Lead Educator

Sonnetschool; Prior Lake (MN); On-site; USD 26,174 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Employee Childcare Discount

Professional Development

Job summary

Sonnet Montessori seeks a Lead Educator to create a nurturing, safe Montessori learning environment and to support the developmental needs of each child. You will work with the Director and staff to foster independence, respect, and a love of learning.

You will observe, document growth, prepare materials, and lead parent conferences, while maintaining strong partnerships with families and colleagues in a licensed center.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young children in Montessori or early childhood settings.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with children, families and staff.
• Ability to meet physical demands (lift up to 50 lbs, supervise indoors/outdoors).
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a safe, high-quality Montessori learning environment.
• Observe and document children's growth, maintain portfolios.
• Prepare and maintain Montessori materials and curriculum.
• Guide children with respect, fostering independence and curiosity.
• Communicate with parents via app and conferences/newsletters.
• Build collaborative relationships with staff.
• Lead parent-teacher conferences and provide progress updates.

Skills

Montessori/early childhood experience

Classroom management

Communication with families

Physical stamina

Professional development

Education

Minnesota DHS Lead Teacher qualification

Job description

Description

At Sonnet Montessori, we’re on a mission to put good humans into the world and leave it better than we found it. Our team creates warm, inclusive, and joyful environments where children, families, and staff can thrive. If you’re energized by purpose, connection, and meaningful work, you’ll love being part of a community that invests in your growth and celebrates what makes you exceptional.

The Lead Educator plays an essential role in creating a nurturing, safe, and engaging Montessori learning environment. With the support of the Director and Administration, the Lead Educator ensures that each child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs are met while fostering independence, respect, and a love of learning.

What You’ll Do:

• Establish and maintain a safe, high-quality Montessori learning environment.
• Observe and document children’s growth and development, maintaining student records and portfolios.
• Prepare, present, and maintain Montessori materials and curriculum.
• Guide children with respect, fostering independence and supporting their natural curiosity.
• Communicate daily with parents through the parent communication app and regular conferences/newsletters.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with assistant guides and staff.
• Ensure compliance with state licensing standards and school policies.
• Lead parent-teacher conferences and provide consistent updates on student progress.
• Participate in staff meetings, school events, and professional development opportunities.
• Model professionalism and positivity in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues.

What You’ll Need:

• Must meet Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) qualifications for a Lead Teacher in a licensed child care center.
• Experience working with young children in a Montessori or early childhood setting.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., actively supervise children indoors/outdoors, and meet physical demands of the role.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, and staff.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and Montessori philosophy.

What We Offer:

• Ongoing Professional Development & Growth Opportunities
• Continuing education opportunities, specifically within Montessori training!
• 401(k) Plan
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Employee Childcare Discount

The starting pay range for this position is $19 to $22 hourly and is applicable for candidates who will be working in the following location[s] Minnesota. This range is subject to adjustment for other geographic work locations. In addition to geographic location, Sonnet Montessori considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria to determine starting wages.

In addition to compensation benefits, Sonnet Montessori offers a variety of health and welfare benefits, based on eligibility, including medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and career development.