Montessori Toddler Lead Teacher

American Montessori Society Inc; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Montessori Society Inc. is seeking a Montessori Toddler Lead Teacher for ages 18 months to 3 years in a Mandarin Chinese immersion program in Philadelphia, PA.

The role requires conducting daily instruction and care entirely in Mandarin while an English teacher delivers English lessons. You will balance authentic Montessori pedagogy with early childhood development, foster independence, language fluency, and social-emotional growth, and collaborate with the Head of School and a

Qualifications

• Native or near-native Mandarin Chinese fluency and professional English communication.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• AMI/AMS/MACTE Infant/Toddler Certification required.
• Background checks, CPR/First Aid, fingerprinting, and licensing requirements.
• Minimum 2–3 years leading or assisting in Montessori toddler settings.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support classroom staff, conduct annual reviews.
• Ensure Montessori philosophy is applied and maintained in the classroom.
• Collaborate with Head of School on staff interviews and program planning.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and attendance.
• Provide language-rich Montessori instruction in Mandarin daily.

Skills

Mandarin Chinese fluency

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

AMI/AMS/MACTE Infant/Toddler Certification

Job description

Department: Early Childhood / Chinese Immersion

Reports To: Head of School

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Job Summary

The Montessori Toddler Lead Teacher will create a nurturing, orderly, and language-rich prepared environment tailored specifically for children ages 18 months to 3 years in the Toddler Classroom. Operating under a Mandarin Chinese Immersion Program with English as an Additional Language model, the Lead Teacher will conduct daily instruction, routines, and care entirely in Mandarin Chinese while an English Teacher delivers English language lessons. The Lead Teacher will balance authentic Montessori pedagogy with a deep respect for early childhood development, helping the youngest students build independence, physical coordination, and language fluency.

Qualifications

• Montessori Certification: AMI, AMS, or MACTE Infant/Toddler Certification required.
• Language Proficiency: Native or near-native fluency in Mandarin Chinese, alongside strong functional, professional written and verbal English skills.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field required.
• State Licensing: Must meet all local and state child care licensing requirements, such as background checks, fingerprinting, CPR/First Aid certification, physical exam, and TB test.
• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of experience leading or assisting in a Montessori classroom or a professional infant/toddler care environment.
• Agrees with and supports Montessori educational philosophy, including individualization of instruction and use of educational materials.
• Has a high level of general knowledge, intellectual enthusiasm, and openness to learning from one’s mistakes.

Job Responsibilities

Duties shall include, but are not limited to:

Staff

• Supervises classroom teaching staff, including observing, evaluating, and supporting them, and conducting an annual review.
• Abides by and ensures classroom staff follow the school’s policies and procedures, and carries out the Head of School’s and Founder/CEO’s directives.
• Interprets Montessori philosophy to assistant teachers, substitute teachers, and volunteers.
• Assists the Head of School in interviewing candidates for classroom assistant positions.
• Keeps records of staff attendance and reports problems to the Head of School.
• Uses appropriate language in all interactions and models and promotes acceptance of all individuals.

Program

• Plans and coordinates the Montessori program.
  • Presents lessons to the children.
  • Plans yearly, weekly, and daily curriculum.
• Coordinates with the other Lead Teacher to ensure a consistent approach and smooth flow throughout the Dandelion Chinese Montessori program.
• Addresses children’s issues as they arise; assists children with social, emotional, and physical needs as well as educational instruction; and helps resolve conflicts among children.
• Participates in the extended-day rotation (early drop-off/after-care coverage) per the school’s family-support schedule.
• Contributes to school-break and summer programming coverage as scheduled.
• Attends all staff meetings and participates as an active team member.
• Maintains a high-fidelity Mandarin immersion environment, with all lessons, guidance, and classroom communication in Mandarin throughout the school day.
• Curates Chinese books, songs, and cultural materials; models standard pronunciation and rich vocabulary across all five curricular areas.
• Prepares Chinese-language learning materials and keeps child progress records in English for parent communication.

Students

• Protects children’s safety and well-being; supervises on the playground, administers basic first aid, and sends sick children to the office.
• Keeps records of children’s progress, including work samples, social and academic records, conferences, and reports to parents.
• Keeps records of student attendance, reports problems, and refers parents to the Head of School.

Parents

• Interprets Montessori philosophy to parents and the community.
• Conducts parent/teacher conferences.
• Uses appropriate language in all interactions and models and promotes acceptance of individuals.
• Communicates with parents on an ongoing basis, such as through phone calls and notes.

Classroom

• Prepares and maintains a clean, aesthetic classroom environment.
• Inventories all classroom supplies and materials and makes or renews materials as needed.
• Attends all school gatherings that relate to the classroom.

Fiscal Operations

• Keeps accurate, detailed, and open records of all classroom financial accounts and uses of curriculum monies.

Professional Development

• Participates in professional development activities and shares information with staff.
• Plans objectives for personal professional growth annually and meets with the Head of School every quarter to review.