Location: Springfield, Oregon
Start Date: August 31, 2026
Position Type: Full-time                                                                                           Wages: Based on Experience

About Us

Mckenzie Montessori Institute is a vibrant Montessori community dedicated to cultivating a lifelong love of learning, respect for self and others, and stewardship of the environment. Our classrooms are rich with curiosity, exploration, and joyful discovery. We serve children ages 6 weeks - 12 years, providing an authentic Montessori experience guided by the values of independence, compassion, and global citizenship.

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Lower Elementary/Upper Elementary (upper not required, just desired) Lead Montessori Guide to join our team. The ideal candidate will inspire curiosity, foster independence, and guide children’s academic, social, and emotional growth in a nurturing environment.

This role involves leading a mixed-age classroom (typically ages 5–9) and collaborating closely with assistants, fellow guides, and administrators to maintain a cohesive Montessori program.

Montessori Guide Schedule-

Classroom instruction Monday - Friday 7:30-3:30

Completed daily curriculum and classroom preparation from 3:30-4:30

Lunch 12:00-1:00 with flexibility based on staffing

Qualifications, Required Education and Experience

• Montessori certification (AMS or NCME) at the Elementary level required
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in education or related field preferred
• Prior experience guiding Lower Elementary Montessori students (ages 5–9) minimum of 2 years.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills
• A warm, joyful spirit and deep commitment to Montessori philosophy
• Oregon First Aid and CPR with AED training and all Oregon Safety Sets, as required by CCLD
• Demonstrated knowledge of Oregon Academic Standards to ensure each student is at grade level.
• Have your own record keeping system in accordance with the curriculum set for each grade level.

Characteristics, Skills, and Additional Qualifications of Guide

• Ability to relate sensitively and joyfully to children and adults
• Ability to use appropriate positive discipline and redirection
• Demonstrate skills in classroom management
• Evidence of an open mind and a dedication to the Montessori method of education
• Ability to demonstrate sufficient safety and security 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people.
• Ability to handle a crisis
• Evidence of basic computer literacy and ability to use a smart board
• Flexibility
• Punctuality and ability to maintain school hours
• Willingness and ability to make student-centered decisions
• Prepare and maintain an authentic Montessori environment aligned with NCME/AMS principles
• Guide students through individualized learning based on observation and their developmental needs
• Foster community, respect, and collaboration within the classroom
• Partner with assistant teachers to ensure consistency of approach and classroom management
• Communicate effectively with families regarding student progress and classroom life
• Participate in school-wide events, professional development, and community-building initiatives

Major Responsibility and Duties:Instructional Strategies

• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of Montessori curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by MACTE-accredited training and MCKMI policies
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned
• Conduct observations of students and use results to plan instructional activities
• Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to MCKMI and the Springfield school district.
• Plan and supervise assignments of classroom guide(s), sub(s), and/or volunteers)
• Use technology to support teaching/learning/evaluation/communication, as needed
• Develop field tips in cooperation with the President and Director and with students
• Use data from record-keeping to ensure instruction supports diversity, equity, and inclusion across curriculum areas

Student Growth and Development

• Supervise students as assigned, to encourage human thriving and ensure health and safety
• Help students analyze and develop moral, emotional, social, and academic strengths
• Assist students toward self-directed learning and "normalization"
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing, daily observation, and systematic record-keeping
• Demonstrate respect, grace and courtesy for all students and adults, and prepare visitors and other teachers to model the same respect when working with children in your classroom

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of the students
• Support positive behavior in accordance with Parent/Student handbook and MCKMI Discipline Policy
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials
• Ensure that nothing interferes with the learning environment

Communication

• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting scheduled conferences with parents, students, President, Director and other guides
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members
• Serve as primary communication point person for classroom, respond to emails sent by Parents/Guardians of students in your classroom, and initiate emails to families as needed
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly
• Participate in the planning and implementation of parent education activities

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills
• Attend ongoing Professional Development coursework to maintain and develop required job skills

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise assigned guide(s)
• Invite, prepare, and orient substitutes or classroom volunteers: complete sub plan
• when engaging a substitute
• Be a positive role model to guides, teacher trainees, and volunteers
• Monitor and direct the activities of classroom guide(s), subs), and/or volunteers)
• Facilitate meaningful work for guide within classroom, as appropriate
• Incorporate any special talents of teaching assistants or volunteers into their daily duties where possible