Reports To: Director of Montessori Education, Executive Director
Location: Creative Montessori School
Position Type: Full-Time

Application Process:

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter to ddeharde@cmskids.org.

We look forward to welcoming a compassionate and dependable team member who values consistency, collaboration, and the unique Montessori approach to education. Join us in supporting a vibrant learning community where children are empowered to grow with confidence and independence.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Primary Lead Teacher serves as the instructional and operational leader of the classroom, guiding students ages 3–6 in an authentic Montessori environment. This role is responsible for preparing and maintaining the classroom, leading student learning, and establishing strong partnerships with families.

The Lead Teacher works in collaboration with assistant teachers and administration to ensure a consistent, respectful, and nurturing classroom environment aligned with Montessori philosophy and CMS values.

CORE AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Montessori Classroom Leadership

• Plan, prepare, and implement engaging Montessori lessons tailored to individual student needs
• Create and maintain a prepared environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and self-directed learning
• Guide students in academic, social, and emotional development
• Model and uphold Montessori principles in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues
• Maintain a calm, respectful, and positive classroom environment that supports each child’s independence and dignity

Student Observation & Growth

• Observe and assess student progress through ongoing documentation and reflection
• Provide individualized support based on each child’s developmental needs
• Maintain accurate and timely student records

Classroom Operations & Environment

• Maintain a safe, organized, and fully prepared classroom environment
• Ensure compliance with CMS policies and all applicable health, safety, and licensing requirements
• Establish and maintain consistent classroom routines and expectations
• Participate in school-wide responsibilities including lunch, recess, carline, and other assigned duties

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for classroom communication with families
• Maintain consistent, professional, and timely communication with parents/guardians
• Collaborate with assistant teachers, specialists, and administration to support student growth
• Lead parent conferences and contribute to parent education efforts
• Attend all required faculty meetings, team meetings, and school events

Operational Responsibilities

• Maintain overall responsibility for the functioning of the classroom, including delegation and guidance of assistant teachers
• Ensure continuity of classroom coverage in the event of assistant or co-teacher absence
• Communicate staff absences and classroom coverage needs promptly to administration
• Support coordination of substitute coverage in collaboration with school leadership
• Maintain preparedness for daily operations, including materials, staffing awareness, and classroom readiness

Professional Expectations

• Montessori certification (AMS, AMI, or MACTE-accredited program) for Early Childhood (3–6)
• Bachelor’s degree required (Education or related field preferred)  
• Demonstrated experience working with children in a Montessori or child-centered environment
• Strong organizational, communication, and classroom leadership skills
• Commitment to Montessori philosophy and fostering a respectful, inclusive classroom community

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry children up to 50 pounds
• Ability to move quickly and safely in an emergency
• Regular bending, kneeling, crouching, and floor-level engagement

Why Creative Montessori School?

Creative Montessori School has served the Birmingham community for over 50 years, offering an authentic Montessori education rooted in independence, curiosity, and respect for the child. Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared, our community is deeply supportive, and our teachers are empowered to do meaningful work every day.  

We are committed to building an intentionally diverse and inclusive community and welcome candidates who share that commitment.  

Benefits include: 

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications. 
• Professional development opportunities. 
• Tuition discount for your children 
• Free lunch for staff members 
• Percentage towards Health and dental insurance, 401k match, short-term/long-term disability, paid time off 
• Opportunities for growth within a well-established Montessori program. 

Our Montessori school strives to be an intentionally diverse community, comprised of people of different ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender identities, family structures, sexual orientations, racial identities, national origins, religions, and abilities. Our hiring practices reflect this philosophy.