Montessori Middle School Co-Guide

Overview

We have an exciting opening in our Middle School program for a Middle School Teacher beginning in August 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing, well-established program in an accredited, independent school. The right candidate is interested in the Montessori Method as it applies to adolescents, and is willing to be trained in the pursuit of a Montessori adolescent teaching credential.

Ideally, the candidate would have experience and a record of success teaching middle school-level math courses and middle school-level science. Our program is taught by two full-time and one part-time Middle School teachers, and co-curricular instructors devoted to offering our students an intellectually stimulating curriculum and opportunities for socio-emotional and leadership development, including entrepreneurship, job internships, field trips, participation in the Montessori Model United Nations, and other age-appropriate social outlets.

Mountaintop serves approximately 260 students from age 18 months to eighth grade and is situated on nearly 10 acres of land with classrooms and adjacent gardens for outdoor learning. The middle school has a new, custom-designed building that houses its programs and instruction. The campus includes an extensive schoolyard garden, coops for chickens and rabbits, a greenhouse, a gym, an art studio, a music/movement studio, a media/tech center, a science lab, an ecology space, a kitchen for garden-to-table meal preparation, and outdoor play spaces and fields.

Mountaintop enjoys the advantages of Charlottesville's rich history and robust culture, as well as its stunning natural setting near the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park, with easy access to spectacular hiking and recreational opportunities. The area is renowned for its local food movement, performing and visual arts scenes, healthy standard of living, and literary leanings.

Please send a copy of your resume and a cover letter describing why you are interested in pursuing this opportunity at Mountaintop Montessori. Please send correspondence to Janice Chapman, Interim Head of School, (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

Job Description

The Teacher helps direct students’ activities academically, socially, emotionally, and physically in a prepared Montessori environment that challenges each child to reach their fullest potential in accordance with Montessori philosophy and procedures. The teacher understands and promotes the school's mission, vision, and policies, both within and outside the immediate school community.

Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00AM to 4:30PM

Requirements

• MACTE accredited adolescent Montessori diploma (or willingness to be sent for this training) preferred
• Bachelor's Degree
• High level of patience and good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work not only with children but with parents and other staff members as well
• Previous teaching experience preferred
• Proficiency working with computers (email, Google suite, record keeping, SIS systems)
• Must pass a criminal background check

Responsibilities

• Planning, preparation, and academic instruction while maintaining a safe, effective, and nurturing classroom true to the Montessori philosophy, paying particular attention to the needs of each student
• Ensure students’ safety and compliance with school regulations
• Work with students of various abilities, including those with learning differences
• Use observation (and other assessment tools) to help make instructional decisions for individual students
• Classroom management and supervision during direct and indirect instructional time
• Maintain records of children's progress using web-based program (Google Classroom and FACTS)
• Develop and make materials when needed
• Create an environment that has rapport with and respect and kindness for all students, as well as between students
• Act as a mentor to small groups of students and meet weekly with individual students in an advisory capacity
• Chaperone on-campus and off-campus overnight trips
• Model and teach conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies
• Ensure that the physical environment adheres to all health and safety regulations as required by the State of Virginia
• Ensure the classroom meets accreditation and licensing standards set forth by the American Montessori Society, Virginia Association of Independent Schools, and Virginia Department of Social Services
• Responsible for communication that supports an understanding of the school's program, develops positive relationships within the school community, and protects the privacy and confidentiality of each student and family
• Establish relationships with parents and students and maintain regular communication with parents regarding their child's specific needs and progress
• Participate in school functions such as open houses, parent education nights, and social gatherings
• Participate in the regular evaluation process, including classroom observations and annual goal-setting/self-evaluation meeting with supervisor
• Participate in…