Primary Lead Teacher

The Montessori Academy of Colorado is a metropolitan school that engages each child through innovative academics, exploration of character, and a fearless, forward mindset.

Job Title: Lower School Lead Teacher
Community: Primary
Department: Lower School    
Reports To: Lower School Director           
Employee Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $50,000-$60,000 per year
Daily Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:15pm (this includes a 45 minute lunch break and 45 minutes of planning time)

Job Summary

The Lead Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a prepared, nurturing classroom environment that supports each child’s academic, social, and emotional development, as well as their physical growth. Grounded in Montessori principles, the Lead Teacher plans and implements individualized lessons, observes and documents children’s progress, and provides developmentally appropriate guidance that fosters independence, confidence, and a love of learning. In this role, the Lead Teacher partners closely with families to foster meaningful engagement and support children’s learning, while collaborating with colleagues across classrooms and participating in school-wide initiatives, events, family visits, and parent education programs. The Lead Teacher also oversees classroom operations, including opening and closing routines, snack planning, budget management, attendance, and record-keeping, while coordinating for any auxiliary program needs. They model best practices for assistant staff, contribute to professional learning, and participate in community-wide meetings to share insights and align approaches. This role requires a deep understanding of child development, a strong foundation in Montessori philosophy, and the ability to support a diverse range of student needs. Montessori certification (AMI or AMS) and experience in Early Childhood Education are expected.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Montessori Leadership: Purposeful + Prepared Students

• Individualized Instruction: Design and document weekly Montessori lesson plans tailored to each child’s unique developmental goals and interests.


• Curriculum Delivery: Lead high-fidelity Montessori lessons and maintain detailed records of student progress to guide future learning.


• Observation: Conduct regular observations to ensure the environment and lessons meet the evolving needs of the classroom community.

Family Partnership/Communications: Invested + Informed Families

• Strategic Communication: Lead all family conferences, orientations, and home visits to build strong, collaborative relationships.


• Documentation of Learning: Provide parents with regular "windows into the classroom" through high-quality digital narratives, photos, and monthly newsletters.


• New Family Integration: Partner with Admissions office to act as the primary classroom guide for families entering the community, ensuring a smooth transition through welcome materials and personalized orientations.

Classroom Operations: Intentional + Inspiring Leadership

• Environment Management: Oversee the daily preparation and closing of the classroom to ensure a beautiful, prepared environment for students.


• Budget & Logistics: Manage the classroom budget and snack programs, ensuring responsible resource allocation and adherence to licensing standards.


• Safety & Compliance: Maintain accurate attendance and incident records, ensuring all classroom operations align with school policy and health guidelines.

Schoolwide Engagement: Engaged + Equitable Community

• Community Presence: Represent the school at all-MAC events (Gala, Fall Festival, etc.) and partner with the Development department to support school-wide initiatives.


• Parent Education: Collaborate with the Lower School Director to design and lead parent education sessions that enrich the family experience.


• Admissions Liaison: Steward for prospective families, showcasing the classroom and the school’s mission during tours and inquiries.

Professional Learning: Valued + Visionary Employees

• Collaborative Leadership: Lead classroom team meetings and actively participate in school-wide "Leads" meetings to align best practices across MAC.


• Continuous Growth: Proactively utilize professional development resources to advance Montessori practice and pedagogical expertise.

Required Qualifications

• AMS or AMI Primary Certified


• Bachelor’s degree (related degree preferred)


• Experience working with Primary Aged children (2.5-6 years old)


• Ability to effectively interface with the students, families, faculty, and staff


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Ability to commit to the position for a minimum of three years


• Criminal background check required upon hire

MAC is committed to caring for and investing in our employees by offering a generous benefits package, including the potential for paid Montessori training, 24 paid holidays annually, paid summer break, 8 Paid Time Off days, 3 Paid Professional Development days, health, dental, and vision insurance with an HSA option, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, employer-paid life insurance, and additional voluntary plans for life insurance, critical illness, and short- and long-term disability plans. Employees also receive an RTD EcoPass.

MAC is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment, free of discrimination or harassment, for its community. MAC does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, immigration/citizen status, age, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, disability, socio-economic status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. Any person with a concern or allegation of discrimination or harassment shall report it to MAC’s Compliance Coordinator. More information is available on our website.