Montessori Primary Lead Guide (Ages 3-K)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Benefits Eligible
Months Worked Per School Year: 10
Work Days/Hours: M-F, 7:45 am- 3:45 pm, occasional after-school and weekend work 

Start Date: August, 2026 

School: Terra School is in Serenbe, an idyllic community nestled among preserved forests and meadows in South Fulton county. Just 45 minutes outside of Atlanta, we opened our new campus in August, 2023 with state-of-art 1500 square foot classrooms and attached outdoor learning spaces. As a community-based STEAM school, we serve families from a range of cities and towns in Fulton, Coweta, Carroll and Fayette counties. We currently have 205 students and offer programs spanning from 8 weeks through 12th grade. Our goal is to nurture students who thrive in a diverse and ever-evolving world, equipped with resilience, intellectual humility, an ethical compass, and boundless curiosity. 

Position:
Terra School at Serenbe seeks a dedicated Montessori Primary Lead Guide to lead one of our early childhood Montessori learning environments (ages 3–6). As a Primary Lead Guide, you will be responsible for creating a nurturing, developmentally appropriate atmosphere that fosters independence and a love of learning.

As a Montessori program, we strive to support the sensitive periods of each learner. The goal is to allow them to develop an intrinsic motivation to learn. This position serves as the head of a mixed-age Primary classroom community, modeling grace and courtesy while guiding students through the scope and sequence of an authentic Montessori curriculum.

Responsibilities:
● Curriculum & Instruction: Plan and deliver individual and group lessons across all areas of the Montessori Primary curriculum (Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Culture).
● The Prepared Environment: Meticulously prepare and maintain the classroom environment to ensure materials are complete, clean, and accessible, fostering student independence and engagement.
● Observation & Record Keeping: Observe children regularly to assess progress, identify needs, and plan appropriate lessons; maintain accurate and up-to-date records of each child’s development.
● Classroom Leadership: Establish a harmonious classroom culture through positive discipline and tone-keeping; mentor and collaborate effectively with the Support Guide to ensure a cohesive team approach.
● Parent Partnership: Communicate effectively with parents regarding their child’s progress through regular updates, parent-teacher conferences, and parent education events.
● Safety & Operations: Oversee daily classroom routines (arrival, dismissal, lunch, rest time) and ensure the physical safety and emotional well-being of all students.

Qualifications:
● Required: Montessori Early Childhood (Primary 3-6) Credential (AMS, AMI, or MACTE accredited).
● Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Child Development, or a related field.
● Experience leading a Montessori Primary classroom is required.
● Deep understanding of Montessori philosophy and child development.
● Strong organizational and communication skills (both verbal and written).
● Ability to work collaboratively with administration, colleagues, and families.
● A passion for nature, STEAM integration, and guiding young children.
 

Salary & Benefits: Terra School offers employee benefits that include 

● Competitive compensation based on educational attainment and years experience in education. 

● We operate on a ten-month calendar, with organized sessions aligned with local public and private schools. 

● Educators will have time off during seasonal breaks and in the summer. 

● Health insurance that includes vision, dental, long term disability and life insurance. 

● Professional development funding. 

● Child tuition discounts. 

● Retirement matching offered through ValuTeachers Fund

APPLICATION PROCESS: 

Explore our website to gain insights into our vibrant community. If you find a position that aligns with your passion and expertise, we invite you to submit your application. Interested candidates should provide a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to Kara Adler, Admissions & Hiring Coordinator (karaa@terraatserenbe.org). Feel free to include any additional supporting documents that would help us better understand your qualifications and suitability for the role. 

Upon reviewing each applicant's materials, we will contact selected candidates for a phone interview. Following the initial phone interviews, we will choose candidates to proceed to on-campus interviews. Depending on the position, the on-campus interview may involve discussions with administrators and faculty members, a 10-minute mini-lesson presentation, and classroom observations. Visiting our campus is a crucial aspect of our interview process, providing candidates with a firsthand experience of what it's like to work and teach at Terra. 

Terra School at Serenbe is committed to equal opportunity employment. We do not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any other protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws. We encourage a diverse pool of candidates to apply, and we look forward to welcoming individuals who share our commitment to creating an inclusive educational environment.