Lower Elementary Guide

Guidedstudies; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 43,650 - 53,350; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Professional development assistance

403b with matching

Job summary

A Montessori educational institution in Charlottesville, VA is seeking a Lower Elementary Guide to lead a multi-age classroom for the upcoming school year. The ideal candidate will hold Montessori certification and a Bachelor's Degree in Education, with a passion for fostering children’s growth. Key responsibilities include directing learning, managing classroom communications, and working closely with families. This full-time position offers comprehensive benefits and a collaborative educational environment.

Qualifications

• Montessori certification from an accredited organization.
• Experience working in an elementary environment is desired.
• Ability to analyze and intervene in student behavior.

Responsibilities

• Create and direct learning for children in a multi-age environment.
• Collaborate with families to enhance students' education.
• Lead classroom communications with parents and students.

Skills

Montessori elementary certification

Experience with diverse students

Strong communication skills

Classroom management skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education or similar

Job description

Lower Elementary Guide in Charlottesville, VA, US

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.

• 403b
• 403b matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

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.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract