The Montessori guide (teacher) at Puddletown sets the tone for the classroom. They maintain a prepared environment and support the academic, social-emotional and physical needs of the children in their classroom. They support each child’s individual journey with kindness and compassion and are committed to meeting diverse needs of children and upholding Montessori and ABAR (Anti-bias Anti-rascism) principles. Guides maintain an environment that promotes independence in the children and harmony in the classroom community. The Montessori guide performs their services under the immediate direction and supervision of the Head of School.

Qualifications: Lead teachers should have AMI/AMS diplomas for the level in which they teach and a four-year college degree. Good interpersonal skills are necessary. The teacher should have the ability to work not only with children but with children’s adults and other staff members, as well. A positive, respectful and open attitude toward all children is a requirement.

Position Requirements: 

CPR/First Aid certification. 

Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect training (RRCAN). 

Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety (ICCHS) 

Prevention is Better than Treatment (PBTT).  

Foundations for Learning (FFL) 

Continued yearly professional development (minimum 24 hours per school year). 

Have the physical capacity to work with Preschool-Kindergarten aged children. 

Complete the Oregon Registry prior to beginning work. 

The teacher is also responsible for maintaining the operation of the classroom in accordance with State of Oregon guidelines, the Department of Human Services rules, and Department of Health guidelines and requirements 

Promote non-violent communication within our community.  

Support the school’s ABAR, equity and social-justice oriented work, through curriculum shifts, regular check-ins and agreed upon training or consultation.

Job Responsibilities: 

Plan and implement the Montessori curriculum. 

Offer lesson extensions. Create or facilitate creation of materials. 

Give appropriate presentations and faithfully use established record keeping systems to track the children’s progress.  

Carefully observe and keep daily records on each student’s individual progression.   

Facilitate a respectful environment for children and adults by advocating conflict resolution and Grace and Courtesy lessons.  

Redirect children as needed; use positive discipline techniques with children (non-shaming and non-punitive). Assist in problem solving. 

Gather children throughout the day in small or large groups for songs, stories, and other group activities, including grace & courtesy lessons.  

Work cooperatively and collaboratively in a team setting.

Key Performance Characteristics: 

Works with children in a patient, calm, respectful and confident manner in a busy and highly flexible environment. 

Speaks quietly and intentionally in school spaces with children present. Is able to be regulated in a noisy, active environment with children having a variety of needs. 

Able to be present with children consistently during child-facing time. 

Technology (phones etc.) is off/away. 

Maintains an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.  

Is a careful observer and understands that observing is a key component of this work.  

Is organized, attentive to details, able to be precise and also read the room.  

Able to follow verbal and written instructions, policies and procedures and implement them consistently with a degree of independence. 

Positively models behavior and communication for children. 

Has a desire to engage with this deeply meaningful and often challenging work in a positive, inquisitive, and collaborative way. 

Practices respectful communication with families, staff, and children. 

Willing to problem solve and do repair work with children and adults.  

Enjoys the learning and striving for independence that children are experiencing and honor that growth with positive neutrality. 

Looking for candidates interested and willing to stay for a minimum of the 3 year work cycle.

Salary and Benefits: Starting salary range for this position:  $48,000–$52,000. 

For the 2026/27 school year, guides are contracted to work from 8/17/26–6/18/27, plus 1 week of 2027 summer camp. This is a salaried position generally working 8 hours per day with a 30 minute unpaid lunch break, from 7:45–4:15 pm or 8:00–4:30 pm. This position also requires participating in some events outside of regular school hours.

Benefits include 100% employer paid medical insurance, option to opt-in to dental and vision insurance,  IRA match up to 3%, 96 hours of PTO, professional development budget, and 70% tuition discount for staff children.