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.
CURRENT JOB OPENINGS
Primary Lead Guide (Ages 3–6)
Full-Time | 10-Month Position | Exempt | Benefits Eligible
Location: Onsite
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 40 hours/week
Reports to: Head of School
Salary: Competitive, based on education and experience
About SunGarden Montessori School
At SunGarden Montessori School, we are dedicated to educating the whole child through authentic Montessori practice in purposeful, respectful learning environments. We value curiosity, independence, collaboration, and meaningful partnerships with families, and we are seeking a compassionate Primary Lead Guide to join our community.
Position Summary
The Primary Lead Guide creates and maintains an authentic Montessori environment for children ages 3–6 that nurtures independence, concentration, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Through thoughtful observation, individualized lessons, and strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues, the Lead Guide supports each child's unique development while fostering a peaceful, joyful classroom community.
The Lead Guide also supervises the Classroom Assistant and works closely with the Head of School and teaching team to uphold the mission and values of SunGarden Montessori.
Key Responsibilities:
Prepare and maintain a beautiful, orderly, and engaging Montessori environment.
Observe children and provide individualized Montessori lessons in Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Cultural studies.
Foster independence, concentration, grace and courtesy, and respectful social interactions.
Build strong partnerships with families through regular email and newsletter communication and twice-yearly conferences.
Maintain accurate student observations and progress records.
Supervise and mentor the Classroom Assistants.
Collaborate with colleagues and participate in staff meetings, school events, and professional development.
Ensure compliance with Montessori standards, school policies, and Oregon licensing requirements while maintaining a safe, nurturing environment for children.
Qualifications
Required
AMI (preferred), AMS, or other MACTE-accredited Montessori certification (or near completion)
Knowledge of child development for ages 3–6
Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills
Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
Ability to pass a criminal background check
Preferred
Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
Montessori classroom experience
Bilingual in English and Spanish
Physical Demands
Ability to frequently move between standing, sitting, squatting, kneeling, and crawling
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
SunGarden offers a supportive work environment and a competitive benefits package, including:
Competitive salary
Health insurance eligibility after 30 days
8 days PTO plus 2 professional development days
16 Guide preparation days annually
Paid holidays and paid school closures
$200 annual professional development stipend
Oregon Saves IRA participation
Employee Assistance Program
School-issued laptop
50% tuition discount for enrolled children of full-time employees
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to (1-page max) to, hello@sungardenmontessori.org addressed to Emily Steele, Head of School, with the subject line:
[Last Name], Primary Lead Guide 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.
Finalists will be asked to provide three professional references.
Position open until filled.
SunGarden Montessori School is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Garden Steward
Part-Time | 27 Hours per Week | Hourly
Location: Onsite
Compensation: Starting at $25/hour, commensurate with education and experience
Reports to: Head of School
About SunGarden Montessori School
SunGarden Montessori School is dedicated to the education of the whole child through purposeful, respectful learning environments inspired by the work of Dr. Maria Montessori. Our children spend time outdoors every day, year-round, and our garden is an extension of the classroom, a place for exploration, stewardship, and meaningful work.
We are seeking a creative, collaborative Garden Steward who is passionate about connecting young children with the natural world.
Position Summary
The Garden Steward develops and cultivates a prepared outdoor environment in support of the holistic development of the young child. The Garden Steward position is an extension of our Toddler and Primary classrooms. Children work outside throughout the day year-round, rain or shine. The Garden Steward plans and documents the Garden program lessons, maintains the outdoor classroom, and hosts both the morning and the afternoon garden session for Primary children.
We aim to develop the Garden program in several directions: to broadly integrate with classroom curricula and be part of extended work cycles; to support the School’s garden-to-snack program as well as flower arranging, a part of the Montessori Practical Life curriculum; and to develop a native plants garden that can serve as a teaching platform in collaboration with Indigenous Educators, or a perennial garden.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Exhibits initiative, creativity, and drive in developing the Garden program while collaborating with SunGarden staff members, community partners, and parents, rooted in core values of peace and responsible care for the planet.
