student retention across campuses
- Increased guide retention and professional growth
- Increased Montessori certification enrollment and completion
- Expansion of programs with high-fidelity Montessori implementation
- Improved classroom utilization through aligned programming and staffing
Salary & Benefits
Compensation:
- Annual salary range: $90,000 + benefits, commensurate with experience and scope
Benefits Include:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan (where applicable)
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Mileage reimbursement for approved travel
- Montessori professional development support
- Performance-based incentives may be available
Mission, Vision & Values
Vision: To provide the best Montessori education in America. Mission: To provide authentic Montessori education that nurtures joyful learning, builds lasting trust with families, and empowers every child to grow in independence, excellence, and purpose.
Final Note
This role is ideal for a Montessori leader who believes that programming excellence is instructional excellence, and who is ready to steward authentic Montessori practice through modeling, coaching, and thoughtful programmatic leadership at scale.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Childcare
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
