Classroom Lead Guide

Mountain Willow Montessori LLP; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Mountain Willow Montessori LLP in Colorado Springs seeks a Lead Guide to manage a prepared Montessori environment and mentor an Assistant Guide. You will guide lessons, support self-directed learning, and ensure the wellbeing and development of each child daily.

The role requires Montessori certification and Colorado Group Lead qualifications, with 3+ years of Montessori classroom experience, and a collaborative, reflective approach to practice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Montessori certification (AMS/AMI or equivalent) required or in progress.
• Colorado Group Lead qualifications must be met or exceeded.
• 3+ years of classroom experience, ideally in a Montessori setting.
• Deep understanding of Montessori philosophy and child development.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Warm, patient, and consistent approach with children and adults.
• Ability to lead a team and foster a collaborative, respectful environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead Classroom Leadership and Environment: create and maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom; prepare and rotate Montessori materials; model grace, courtesy, and mindfulness; oversee the Assistant Guide.
• Student Support and Interaction: guide individual and small-group lessons; foster independence, concentration, and problem-solving; support self-regulation and empathy; attend to transitions, meals, and hygiene.
• Observation and Documentation: regularly observe and record progress; use observations to plan individualized lessons; maintain confidential records and communicate progress to families.
• Professional Development and Leadership: maintain Colorado Lead qualifications; participate in PD and staff meetings; mentor the Assistant Guide; pursue reflective practice.
• Classroom and School Community Engagement: lead daily preparation and organization; build relationships with families; participate in events and workshops; model school values.

Skills

Montessori philosophy

Classroom management

Child development

Communication

Team leadership

Outdoor work

Observation & documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Montessori certification (AMS/AMI or equivalent)

Colorado Group Lead qualifications

3+ years Montessori classroom experience

Job description

Primary Responsibilities – Lead Guide

1. Classroom Leadership and Environment

• Create and maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment that supports independent learning and exploration.
• Prepare, present, and rotate Montessori materials to align with each child’s developmental stage and interests.
• Establish a calm, respectful, and purposeful classroom atmosphere by modeling grace, courtesy, and mindfulness.
• Oversee the Assistant Guide in supporting daily routines, ensuring consistency and collaboration.

2. Student Support and Interaction

• Guide individual and small-group lessons following Montessori principles and child-led learning.
• Foster independence, concentration, and problem-solving through self-directed work.
• Support children in developing self-regulation, empathy, and respect for others.
• Ensure each child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs are met, including transitions, meals, and hygiene with care and attentiveness.

3. Observation and Documentation

• Regularly observe and record each child’s progress, interests, and emerging skills.
• Use observations to guide individualized lesson planning and adjust the prepared environment as needed.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student development and communicate progress to families.

4. Professional Development and Leadership

• Maintain active Colorado Early Childhood and Group Lead qualifications; Montessori certification required or in progress.
• Participate in professional development, workshops, and staff meetings focused on Montessori practice and child development.
• Provide mentorship and clear communication to the Assistant Guide, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to reflective practice and continuous improvement.

5. Classroom and School Community Engagement

• Lead the preparation and organization of the classroom each day, ensuring materials and routines are ready for learning.
• Collaborate with families to build strong, respectful relationships rooted in Montessori philosophy.
• Participate in school events, open houses, and family workshops to strengthen community connections.
• Model the school’s values and mission, promoting consistency across classrooms and throughout the school community.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred; Montessori certification (AMS/AMI or equivalent) required or in progress.

Certification: Must meet or exceed Colorado Group Lead qualifications.

Experience: 3+years of classroom experience, ideally in a Montessori setting.

Skills and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of Montessori philosophy and child development.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Warm, patient, and consistent approach with children and adults.
• Ability to lead a team and foster a collaborative, respectful environment.
• Comfortable working outdoors 1–3 hours daily in all weather conditions.
• Excellent communication, observation, and documentation skills.