Lower Elementary Lead Guide 2024-2025

Status: Full-time (Exempt)
Classification: 10-month Faculty
Supervisor: Head of Lower School
Location: In-person instruction at the Lead Mine Campus in Raleigh
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Position Summary
The Montessori School of Raleigh (MSR) seeks a Montessori-trained Lower Elementary Lead Guide for the 2024-2025 school year beginning August 1, 2024. Under the general direction of the Head of Lower School, the ideal candidate will lead a Lower Elementary classroom and will oversee students 6-9 years of age. The Lower Elementary Lead Guide will challenge each child to reach their fullest potential academically, emotionally, and physically in a prepared Montessori environment.

Overview
Established in 1974, MSR is a vibrant and exceptional independent Montessori and International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in the Triangle area serving 400+ students aged 6 weeks through 18 years. MSR is committed to the intellectual, ethical, and personal development of our students. Our beautifully designed Lead Mine Campus, situated on 10 acres in North Raleigh, comprises five buildings in a child-centered, village-like setting surrounded by wetlands and protected forest. Our Middle and Upper Schools are housed on an expansive 40-acre wooded campus in Brier Creek in Durham. Both sites were carefully planned and constructed to provide the nature-centered environments integral to Montessori practice. Driven by our core values of “respect, integrity, community, and love of learning,” MSR welcomes prospective employees of all backgrounds. We are committed to attracting and retaining the highest quality faculty and staff through a comprehensive compensation plan, including competitive salary and an expansive benefits package. MSR is accredited by AMS, Cognia, and the IBO.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Education or a related field
Montessori Elementary (6-9 or 6-12) Credentials (AMS, AMI or MACTE)
Minimum five years teaching experience at the Lower Elementary level
Committed to the mission and core values of MSR which include “respect, integrity, community, and love of learning”
Develops and maintains positive relationships with students, colleagues, parents and other members of the MSR community
Flexible team player with “can-do” attitude
Ability to work independently and collaborate in teams with a wide range of individuals
Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse learning community
Student-centered, collegial, passionate, innovative

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Adhere to American Montessori Society (AMS) guidelines and professional standards
Prepare and maintain a Montessori environment in which the furnishings and materials are developmentally appropriate and provide academic purpose
Deliver established Montessori scope and sequence
Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times
Collaborate and participate within a divisional team and with interdisciplinary guides
Provide a supportive and collaborative partnership with the Assistant Guide by communicating clear expectations of the assistant’s role
Maintain a supportive and collaborative partnership with administration and colleagues to assist with curriculum development and implementation within the context of the School's overall program and Mission
Partner with Student Support Services to ensure student success and developmental readiness
Participate in ongoing Professional Development
Attend all required faculty and team meetings
Serves as a chaperone on field trips (day and overnight)
Participates in before-care, after-care, lunch, recess, and/or carline coverage, a as assigned
Maintain a strong home/school partnership by ensuring consistent, respectful and open lines of communication with parents
Be available to parents through written communication, setting up conferences, and educating parents in Montessori philosophy; Meet with parents as requested
Maintain student record keeping, lesson planning, parent reports, and parent conferences; use Veracross and Transparent Classroom as directed
Participate and help lead Parent Education evening events
Other duties as assigned by the Head of School and Head of Lower School

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The Lower Elementary Lead Guide can expect to:

Work in a fast-paced environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts
Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled classroom environment, with periods of time outdoors
Supervise groups of students and regularly engage with parents, staff, and visitors
Occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.
Turn, bend, and reach

It is the policy of The Montessori School of Raleigh to make employment decisions on the basis of qualifications for a specific job without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national or ethnic origin, age, veteran status, or the presence of a disability, except where such is a bona fide occupational qualification. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference check from current employer (or most recent employer if not currently employed) and background investigation.

To apply
The school offers competitive salary and benefits. Please send a cover letter and resume to recruitment@msr.org with the subject line of “Lower Elementary Lead Guide 24/25 - your last name.” No phone calls please.

About Raleigh-Durham
The Raleigh-Durham area is consistently ranked among the top places to live with strong job growth and a high quality of life. Top universities, a rich diversity of arts and cultural offerings, excellent health care, and lower than average housing costs, draw people in from all over the nation. Our mild climate and proximity to both beaches and mountains makes the Raleigh- Durham area an ideal place to live.