Lower Elementary Montessori Guide

Lower Elementary Montessori Guide Opportunity – The Tidewater School

ROLE: Lower Elementary Montessori Guide (Ages 6-9)LOCATION: Huntingtown, MDSALARY: $75,000–$85,000, based on experience

The Tidewater School seeks a dedicated and experienced Lower Elementary Lead Guide to join our vibrant school community for the 2025–2026 academic year. This is an exciting opportunity for a Montessori-trained educator to contribute to our authentic Montessori program that values hands-on exploration, environmental stewardship, and the development of compassionate global citizens.

Located on a beautiful 1-acre wooded campus near the Chesapeake Bay, Tidewater serves children from early childhood through elementary in a community grounded in curiosity, courage, and lifelong learning. Our unique outdoor education program and commitment to environmental sustainability make our program distinctive.

The Lower Elementary Lead Guide will join a team that values authenticity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to Montessori principles. Reporting to the Head of School, the Lead Guide will work in partnership with assistants, specialists, and families to guide each child's academic and personal growth in alignment with Montessori philosophy and Tidewater's mission to cultivate self-directed, life-ready learners.

The ideal Lower Elementary Guide at Tidewater will have:

• Montessori 6-12 or 6-9 certification
• A bachelor's degree in education or a related field
• At least 1 year of lead teaching experience in a Lower Elementary Montessori classroom
• A demonstrated commitment to authentic Montessori practice
• Experience with neurodiverse learners and high emotional intelligence
• Strong collaboration skills to build relationships with children, families, and colleagues
• A passion for fostering independence, curiosity, and love of learning
• Commitment to children

Responsibilities

Planning, Preparation and Instruction

• Design and facilitate Montessori instruction for students ages 6–9
• Create interdisciplinary, inquiry-driven lessons appropriate for the second plane of development
• Differentiate instruction as necessary to meet the needs of students
• Maintain student records
• Collaborate with faculty and staff across campus

Classroom Environment and Management

• Maintain a prepared environment that fosters independence and responsibility
• Model conflict resolution and community-building strategies
• Establish community and routines to support social development
• Guide students in balancing freedom with responsibility

Communication

• Build strong relationships with students and families through regular communication
• Write classroom newsletters and contribute to school publications
• Conduct conferences and complete progress reports
• Support parent understanding of Montessori philosophy
• Participate in 3 annual Family Connection events

Professional Responsibility

• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and school events
• Contribute to our collaborative adult learning community
• Engage in monthly professional development opportunities
• Help maintain our natural campus environment

Additional Information

Position Type: Full-time, 10-month position starting August 2025Benefits Include:

• Health reimbursement arrangement ($2,000/year)
• Retirement plan with 3% employer match
• 100% tuition remission for children
• Generous PTO policy
• Relocation assistance available
• Professional development support

To express interest or have someone reach out to answer your questions, please send your resume to: info@montessorimakers.org

The Tidewater School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, sex or gender, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, or in any other way based on personal identity markers that do not relate to the capacity of an individual person to carry out the responsibilities of a role.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Huntingtown, MD 20639 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Huntingtown, MD 20639: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000