Job Description:

Montessori de Santa Cruz is seeking a passionate, nurturing, and dedicated Kindergarten/Preschool Lead Teacher to join our small, close-knit school community.

This position leads a combined Early Childhood classroom in a supportive Montessori environment that values independence, curiosity, and joyful learning.

Why Join Our School?

• 🌿 Small Classroom Size – Intentional student-to-staff ratio of 1:13

• 👩‍🏫 Full-Time Classroom Assistant assigned to your room

• 📚 4-Day Work Week (Monday–Thursday)

• 🗓 Only 1 Friday per month dedicated to Professional Development

• 💼 Full Benefits Package

• 💰 403(b) Retirement Plan

• ❤️ Supportive, small-community school culture

• 🏫 Beautiful, focused learning environment rooted in Montessori philosophy

Position Overview

The Lead Teacher will:

• Guide a mixed Preschool/Kindergarten classroom

• Foster independence and intrinsic motivation

• Provide individualized and small-group instruction

• Collaborate closely with an assistant and support staff

• Build strong relationships with families

• Maintain a prepared, engaging Montessori classroom environment

Ideal Candidate

• Holds appropriate Arizona certification (or eligible for certification)

• Montessori credential preferred (or willingness to pursue)

• Deeply child-centered and patient

• Values small-group and individualized instruction

• Thrives in a collaborative, community-based environment