Primary Lead Teacher

Salem Montessori School; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

401(k) plan

Staff tuition discounts

PTO days and professional development

Montessori certification support

Professional development funding

Supportive collaborative team

Job summary

Salem Montessori School is seeking a Lead Primary Teacher to guide our youngest learners (ages 3–6) through Montessori-inspired instruction in a nurturing environment.

You will design and maintain an engaging classroom, observe student progress, and partner with families and colleagues to support holistic development and school initiatives.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field; bachelor's preferred.
• AMI/AMS/MACTE Montessori Primary credential or willingness to pursue within two years.
• Lead teacher experience in primary/early childhood classroom (ages 3–6).
• Strong communication, collaboration, and classroom management skills.
• Ability to model grace and courtesy with children and colleagues.
• CPR/First Aid certification and safety standards compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Primary classroom (ages 3–6) using Montessori principles and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Prepare and maintain an organized, inviting classroom environment that encourages independence and exploration.
• Observe and track individual student progress, adapting lessons to meet each child's needs.
• Build warm, communicative relationships with families through conferences and regular updates.
• Collaborate with assistant teachers and school leadership to support whole-school initiatives.
• Uphold school values of grace, courtesy, and community in all interactions.
• Maintain CPR/First Aid certification and adhere to safety standards.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Classroom management

Patience

Enthusiasm

Education

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

AMI/AMS/MACTE Montessori Primary credential or willingness to pursue within 2 years

Job description

Salem Montessori School is a thriving, established institution serving infants through middle school in Salem, Virginia. We are a community built on curiosity, independence, and a deep respect for each child's natural development. Our Primary program nurtures children ages 3–6 in a carefully prepared environment grounded in the Montessori philosophy.

About us

Salem Montessori School is a thriving, established institution serving infants through middle school in Salem, Virginia. We are a community built on curiosity, independence, and a deep respect for each child's natural development. Our Primary program nurtures children ages 3–6 in a carefully prepared environment grounded in the Montessori philosophy.

The role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Primary Teacher to guide our youngest learners through the foundational years of their education. In this role, you will design and maintain a rich Montessori-inspired classroom environment, foster each child's intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth, and serve as a trusted partner to families throughout their child's early education journey.

What you'll do

• Lead a Primary classroom (ages 3–6) using Montessori principles and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Prepare and maintain an organized, inviting classroom environment that encourages independence and exploration.
• Observe and track individual student progress, adapting lessons to meet each child's needs.
• Build warm, communicative relationships with families through conferences and regular updates.
• Collaborate with assistant teachers and school leadership to support whole-school initiatives.
• Uphold school values of grace, courtesy, and community in all interactions.
• Maintain CPR/First Aid certification and adhere to all safety standards.

What we're looking for

• Genuine love for young children and a passion for nurturing early development.
• Experience as a lead teacher in a primary or early childhood classroom (ages 3–6 preferred).
• Associate's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (bachelor's preferred).
• AMI, AMS, MACTE-accredited Montessori Primary credential — or a strong willingness to pursue certification within two years.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and classroom management skills.
• Patience, enthusiasm, and the ability to model grace and courtesy with children and colleagues alike.

What we offer

• Competitive compensation ($16-$22 based on education, experience and credentials)
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Tuition discounts for staff families
• PTO days and professional development days
• Paid Montessori certification program — we invest in your growth .
• Ongoing professional development funding and opportunities
• A supportive, collaborative team that genuinely cares about your success.