Lead Primary Guide in Bethesda, Maryland, US

Job description:
AMI Primary Lead Guide
(Fully trained/In training)
SY 2023-24

About Fernwood Montessori School

Located in Bethesda, MD, Fernwood Montessori School is an AMI-recognized Montessori school. Fernwood was originally established in 1981 as Lone Oak Montessori, a co-educational Montessori Primary and Elementary school. Now firmly established, as Fernwood Montessori, the school serves approximately 65 students between the ages of 2 and 12 years old (through 6th grade).

Each class has one Montessori Teacher and one assistant in addition to other support staff. All lead teachers hold Association Montessori International diplomas. Fernwood Montessori is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education and is recognized by the Association Montessori International (AMI), an organization founded by Maria Montessori to maintain the integrity of her life’s work.

As a recognized AMI School, Fernwood prides itself on the wholesome education our children receive following the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. We serve children ages two to twelve in methodically prepared environments tailored to meet each child’s unique developmental needs and provide them with the tools to enrich their journey toward self-discovery. Visitors to our school are often struck by the concentration, excitement, and zest for learning exhibited by the children. We believe that the principles of Dr. Montessori enable us to provide a space in which the child’s natural curiosity and joy in learning can unfold freely.

The Montessori materials allow for a hands-on approach to learning, extensively covering the subject areas of language, math, geography, and science. Our mixed-age classrooms aid in the social development of our children, allowing older children to act as “role models” for our younger students.

Fernwood continues to work to meet the needs of all children and strives to foster a greater love of nature through planning the eventual creation of a natural playscape.

Fernwood Montessori faculty and staff collaborate to provide children with a fully-rounded education. All staff members are, first and foremost, educators – dedicated to student welfare and contributing to their growth and development. Our diverse student body and staff provide a culturally rich and vibrant community.

Fernwood’s Mission

Fernwood Montessori School adheres to Montessori principles. We provide children with individualized opportunities to foster a love of learning through specially prepared environments of mixed-aged groups, encouraging the development of independent and confident future citizens. At Fernwood, we guide children to discover their potential by nurturing social, emotional, and intellectual security within our diverse community.

Fernwood’s Vision

Inspired and guided by Montessori principles, at Fernwood, we strive to guide children’s growth as unique human beings through careful observation, persistent collaboration and organized child-specific work within our inclusive and diverse community.

For more information about Fernwood, please visit the school’s website.

About the role

We are looking for an energetic and motivated team player to join our supportive and caring school, one committed to providing a nurturing and creative atmosphere for all community members. Our ideal applicant has a genuine love of children, is dedicated to personal and professional growth, and is devoted to promoting the Montessori philosophy.

Connecting with nature is an important aspect of our program, and as such, we revel in providing children with opportunities to discover the beauty of their natural surroundings. We have a lovely expanse of land that provides such opportunities and a designated area for gardening.

The Montessori Primary Guide will lead a classroom for 3- to 6-year-old students. The Montessori Guide helps direct the student’s academic, emotional, and physical activities in a prepared Montessori environment that challenges each child to reach their full potential. The Montessori Guide will be responsible for presenting the Primary curriculum to students, participating in parent education and conferences, record-keeping, and assessment. The Montessori Guide will maintain a classroom and instructional program that supports the individual needs of the children in accordance with the mission and vision and Montessori philosophy and methods.

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

-A compassionate understanding of young children’s tendency towards high emotions and a warm and patient demeanor while helping them navigate and acclimate to the school environment
-A commitment to follow all licensing guidelines and school standards to ensure the daily care of every child
-Completed required training that provides insight on child care and development topic
-Commitment to participation in continuing education
-Good organizational and time management skills
-Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
-A spirit of collaboration and a strong desire to participate fully within the school community

REQUIREMENTS:

-Bachelor’s degree or 120 semester hours of approved college credit or a Bachelor’s degree equivalence as determined by an independent agency authorized to evaluate foreign credentials.
-Certification from AMS, AMI, MACTE-accredited training facility appropriate for the Primary level.
-Must be a self-motivated, self-directed team player who can establish and maintain wonderful relationships with staff, parents, and children.
-Must have at least one-year experience working with children.
-Must be physically able, easily sitting on the floor and getting up, and able to lift about 50 pounds.

For consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter with salary requirements and at least one reference letter. Benefits include but are not limited to medical and dental; childcare discounts, retirement plans; and paid time off.

Contact Person: Judy McKenney, Human Resources Director, judym@metromontessori.com

Special qualifications:  Montessori Primary-level certification

FernwoodMontessori.com