Join Our Team!
At SunGarden Montessori, we’re more than a school—we’re a community of passionate educators and lifelong learners. If you’re inspired by Montessori principles and a nurturing, collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you. Explore our current openings below or share your resume to be considered for future opportunities. Please email, employment@sungardenmontessori.org
CURRENT JOB OPENINGS
Primary lead guide
Position Title: Primary Guide
Classification: Full-time, exempt, benefits
Hours: 40 hrs/week, Monday-Friday
Location: Onsite
Annual Salary: $50,000 - $55,000/ yr, DOE
Reports to: Head of School
POSITION SUMMARY
The Primary Guide is responsible for preparing and maintaining a beautiful, orderly Montessori environment that supports the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of children ages 3 to 6. The Guide fosters independence, concentration, and a love of learning by presenting lessons and offering individualized support in accordance with Montessori principles.
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:
Teaching and Child Guidance
Deliver lessons in practical life, sensorial, language, and mathematics, and enrich the curriculum with cultural presentations and discussions.
Observe each child’s progress and follow up with tailored lessons and support to meet their developmental needs.
Maintain a peaceful, respectful classroom environment where children feel physically and emotionally secure and can work independently without unnecessary disruption.
Ensure materials and furnishings are clean, in stock, and developmentally appropriate; guide children in maintaining the space's order
Planning and Record Keeping
Devote approximately two weeks before the school year and a few days after school ends to preparing, organizing the environment, and collaborating with colleagues.
Maintain accurate records of lessons presented, observations, and each child’s progress; submit reports to the administrator as scheduled or requested.
Provide biannual written progress reports and conduct parent conferences twice per year.
Maintain regular communication with parents about their child’s development and submit email and newsletter updates as requested.
Collaboration and Supervision
Supervise and guide the classroom assistant to ensure consistency with Montessori principles and optimal support for the children.
Meet 1:1 with the assistant regularly to prepare, plan, and provide feedback and guidance.
Meet 1:1 with the Head of School regularly.
Participate actively in team collaboration, sharing observations, questions, and insights with colleagues and the administrator.
Communicate classroom needs and any concerns about children, families, or staff to the administrator in a timely and professional manner.
Community Engagement and Professional Development
Attend all staff meetings and in-service days; attend board meetings as requested.
Attend school events, including parent education evenings and community gatherings.
Observe in at least two other classrooms (internally or externally) each year to support ongoing growth and alignment.
Professional Development: Complete a minimum of 15 hours of documented training each school year. 8 hours in Child Development (CD) and 1 hour in Health, Safety, and Nutrition (HSN). All staff members must submit documentation to Oregon Registry Online.
Health & Safety
Ensure children are supervised at all times.
Respond promptly to accidents or injuries, including timely completion of written reports and immediate parent notification.
Bear responsibility for the physical and emotional well-being of all children under your care.
Interpret the education program, the philosophy, policies and procedures of the school to parents and other interested persons in a professional manner.
Abide by the policies of SunGarden Montessori Children’s House and conduct yourself in a professional manner. Adhere to AMI guidelines and standards for the purpose of maintaining the quality and excellence of the Montessori experience for the children.
Serve as a mandatory reporter of child abuse and neglect (1-855-503-7233).
QUALIFICATIONS
Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
Certification from AMI (preferred), AMS, or another MACTE-accredited Montessori program.
Prior experience in a Montessori environment and with children ages 3-6.
Knowledge of child development and an understanding of the needs of children ages 3 to 6.
Excellent communication, organizational and prioritization skills; ability to manage unpredictable workflow and flexibility to respond thoughtfully and in a timely manner.
Ability to work collaboratively in a small school community.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand verbal and written English.
Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.
Pass a criminal background check.
Preferred, but not required: Bilingual in English and Spanish.
CERTIFICATIONS AND COMPLIANCE
Within 30 days of hire must complete -
Enrollment in the Central Background Registry (CBR)
Food Handler Certification
Pediatric and Adult CPR/First Aid and EpiPen training
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (RRCAN)
Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety (INCCHS)
Foundations for Learning (FFL)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Indoor/outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions.
Normal noise levels range from quiet to loud during typical activities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to frequently move between standing, sitting, squatting, kneeling, and crawling.
Must be able to quickly move to or with a child as needed.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds; occasionally lift children up to 75 pounds for safety and care.
Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision necessary for supervision and safety.
BENEFITS
8 days of paid time off (PTO).
13 paid holidays.
Health insurance (available after 60 days of employment).
Enrollment in the Employee Assistance Program, optional.
Oregon Saves retirement account, optional.
A 50% tuition discount for employee’s children enrolled at SunGarden.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter (1-page max) addressed to Regina Feldman, Head of School, at employment@sungardenmontessori.org with the subject line [Last Name, Primary Lead Guide Job Application]. The cover letter should include why you are interested in working at SunGarden and how your skills and experience have prepared you for this position. SunGarden will request three professional references for the final candidate. Position open until filled.
SunGarden Montessori is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
On-Call Subs
Your Role: As a on-call sub at SunGarden Montessori, you will play a pivotal role in fostering independence and confidence in our children. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to lead a Montessori Primary Classroom and contribute to the growth and development of young minds.
Qualifications:
Strong interpersonal skills with a customer-service-oriented mindset
Previous Montessori experience - preferred
Ability to pass a background check through CBR
Valid CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification before your start date
Equal Employment Opportunity: SunGarden Montessori is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and do not discriminate based on age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We accommodate employees and applicants with disabilities or special needs upon request.
Apply Now: Join our school community and lead the way in Montessori education by applying below!
Come and shape young minds at SunGarden Montessori.
We’re always eager to connect with individuals who share our passion for Montessori education and community. Even if we don’t have current openings, we’d love to learn more about you. By submitting your resume and a brief introduction, we’ll keep your information on file and reach out if a position aligns with your skills and interests.
To introduce yourself and upload your a resume for future opportunities, please email employment@sungardenmontessori.org