Charlottesville, VA
Mountaintop Montessori - We have an exciting opening in our Middle School program for a MACTE-credentialed Montessori Guide (Adolescence I) beginning in August 2025. Consideration will also be given to candidates currently pursuing MACTE credentialing or the right candidate with teaching background who is willing to be Montessori trained. This is a great opportunity to join a growing, well-established program in an accredited, independent school.
The right candidate is a team-player and enthusiastic proponent of the Montessori Method as it applies to adolescents. Ideally, the candidate would have experience and a record of success teaching high school level math courses (Algebra and Geometry), as well as high school level science instruction. Our program is taught by two full time Middle School guides, auxiliary instructors, and co-curricular instructors devoted to offering our students an intellectually stimulating curriculum and opportunities for socio-emotional and leadership development including entrepreneurship, job internships, field trips, participation in Montessori Model United Nations, and other age-appropriate social outlets.
Compensation
45,000-57,000 depending on experience and education
Expected Hours
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Mountaintop serves approximately 260 students from age 18 months to eighth grade and is situated on nearly 10 acres of land with classrooms and adjacent gardens for outdoor learning. The middle school has a new, custom-designed building that houses its programs and instruction. The campus includes an extensive schoolyard garden, coops for chickens and rabbits, greenhouse, gym, art studio, music/movement studio, media/tech center, science lab, ecology space, a kitchen for garden-to-table meal preparation, and outdoor play spaces and fields. Mountaintop enjoys the advantages offered by the rich history and robust culture in Charlottesville, as well as a stunning natural location near the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park, with easy access to spectacular hiking and recreational opportunities. The area is renowned for its local food movement, performing and visual arts scenes, healthy standard of living, and literary leanings.
Please send a copy of your resume and a cover letter describing why you are interested in pursuing this opportunity at Mountaintop Montessori to Heather Cormons, Upper School Director (hcormons@mountaintopmontessori.org).
Job Description
The Lead Guide helps direct students’ activities academically, socially, emotionally, and physically in a prepared Montessori environment that challenges each child to reach their fullest potential according to Montessori philosophy and procedures. The guide understands and promotes the school's mission, vision, and policies, both within and outside the immediate school community. Currently, curricular areas are divided between two guides.
Requirements
MACTE-accredited adolescent Montessori diploma (or ready for internship year)
Bachelor's Degree
High level of patience and good interpersonal skills
Ability to work not only with children but with parents and other staff members as well
Previous teaching experience preferred
Proficiency working with computers (email, Google suite, record keeping, SIS systems)
Must pass a criminal background check
Responsibilities
Planning, preparation, and academic instruction while maintaining a safe, effective, and nurturing classroom true to the Montessori philosophy, paying particular attention to the needs of each student
Ensure students’ safety and compliance with school regulations
Work with students of various abilities including those with learning differences
Use observation (and other assessment tools) to help make instructional decisions for individual students
Classroom management and supervision during direct and indirect instructional time
Maintain records of children's progress using web-based program (Google Classroom and FACTS)
Develop and make materials when needed
Create an environment that has a rapport with and respect and kindness for all students, as well as between students
Act as a mentor to small groups of students and meet weekly with individual students in an advisory capacity
Chaperone on-campus and off-campus overnight trips
Model and teach conflict resolution and problem solving strategies
Ensure that the physical environment adheres to all health and safety regulations as required by the State of Virginia
Ensure the classroom meets accreditation and licensing standards set forth by the American Montessori Society, Virginia Association of Independent Schools, and Virginia Department of Social Services
Responsible for communication that supports an understanding of the school's program, develops positive relationships within the school community, and protects the privacy and confidentiality of each student and family
Establish relationships with parents and students and maintain regular communication with parents in regard to their child's specific needs and progress
Participate in school functions such as open houses, parent education nights and social gatherings
Participate in regular evaluation process including classroom observations and annual goal-setting/self-evaluation meeting with supervisor
Participate in professional development opportunities (both within school and via attendance at conferences, workshops, webinars, etc)
Stay current with mandated training requirements for maintenance of professional credential
Attend all scheduled meetings (staff, levels, etc) and work days
Maintain membership in a Montessori organization (AMI, AMS)
FLSA: exempt
Mountaintop does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, family makeup, marital status, age, socio-economic level, disability, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, learning style, or any other protected category.
Contact information for applicants:
Heather Cormons, Upper School Director hcormons@mountaintopmontessori.org