Tends to the Garden as a prepared environment and place of active work and exploration of the natural world for young children; prepares and documents a comprehensive garden curriculum, including science, arts, and literacy components; readies and resets the outdoor classroom for children's work.
Keeps records on children’s engagement in the garden; keeps equipment in good order; and leads the maintenance of the grounds.
Cultivates an orderly environment and establishes a predictable schedule that offers children a physically and emotionally safe experience to engage in age-appropriate and meaningful work. Allows children to explore freedom through choice in activity in proportion to assuming responsibility.
Honors confidentiality of families, children, and the School.
Understands and executes verbal and written instructions; follows policies and procedures.
Submits monthly updates from the Garden to Salutations, our monthly newsletter for families.
Ensure compliance with Montessori standards, school policies, and Oregon licensing requirements while maintaining a safe, nurturing environment for children.
Collaborate with teachers, families, and community partners to enrich the garden program.
Participate in staff meetings, school events, and ongoing professional development.
Assist in classrooms as needed to support student supervision and licensing ratios.
Qualifications
Required
Horticultural expertise, Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, and/or work experience in early childhood environment.
Enjoys being outdoors year-round.
Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
A patient, calm, and respectful approach to working with young children.
Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Excitement to learn about Montessori and grow as a professional; appreciates feedback.
Preferred
Experience in a Montessori school.
Experience teaching gardening or nature education to young children.
Knowledge of social-emotional learning practices.
Physical Demands
SunGarden activities require frequent shifts between walking, sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
Must be able to run with children or run to them quickly as needed.
Frequent reaching and use of both hands.
Ability to lift items up to 25 pounds.
Occasionally needs to lift a child who is under 75 pounds (in case of safety or medical injury) or to assist with moving outdoor furniture or materials.
Close, distance, and peripheral vision are required for observing the children and ensuring their safety.
Work Environment
This position involves outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions. Noise level ranges from quiet to loud during normal activities.
Benefits
Starting wage of $25/hour
Paid holidays
Professional development stipend
School tuition discount
Employee Assistance Program
Oregon Saves IRA participation
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to (1-page max) to, hello@sungardenmontessori.org addressed to Emily Steele, Head of School, with the subject line:
[Last Name], Garden Steward 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.
Finalists will be asked to provide three professional references.
Position open until filled.
SunGarden Montessori School is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Substitute specialist
Hours: Shifts vary. Our school hours are 7:45 - 4:30, Monday - Friday
Location: Onsite, in-person
Hourly rate: Starting at $25 per hour
Job Type: Temporary/Part-time
Reports to: Head of School
About SunGarden Montessori School
SunGarden Montessori School is an AMI recognized program that provides a holistic learning environment for children ages 15 months – 6 years. SunGarden has one Toddler classroom for children ages 15 months to 3 years and two Primary classrooms serving children ages 3- 6, a fully integrated indoor/outdoor learning environment for the children, and a staff deeply committed to joyfully supporting the growth and individuality of every child. Come join a community where staff are respected and empowered in their work and collaborate in support of the developmental needs of young children.
Position Summary
As a Substitute Specialist of SunGarden Montessori School you will support our teaching staff in fostering independence and self-confidence in children. Time during the school day may be spent supporting classrooms directly, covering breaks for classroom staff, supervising playground time, helping with snack preparation, dishes, laundry, and materials prep.
Eligible candidates will need:
Have or are able to obtain registration in the Oregon Background Registry
Have or are able to obtain certification in Child/Infant CPR, First Aid, and Epipen
Have or are able to obtain certification as Food Handlers
Have experience working with preschool-kindergarten aged children
Work with children in a patient, respectful, and compassionate manner
Enjoy the flexibility of the role
Are organized, attentive to details, and are a careful observer
Appreciate the opportunity to learn from Montessori-trained professionals
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter (1-page max) addressed to Emily Steele, Head of School, at hello@sungardenmontessori.org with the subject line:
[Last Name, Substitute Specialist 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 School is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
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.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those who identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+.
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 hello@sungardenmontessori.org
Come and shape young minds at SunGarden Montessori.