Lower Elementary Guide

North American Montessori Teachers' Association (NAMTA); Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Mountaintop Montessori seeks a Lower Elementary Guide (lead teacher) for the 2026-27 school year, beginning August 2026. This is a full-time, school-year position.

We seek a committed Montessorian excited to work collaboratively within the elementary team. As the lead guide, this position applies their expertise to create, inspire, and direct learning to meet the needs of children in a multi-age environment (6-9 years old).

Qualifications

• AMI/AMS/MACTE Montessori elementary certification and a Bachelor’s in Education required.
• Experience with diverse students and families.
• A passion for supporting children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Experience leading classroom communications (emails, letters, updates).
• Previous elementary teaching experience is highly valued.
• Ability to analyze student behavior and apply interventions.
• Strong organizational and classroom management skills; multitasking and initiative.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Lower Elementary classroom and direct learning for 6-9 year olds.
• Collaborate with an assistant and families to support Montessori education.
• Work within a multi-age environment with an elementary team.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Communication leadership

Organizational skills

Classroom management

Multitasking

Self-initiative

Diversity experience

Child development

Behavior analysis

Education

Montessori elementary certification

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Job description

Mountaintop Montessori seeks a Lower Elementary Guide (lead teacher) for the 2026-27 school year, beginning August 2026. This is a full-time, school-year position. We seek a committed Montessorian excited to work collaboratively within the elementary team. As the lead guide, this position applies their expertise to create, inspire, and direct learning to meet the needs of children in a multi-age environment (6-9 years old). This position is supported by an assistant and works closely with families to ensure that they experience what is possible from an authentic Montessori education.

Qualifications

• Montessori elementary (6-12, 6-9) certification from an accredited organization (AMI, AMS, MACTE, etc.) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (or similar).
• Experience working with diverse students and families
• A passion for supporting children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with leading classroom communications, including emails, parent letters, and classroom updates.
• Previous experience working in an elementary environment is highly desired.
• Ability to analyze student behavior and apply appropriate intervention
• Strong organizational and classroom management skills, ability to multitask, and self-initiative are required

ABOUT MOUNTAINTOP MONTESSORI

Mountaintop is an independent school that has educated children for over 40 years. The school is situated on a beautiful 9-acre garden campus in the Pantops area of Charlottesville, VA, where an authentic Montessori education is offered for children from 18 months through the eighth grade.

BENEFITS

Mountaintop offers a comprehensive benefits package, paid time off, professional development opportunities, financial aid for qualified employees, beautiful working environments, and the opportunity to work with a passionate community of educators dedicated to nourishing children’s natural love of learning.

COMPENSATION

Annual compensation starting at $48,500, with upward adjustments to be based on education and experience.

Mountaintop is committed to offering equal opportunities in all of its enrollment and employment practices. Mountaintop does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, family makeup, marital status, age, socio-economic level, disability, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, learning style, or any other protected category. Mountaintop is committed to ensuring that non-discrimination applies to all areas of enrollment and employment.