Lead Elementary Teacher (Ages 6-9)

North American Montessori Teachers' Association (NAMTA); Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

Disability insurance

EAP & Pet Insurance

Flexible PTO

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

North American Montessori Teachers' Association (NAMTA) in Chicago seeks a dedicated Montessori Guide for the 6–9 classroom to implement the curriculum, observe progress, and foster growth in a safe, inclusive environment.

The role requires AMI/AMS Montessori Elementary certification (or willingness to pursue) and a Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field, with prior 6–9 lead experience. Collaboration with staff, field trips, and ongoing professional development are essential.

Qualifications

• AMI or AMS Montessori Elementary certification is required or willingness to pursue it.
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Education, Middle or High School teaching, or related discipline.
• Prior experience as a Guide in a 6–9 Montessori classroom

Responsibilities

• Guide daily instruction aligned with the Montessori curriculum for the 6–9 classroom level.
• Observe, assess, and document student progress throughout the year and cycle.
• Promote positive student behavior and uphold school values.
• Integrate culturally responsive practices and anti-bias values.
• Confer with students to support reflection and growth.
• Prepare a designed classroom environment that encourages learning.
• Foster safe classroom, support social-emotional development, plan field trips including an annual overnight camp.
• Represent the school at events and communicate with families regularly.
• Complete records accurately and maintain proactive communication with staff.
• Supervise and evaluate assistants and staff; engage in ongoing professional development.
• Maintain high professional standards and embody NAMTA’s mission and values.

Skills

Communication

Course planning

Anti-bias practices

Professional communication

Education

AMI/AMS Montessori Elementary certification

Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field

Job description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Guide daily instruction aligned with the Montessori curriculum for the 6–9 classroom level, in accordance with Montessori principles and NNM policies and practices.
• Observe, assess, and document student progress continuously throughout the academic year and across the three-year cycle.
• Promote and reinforce positive student behavior by modeling and upholding established school values, expectations, and the Portrait of a Graduate.
• Maintain awareness of the classroom as a whole, recognizing shifts in student engagement or classroom dynamics and responding appropriately.
• Integrate culturally responsive practices across the curriculum, modeling anti-racist and anti-bias values in all aspects of instruction.
• Confer regularly with individual students to support reflection, goal-setting, and academic growth.
• Prepare and sustain a thoughtfully designed classroom environment that encourages learning, exploration, observation, and discovery.
• Foster a physically and emotionally safe classroom, supporting students’ social and emotional development through guidance and care.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in field trips and outdoor education experiences, including an annual week-long overnight camp.
• Demonstrate effective short- and long-term instructional planning and preparation.
• Represent the school by presenting at events such as parent education sessions, student performances, and other school functions.
• Complete all required student records and documentation accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with students and families through proactive communication, providing meaningful feedback on student development and progress.
• Collaborate with and support faculty and staff who work with students, including specialists (e.g., Learning Resources, Wellness, Extensions, Spanish, Physical Education).
• Maintain ongoing communication with instructional coaches regarding student progress, concerns, and instructional needs; involve school leadership when appropriate.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate classroom assistants, interns, and support staff, providing regular feedback and completing formal evaluations.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance instructional practice and overall effectiveness.
• Uphold high professional standards in appearance, punctuality, and conduct, demonstrating grace and courtesy at all times.
• Promote and embody NNM’s mission, vision, and values in interactions with students, families, and colleagues.
• Actively contribute to the school community by participating in meetings, events, and collaborative initiatives.
• Maintain a consistent presence in the classroom and ensure availability to students during instructional time.
• Communicate relevant daily information and concerns to appropriate school personnel in a timely manner.
• Use classroom materials and equipment responsibly, maintaining a clean, organized, and orderly environment.
• Ensure a safe and secure classroom by adhering to all safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Follow all responsibilities and procedures outlined in the NNM Staff Handbook and fulfill expectations of the lead teacher role.
• Pursue ongoing professional growth through conferences, workshops, and related educational opportunities.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited institution in Education, Middle or High School teaching, or a related discipline; AMI or AMS Montessori training and certification at the Elementary level, required

Years of Experience

• Prior experience as a Guide in a 6 – 9 level Montessori classroom

Licenses/Certifications

• AMI or AMS Montessori Certification from an accredited program in Elementary is required , or willing to pursue certification within the timeframe required
• Successfully complete Vector, CPR and First Aid courses

Specific Skills Required

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with children and adults in a timely manner.
• Advanced understanding of a child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and growth
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-bias, anti-racist practices: able to work with and teach groups of diverse individuals in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways

Additional Information

• Pay Information: The salary range for this position is $60,000 – $70,000 based on skills and experience.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision options
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• EAP Program & Pet Insurance
• Flexible Paid Time off
• Professional Development Opportunities

Near North Montessori believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. The School’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, conditions, and privileges of employment.