Director of Education, Toddler and Primary

Marin Montessori School•Corte Madera, CA

About The Position

With approximately 265 students, sought-after graduates, and more than sixty years of educating Bay Area children, Marin Montessori School (MMS) is a highly regarded, mission-driven independent school located on two beautiful campuses in Corte Madera and San Rafael, California. Marin Montessori School is seeking an outstanding educator and leader to serve as Director of Education, Toddler & Primary , overseeing our one Toddler classroom and five Primary classrooms. This is a senior administrative role and a pivotal leadership position within the school. The Director of Education for Toddler & Primary works closely and collaboratively with Toddler and Primary faculty and assistants, the Head of School, the Director of Admissions, the Learning Specialist, the administrative team, and fellow Elementary and Junior High division directors. Our shared goal is to cultivate an exceptional early childhood Montessori program that reflects the deepest values of authentic Montessori education and supports children's development of independence, emotional intelligence, curiosity, intellectual engagement, and compassion. This is an especially thrilling time to join Marin Montessori School. MMS is accredited by both AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) and CAIS (California Association of Independent Schools), has recently launched a successful endowment campaign that has raised $5 million to date, and continues to experience strong enrollment interest from Bay Area families seeking a values-driven, developmentally grounded Montessori education. In recent years, notable leaders, including former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and food and education advocate Alice Waters, have supported MMS as keynote speakers at our annual event. MMS has also launched a companion parenting website, Grounded & Soaring , extending the school's mission beyond our campus. Marin Montessori is a community of passionate educators, flourishing children, and deeply engaged families. Position Summary The Director of Education for Toddler & Primary is responsible for the educational leadership, program oversight, and day-to-day management of MMS's Toddler and Primary programs. This includes supporting faculty, onboarding and educating families, fostering strong parent–school partnerships, and ensuring that programs reflect best AMI practices. The Director leads the cultivation of a warm, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate community culture and builds trust, clarity, and enthusiasm among current and prospective families.

Requirements

High Functioning
Highly organized, detail-oriented, punctual, and reliable
Able to manage the multifaceted needs of daily operations alongside long-term planning and visioning
Skilled at prioritizing and meeting deadlines independently
A strong writer, thoughtful discussion facilitator, and clear, confident communicator
High Integrity
Guided by a strong internal ethical compass, habitually honest and trustworthy
Takes responsibility readily and demonstrates a "radical ownership" approach to leadership
A direct, compassionate communicator who avoids gossip, triangulation, and reactivity
Self-aware and mature, motivated by what is best for children and the school rather than personal validation
High Warmth
Deep affection for and joy in working with young children and their families
Compassionate and steady in the face of parental anxieties, without over-accommodating entitlement
Emotionally intelligent, able to convey a calm, grounded presence
Inclusive, kind, confident without arrogance, humble without being hesitant
Highly Process-Oriented
Skilled at leading through thoughtful, inclusive processes while also knowing when decisiveness is required
A systems thinker who can identify root causes and design sustainable improvements
Strong growth mindset: values learning, feedback, reflection, and continuous improvement
Significant experience teaching and working in Montessori environments with children ages 18 months through 6 years
Experience observing, coaching, and evaluating teachers
Demonstrated success leading teams
Supervisory experience
Ability to manage multiple priorities with steadiness and professionalism
Discretion, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice
Bachelor's degree required

Nice To Haves

Master's degree
AMI Montessori diploma (or deep commitment to authentic Montessori education)

Responsibilities

Staff all Toddler and Primary faculty and assistant positions with highly qualified individuals, following MMS hiring protocols
Ensure that classrooms and teaching practices reflect authentic Montessori principles and best practices
Observe, coach, and support the Toddler and Primary faculty toward continued professional growth and excellence
Run regularly scheduled level meetings for Toddler and Primary teams; ensure meeting notes, follow-up, and accountability
Partner with faculty to ensure well-planned, thoughtful parent education events and community gatherings
Work closely with faculty and the Learning Specialist to support individual children's developmental and learning needs in ways consistent with Montessori philosophy
Take an active, proactive interest in parent questions, perceptions, and concerns, supporting strong parent relationships while maintaining faculty trust and professional agency
Collaborate closely with the Director of Admissions to support admissions, onboarding, and retention of mission-aligned families
Support the preparation of children and families for healthy, confident transitions within the school
Work collaboratively with the Head of School and fellow administrators on school-wide initiatives and strategic priorities