Lead Preschool Teacher

Guidepost Montessori • Evanston, IL

4d • $40,000 - $50,000

About The Position

Guidepost Montessori is seeking a Lead Children’s House Guide to lead a mixed-age preschool classroom for children ages 3–6 in a Montessori environment. The role supports children’s concentration, confidence, independence, and deep learning through carefully prepared classrooms, close observation, individualized lessons, and intentional language. The Guide supports each child’s academic, social, emotional, and physical development, meeting children where they are and helping them grow.

Children are encouraged to choose meaningful work, repeat activities until mastery, and take pride in their accomplishments. The classroom is equipped with Montessori materials and designed around beauty, order, accessibility, and independent and small-group work. The environment includes child-sized furniture, practical-life materials, hands-on literacy, math, science, and cultural studies resources, low shelves, child-level artwork, cozy reading spaces, real plants, natural light, and beautiful breakable materials.

Guidepost Montessori is a network of more than 100 schools across the U.S. and Asia, serving children ages 3 months to 6 years through Nido, Toddler, and Children’s House programs. Its mission is to transform education through learning environments that cultivate independence, joy, and lifelong curiosity for children, families, and educators.

Requirements

• Experience working with children ages 3–6 in a group learning environment.
• Alignment with child-led philosophies such as Montessori or Reggio Emilia.
• Required ECE or Child Development credits.
• Bachelor’s degree in a child-related field.
• Montessori diploma for ages 3–6, or willingness to obtain certification; training is fully sponsored.

Responsibilities

• Observe each child closely to understand and support their physical, intellectual, and emotional development.
• Prepare and maintain a beautiful, orderly classroom that fosters concentration and independence.
• Encourage children’s self-confidence by supporting them as they learn to do things independently.
• Provide individualized and small-group lessons in practical life, literacy, math, and other areas.
• Build strong, respectful relationships with children and families.
• Communicate and collaborate with parents to support each child’s growth.
• Lead the classroom with warmth, professionalism, and purpose.

Benefits

• Sponsored Montessori diploma training through the Prepared Montessorian Institute.
• Ongoing professional development and mentorship.
• Competitive salary of $40,000–$50,000 depending on experience and education.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 75% tuition discount for up to two children at any Guidepost school.
• A supportive network of passionate educators.
• Opportunities for career growth and leadership advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level