Mountain Willow Montessori LLP Classroom Lead Guide Colorado Springs, CO · Full time Company website

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Mountain Willow Montessori (MWM) is a community micro-school, meaning our schools will serve a maximum of 41 students ages 12 month -7 years old. We proudly utilize a modern Montessori Method and nature to cultivate the unique learning styles of every student in our care. We maintain a low student-to-guide ratio to ensure the students develop a deeper connection with the Guide and peers. We aim to honor the Montessori pyramid, focusing on the care of the Student, the Guide, and the Environment. Quality, Safety, and Equity are at the forefront of our mission. We are a school founded, managed, and operated by passionate educators. We strive to create beauty and balance within the student’s indoor and outdoor environment. Beauty is the hallmark of a Montessori environment. Grace and courtesy are implemented into our daily activities. Because Mountain Willow is dedicated to a“slow living” culture, we can give our students time to learn, move, and grow at their own pace. MWM’s environment feels more like a home than a school. Our environment is meticulously prepared to maximize independent learning and growth in students. Specially designed learning materials are displayed on open shelves, easily accessible for the students. Our Guides gently direct students to help maintain the organization and cleanliness of this environment to keep it orderly and attractive and to help your child understand how to care for materials and clean up after themselves - skills you will be happy to observe carrying over in your home.

🌿 Primary Responsibilities – Lead Guide

1. Classroom Leadership and Environment

• Create and maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment that supports independent learning and exploration.
• Prepare, present, and rotate Montessori materials to align with each child’s developmental stage and interests.
• Establish a calm, respectful, and purposeful classroom atmosphere by modeling grace, courtesy, and mindfulness.
• Oversee the Assistant Guide in supporting daily routines, ensuring consistency and collaboration.

2. Student Support and Interaction

• Guide individual and small-group lessons following Montessori principles and child-led learning.
• Foster independence, concentration, and problem-solving through self-directed work.
• Support children in developing self-regulation, empathy, and respect for others.
• Ensure each child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs are met, including transitions, meals, and hygiene with care and attentiveness.

3. Observation and Documentation

• Regularly observe and record each child’s progress, interests, and emerging skills.
• Use observations to guide individualized lesson planning and adjust the prepared environment as needed.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student development and communicate progress to families.

4. Professional Development and Leadership

• Maintain active Colorado Early Childhood and Group Lead qualifications; Montessori certification required or in progress.
• Participate in professional development, workshops, and staff meetings focused on Montessori practice and child development.
• Provide mentorship and clear communication to the Assistant Guide, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to reflective practice and continuous improvement.

5. Classroom and School Community Engagement

• Lead the preparation and organization of the classroom each day, ensuring materials and routines are ready for learning.
• Collaborate with families to build strong, respectful relationships rooted in Montessori philosophy.
• Participate in school events, open houses, and family workshops to strengthen community connections.
• Model the school’s values and mission, promoting consistency across classrooms and throughout the school community.

🌱 Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred; Montessori certification (AMS/AMI or equivalent) required or in progress.

Certification: Must meet or exceed Colorado Group Lead qualifications.

Experience: 3+years of classroom experience, ideally in a Montessori setting.

Skills and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of Montessori philosophy and child development.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Warm, patient, and consistent approach with children and adults.
• Ability to lead a team and foster a collaborative, respectful environment.
• Comfortable working outdoors 1–3 hours daily in all weather conditions.
• Excellent communication, observation, and documentation skills.