Primary Lead Teacher

Montessori Academy of Colorado•Denver, CO

3d•$50,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Lead Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a prepared, nurturing classroom environment that supports each child’s academic, social, and emotional development, as well as their physical growth. Grounded in Montessori principles, the Lead Teacher plans and implements individualized lessons, observes and documents children’s progress, and provides developmentally appropriate guidance that fosters independence, confidence, and a love of learning. In this role, the Lead Teacher partners closely with families to foster meaningful engagement and support children’s learning, while collaborating with colleagues across classrooms and participating in school-wide initiatives, events, family visits, and parent education programs. The Lead Teacher also oversees classroom operations, including opening and closing routines, snack planning, budget management, attendance, and record-keeping, while coordinating for any auxiliary program needs. They model best practices for assistant staff, contribute to professional learning, and participate in community-wide meetings to share insights and align approaches. This role requires a deep understanding of child development, a strong foundation in Montessori philosophy, and the ability to support a diverse range of student needs. Montessori certification (AMI or AMS) and experience in Early Childhood Education are expected.

Requirements

AMS or AMI Primary Certified
Bachelor’s degree (related degree preferred)
Experience working with Primary Aged children (2.5-6 years old)
Ability to effectively interface with the students, families, faculty, and staff
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to commit to the position for a minimum of three years
Criminal background check required upon hire

Responsibilities

Design and document weekly Montessori lesson plans tailored to each child’s unique developmental goals and interests.
Lead high-fidelity Montessori lessons and maintain detailed records of student progress to guide future learning.
Conduct regular observations to ensure the environment and lessons meet the evolving needs of the classroom community.
Lead all family conferences, orientations, and home visits to build strong, collaborative relationships.
Provide parents with regular "windows into the classroom" through high-quality digital narratives, photos, and monthly newsletters.
Partner with Admissions office to act as the primary classroom guide for families entering the community, ensuring a smooth transition through welcome materials and personalized orientations.
Oversee the daily preparation and closing of the classroom to ensure a beautiful, prepared environment for students.
Manage the classroom budget and snack programs, ensuring responsible resource allocation and adherence to licensing standards.
Maintain accurate attendance and incident records, ensuring all classroom operations align with school policy and health guidelines.
Represent the school at all-MAC events (Gala, Fall Festival, etc.) and partner with the Development department to support school-wide initiatives.
Collaborate with the Lower School Director to design and lead parent education sessions that enrich the family experience.
Steward for prospective families, showcasing the classroom and the school’s mission during tours and inquiries.
Lead classroom team meetings and actively participate in school-wide "Leads" meetings to align best practices across MAC.
Proactively utilize professional development resources to advance Montessori practice and pedagogical expertise.

Benefits

potential for paid Montessori training
24 paid holidays annually
paid summer break
8 Paid Time Off days
3 Paid Professional Development days
health, dental, and vision insurance with an HSA option
a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
employer-paid life insurance
additional voluntary plans for life insurance, critical illness, and short- and long-term disability plans
Employees also receive an RTD EcoPass.