Montessori Lead Teacher: Lahaina, Maui, HI

Bezos Academy•Lahaina, HI

18h•$53,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

As Montessori Lead Teacher, you will lead a classroom of up to 20 children ages three through five within a network of high quality, tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschools in under-resourced communities. You will plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences that infuse the cultures of the community. You will create learning opportunities that support the cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development of every child. You will build relationships and communicate regularly with families to support each child’s development. You will lead with Aloha and embody our Leadership Principles, especially Child First Always. In this role, you will support one or more assistant teachers and report directly to the Head of School. You share our passion for the Montessori method and have honed your skills as an early childhood practitioner with expertise in child development, strong communication skills, cultural practices, and experience working with students and families from diverse backgrounds in low-income communities. Above all, you demonstrate passion for our mission to expand access to high quality preschool in under-resourced communities. LOCATION We are currently hiring for Montessori Lead Teachers for our preschool in Lahaina, Maui (127 Kukuia St, Lahaina, HI 96761) in partnership with a local community organization for the school launch in the fall of 2026. We anticipate a start date in the summer of 2026 to align with the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Relocation support is available for this role. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, salaried position. The full salary range for this position is $53,000 - $85,000 per year. The upper third of the salary range is typically reserved for existing employees who demonstrate strong performance over time. Starting salary will vary by qualifications and prior experience. This position offers an $8,000 sign-on bonus ($3,000 on first paycheck, $2,500 after 90 days, and $2,500 after 6 months). This role includes 32 paid days of scheduled breaks, 3 paid days of personal time off, 9 paid days of sick (care) time, 10 paid holidays, and additional time off if required by applicable law. Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match, paid parental leave, an employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care, and more. Please see here for details.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (OR 4 years of Montessori Primary Lead Teacher experience in lieu of a 4-year degree)
Two or more years of experience as a lead teacher or guide, teaching children from infancy through third grade with strong outcomes
Demonstrated primary (age 3-6) Montessori knowledge and skills
Ability to meet all additional state-required training and eligibility requirements, including clearing state-required fingerprint clearance and background checks, with required documentation eligibility submitted to PATCH (People Attentive to Children Agency) and Bezos Academy prior to start of employment
Experience monitoring and maintaining accurate records on the progress of individual students
Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely, including ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs
Demonstrated personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and experience working across lines of difference
Familiarity with Hawaii and Hawaiian culture

Nice To Haves

Primary Montessori diploma or credential from an AMI, AMS, or other MACTE-accredited institute
Experience teaching or guiding students in a child-led learning environment (i.e., Montessori, Reggio, etc.)
Experience working with children and families in low-income areas
Experience working with children with special needs
Experience in culturally responsive & trauma-informed teaching practices
Proficiency in Hawaiian language

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences
Build relationships with family members and lead with aloha to create a positive impact
Infuse the Montessori-inspired approach with culturally relevant pedagogies that center on the host culture of the community
Use the Bezos Academy curriculum and current research-based instructional practices to develop integrated units of instruction that meet both the group and individual needs of students
Prepare and maintain a clean, orderly, and attractive Montessori environment with the instructional resources needed to meet the development needs of every child in the classroom
Create an environment that demonstrates rapport with and respect and kindness for, all students as well as between students
Use Bezos Academy assessment tools/strategies such as observations, children's work samples, continuums of development, portfolios, etc. to help make instructional decisions for individual students
Monitor and maintain accurate records on the progress of individual students; use school-approved screening and evaluation tools
Use relevant, approved technology to support instruction
Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues, and families regarding student progress and student needs
Establish a positive relationship with families and students, providing regular communication with families about their children
Travel, as necessary, for in-person training and professional development events
Maintain teaching skills and participate in professional development activities
Engage in ongoing self-assessment and refinement of practice as well as in collaborative professional growth
Participate in collegial activities and meetings designed to make the entire school a productive professional learning community
Support the learning and development of assistant teachers
If applicable, serve as a supervising teacher for teachers enrolled in Bezos Academy’s in-house Montessori credentialing program, including providing feedback and completing progress evaluations
Assume postures at low levels (e.g., kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children

Benefits

medical, dental, and vision insurance
life insurance
disability insurance
a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match
paid parental leave
an employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care
32 paid days of scheduled breaks
3 paid days of personal time off
9 paid days of sick (care) time
10 paid holidays
relocation support
$8,000 sign-on bonus ($3,000 on first paycheck, $2,500 after 90 days, and $2,500 after 6 months)