Elementary Program Director

Bellevue Montessori School; Bellevue (WA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation Days

Sick Leave

Simple IRA matching up to 3%

Professional Development Opportunities

Medical/Dental/Life Insurance

Job summary

Bellevue Montessori School is seeking an Elementary Program Director to provide leadership for the Elementary program, ensuring curriculum alignment, staff development, and family engagement. The role requires an AMI or AMS Montessori certification and the ability to effectively mentor staff. The salary starts at $75,000 to $85,000 annually, with benefits including vacation, sick leave, and professional development opportunities. The position involves some remote work, starting on July 20th, 2026.

Qualifications

• Five years of lead teaching experience in Montessori Elementary classroom.
• Experience mentoring and working cooperatively with Montessori staff.
• Ability to create and implement parent education programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Elementary program.
• Collaborate with other Program Directors.
• Oversee Elementary curriculum scope and sequence.

Skills

Understanding of Montessori pedagogy

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Education

Montessori Lower & Upper Elementary AMI or AMS diploma

Bachelor of Arts or Science

Job description

*Must have lower and upper Elementary Montessori Training certificate & WA teaching license in order to qualify.

Job Summary

The Elementary Program Director provides strategic, instructional, and operational leadership for the Elementary program. As a senior member of the school’s Leadership Team, this role is responsible for ensuring program excellence, Montessori fidelity, curriculum alignment, staff development, regulatory compliance, and strong family engagement. The Elementary Program Director oversees all aspects of the Elementary program, including academics, staffing, scheduling, enrollment support, community building, and long-range planning, while collaborating closely with school leadership to advance the mission and vision of BMS.

Reports to: School Director

Collaborates with: Other Program Directors, Marketing & Events Coordinator, Facilities, Front Desks, Enrollment, and HR

Shift: Mondays to Fridays 7:30AM to 4:00PM (remote work 1 to 2x a week)

Start: July 20th (training before school 2026-2027 begins) or earlier if it is the right candidate

Pay: Starting $75,000 to $85,000 (depending on experience with an opportunity to increase the wage after 3 months of probationary period)

Core Responsibilities & Duties

Leadership & Administration

• Serve as a member of BMS’s Leadership Team, representing the Elementary program at weekly Leadership Team and Administrative meetings.

• Schedule, chair, and facilitate Lead Teacher Elementary Level Meetings, guiding planning, discussion, decision-making, and implementation.

• Collaborate with Program Directors and Coordinators to support campus-wide community-building initiatives.

• Communicate Elementary program needs, priorities, and facility requirements to the Director and Facilities Coordinator.

Curriculum & Academic Oversight

• Lead the review, documentation, and implementation of the Elementary curriculum scope and sequence, ensuring vertical and horizontal alignment.

• Facilitate annual reflection on program outcomes, events, and activities, and lead forward planning for the upcoming academic year.

• Collaborate with the Head Teaching Team to review, revise, and edit Elementary progress reports prior to distribution to families.

• Partner with the Primary Coordinator to support Primary-to-Elementary alignment and outreach opportunities.

Staff Leadership & Professional Development

• Organize and oversee a peer observation and feedback program for Elementary teaching staff including Specialists, Interns.

• Implement orientation for new Elementary Assistant employees and coordinate ongoing Montessori professional development.

• Meet bi-monthly with Program Coordinator, Elementary support and AC staff to provide guidance and support.

• Create and maintain staff schedules, including support staff, AC staff, and specialist coverage.

Program Operations & Scheduling

• Create and oversee the master schedule for the Elementary program, including classroom schedules, specialist services (Drama, Music, Science, Spanish), Boys & Girls Club PE, and after-school programming.

• Coordinate and manage the Elementary after-school program (Activity Club) including Lead AC.

• Plan, develop, and oversee the Elementary summer camp program.

• Sub when required if Lead is out of the classroom

Family Engagement, Enrollment & Community Events

• Schedule and oversee new student visits and manage new parent communications.

• Support Elementary enrollment by responding to family inquiries and ensuring prospective families progress through the admissions process.

• Coordinate current and move-up parent classroom observations, including parent preparation meetings and distribution of expectation handouts.

• Plan, organize, and supervise Elementary community events, including parent potlucks, breakfasts, plays, field trips, and Upper Elementary overnight experiences.

• Collaborate with the Marketing and Events Coordinator to share weekly Elementary program updates and photos.

Compliance, Accreditation & Resource Management

• Coordinate documentation and administrative requirements for NWAIS and AMS accreditation for the Elementary program.

• Ensure the Elementary program complies with Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) licensing requirements.

• Update and maintain the Elementary Administrative Handbook in collaboration with the Leadership Team.

• Place orders for Montessori materials and other classroom or program supplies.

• Coordinate Elementary field trips, including ticketing and charter transportation.

Requirements:

• Deep understanding, commitment, and passion for authentic Montessori pedagogy and scope and sequence.

• Personal and professional integrity as well as compassion for others

• Montessori Lower & Upper Elementary AMI or AMS diploma REQUIRED

• Bachelor of Arts or Science required; public school certification or M.Ed. desired

• Five years Lead teaching experience in Montessori Elementary classroom

• Experience with creating, organizing, and implementing parent education that builds an understanding of the child’s work in a Montessori Environment and how that can be supported in the home.

• Experience mentoring and working cooperatively with Montessori staff that inspires professional and personal growth for staff members.

• Establishes and maintains positive and respectful working relationships

• Flexibility, organizational skills, and a strong work ethic and commitment to the whole school’s success

• Proven leadership

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay starting at $75,000 - $85,000 annually (with 3 month probationary period with an opportunity to increase the wage)

• Vacation Days

• Sick Leave

• Simple IRA matching up to 3%

• Professional Development Opportunities

• AMS Membership

• Assigned Parking Spot

• Medical/Dental/Life Insurance

• Staff Appreciation Events

• Reimbursement for DCYF required licensing (CPR/FA, BBP, Food Permit, etc.)