Montessori Lead Teacher: Mesa, AZ

Bezos Academy•Mesa, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Bezos Academy is hiring a full-time, salaried Montessori Lead Teacher for its Meadowvale preschool in Mesa, Arizona. The teacher leads a classroom of up to 20 children ages three through five at a school in a multi-state network serving under-resourced communities with Montessori-inspired preschool at no cost to families. The role plans and delivers active Montessori learning experiences that foster children’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development, and builds relationships with families to support each child’s development. The Lead Teacher supports one or more assistant teachers and reports directly to the Head of School. The role calls for a practitioner with Montessori expertise, knowledge of child development, strong communication skills, and experience working with children and families from diverse backgrounds in low-income communities. Relocation support is available. The position offers a salary range of $51,000–$82,000 per year; starting salary varies by qualifications and prior experience, and the upper third of the range is typically reserved for established employees with multiple years in the role and sustained strong performance.

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 Arizona credentialing criteria for lead early childhood teacher-caregivers.
Ability to meet state-required training and eligibility requirements, including fingerprint clearance, background checks, tuberculosis tests, and submitting 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.

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 children’s developmental needs.
Create an environment based on rapport, respect, and kindness among teachers and students.
Use approved assessment tools and strategies, including observations, work samples, developmental continuums, and portfolios, to inform individual instructional decisions.
Monitor and maintain accurate records of individual student progress and use school-approved screening and evaluation tools.
Use relevant, approved technology to support instruction.
Communicate regularly with students, colleagues, and families about student progress and needs.
Build positive relationships with students and families and provide regular updates about 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, provide feedback, and complete progress evaluations.
Assume low-level postures such as kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to communicate effectively with children.