Montessori Lead Teacher: Mesa, AZ

Bezos Academy•Mesa, AZ

22h•$51,000 - $82,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Montessori Lead Teacher leads a classroom of up to 20 children ages three through five at Bezos Academy, a multi-state network offering Montessori-inspired preschool at no cost to families in under-resourced communities. The teacher plans and delivers active Montessori learning experiences that support each child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development, and builds relationships with families through regular communication. The role supports one or more assistant teachers and reports directly to the Head of School. The position is based at the Mesa - Meadowvale preschool in Mesa, Arizona. Relocation support is available. It is a full-time, benefits-eligible, salaried position with a stated salary range of $51,000–$82,000 per year. Starting salary varies according to qualifications and prior experience; the upper third of the range is typically reserved for experienced employees in the role with strong performance over time. The role includes scheduled paid breaks, personal time off, sick time, and paid holidays. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability insurance; a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match; paid parental leave; and an employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care. The teacher is expected to maintain accurate student progress records, use assessment tools and approved technology, participate in professional development and collaborative school activities, and help develop assistant teachers. If applicable, the teacher may supervise teachers in Bezos Academy’s in-house Montessori credentialing program.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or four years of Montessori Primary Lead Teacher experience in lieu of a four-year degree.
At least two years of experience as a lead teacher or guide teaching children from infancy through third grade, with strong outcomes.
Demonstrated primary (ages 3–6) Montessori knowledge and skills.
Ability to meet all credentialing criteria for lead early childhood teacher-caregivers in Arizona.
Ability to meet additional state-required training and eligibility requirements, including fingerprint clearance, background checks, tuberculosis tests, and submission of required eligibility and training documentation before employment begins.
Experience monitoring and maintaining accurate records of individual students’ progress.
Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and safely care for young children.
Ability to lift at least 40 pounds.
Experience working effectively across lines of difference and fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment for all children and families.
Passion for the Montessori method and the mission of expanding access to high-quality preschool in under-resourced communities.
Strong communication skills and expertise in child development.

Nice To Haves

Primary diploma from an AMI, AMS, or other MACTE-accredited institute.
Experience teaching or guiding students in a child-led learning environment, such as Montessori or Reggio.
Experience working with children and families in low-income communities in the United States.
Experience working with children with special needs.
Proficiency in a language other than English, particularly Spanish.

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active Montessori learning experiences.
Use the Bezos Academy curriculum and current research-based instructional practices to develop integrated units that meet group and individual student needs.
Prepare and maintain a clean, orderly, attractive Montessori environment with instructional resources that meet every child’s developmental needs.
Create an environment that demonstrates rapport, respect, and kindness among the teacher and students and between students.
Use approved assessment tools and strategies, including observations, work samples, continuums of development, and portfolios, to inform individual instructional decisions.
Monitor and maintain accurate records of individual student progress, using school-approved screening and evaluation tools.
Use relevant, approved technology to support instruction.
Regularly communicate student progress and needs to students, colleagues, and families.
Build positive relationships with families and students and provide families regular updates about their children.
Maintain teaching skills and participate in professional development.
Engage in ongoing self-assessment, refine practice, and participate in collaborative professional growth.
Participate in collegial activities and meetings that support a productive professional learning community.
Support the learning and development of assistant teachers.
If applicable, supervise teachers enrolled in Bezos Academy’s in-house Montessori credentialing program, including providing feedback and completing progress evaluations.
Assume low postures, such as kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor, as needed to communicate effectively with children.