Lead Elementary Guide - job 1 of 2

As a Lead Elementary Guide at Guidepost Montessori, you will take on the crucial task of leading a mixed-age classroom for students in grades 1-6. This role involves creating personalized lesson plans in collaboration with program experts, delivering small group and individual lessons, and communicating consistently with parents about their children's progress. You will work to foster a culture where effort and inquiry are valued, ensuring every student feels engaged and supported in their unique learning journey.

To become a Lead Elementary Guide at Guidepost Montessori, candidates should have meaningful experience working with elementary-aged children and a genuine passion for education. While a formal credential in Montessori teaching is not required upfront, successful candidates will enroll in a fully-paid two-year teacher training program to earn their Montessori elementary credential. We value educators who are eager to learn and grow within a community of dedicated professionals.

Guidepost Montessori is dedicated to the professional development of its educators. As a Lead Elementary Guide, you will participate in a fully-paid teacher training program, receiving personalized coaching and support as you earn your Montessori credential. Furthermore, our collaborative culture encourages ongoing evaluation and improvement, giving you the opportunity to interact with a network of educators and developers constantly innovating within the Montessori framework.

Your daily routine as a Lead Elementary Guide at Guidepost Montessori will be dynamic and engaging. You'll start your day by welcoming students and guiding them through a thoughtfully prepared environment filled with resources for learning. Throughout the day, you'll facilitate small group and individual lessons, encouraging a love for discovery. Regular communication with parents and collaboration with your teaching team will also be key elements of your day, ensuring that each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs are met.

As a Lead Elementary Guide at Guidepost Montessori, you will enjoy a range of benefits designed to support both your professional and personal well-being. This includes a 75% tuition discount for your children at any school within our network, health, dental, and vision insurance, and flexible retirement plans. Additionally, you can benefit from flexible time off options, which allow for a balanced work-life schedule, ensuring that you have the space to recharge and grow in your career.

When answering this question, highlight your belief in the Montessori approach, emphasizing the importance of fostering student agency and allowing children to explore their interests. Share how you balance guiding students and providing structure while encouraging them to take ownership of their learning.

Discuss your experience with differentiated instruction and how you assess each child's unique strengths, interests, and challenges. Mention specific strategies you would use in a Montessori classroom, such as offering varied activities or materials to engage different learning styles.

Talk about your approach to forming partnerships with parents, emphasizing open and frequent communication. Describe how you would keep them informed about their child's progress, involve them in classroom events, and encourage them to share insights about their child's learning preferences.

Highlight techniques such as mixed-age groupings, cooperative learning projects, and Socratic discussions. Share examples of how you’ve encouraged teamwork and conversation among students, creating a respectful and engaging atmosphere for learning.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your response. Share a specific situation where you observed students struggling or thriving and how you adjusted your lesson plan accordingly. Emphasize your flexibility and commitment to student-centered teaching.

Explain the assessment tools and strategies you employ to monitor student growth. Discuss both formal and informal assessment methods, such as observations, work samples, and student-led conferences. Emphasize your commitment to using assessment data to inform instruction and provide tailored support.

Describe your conflict resolution approach, focusing on teaching students to communicate effectively and work through their disagreements. Highlight the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment and guiding students to be accountable for their actions.

Share your passion for Montessori education, particularly how it empowers children to guide their learning. Discuss the importance of nurturing curiosity, creativity, and independence, and express your enthusiasm for being part of a system that values individual growth.

Explain your openness to feedback and how you actively seek it from others. Provide examples of how you’ve used constructive criticism to improve your teaching strategies or classroom management, demonstrating your commitment to continuous professional development.

Outline your aspirations for your first year in this role, including goals related to student engagement, parental involvement, or professional growth. Emphasize your desire to make a positive impact on students' academic and social learning while establishing a collaborative classroom culture.