Educational Director

Montessori Academy Educational Director  

Located on a beautiful 23-acre campus in Brentwood, Tennessee (just outside of Nashville) Montessori Academy (MA) is a growing school that is fully accredited by the International Montessori Council, the American Montessori Society, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, now known as Cognia. We currently serve 300 plus students, providing Montessori education for children ages 18 months through High School. We have a strong and inclusive community of educators and families, all supporting our mission of educating and inspiring life-long learners.  

We are actively looking for a Montessori Credentialed Educational Director.  Please see job description below and email cover letter and resume to jwolfe@montessoriacad.org if interested in applying for the role. 

Job Description: 

The Montessori Educational Director is a seasoned guide and leader who oversees both the classrooms and the entire teaching staff. This position requires completion of a MACTE/AMS credentialed teacher training program, a Master’s degree, and a minimum of five years of experience in Montessori teaching, demonstrating a profound understanding of Montessori principles, procedures, and pedagogy.  

The position also requires evidence of an innate ability to observe and assess classroom practice at different age levels, familiarity with accepted principles of fully-implemented Montessori best practice, and the skill to coach and counsel individual Montessori educators to higher levels of best practice without unnecessarily alienating or offending them. Our goal is to build on each teacher’s strengths and to coach them to continuous professional development and growth. 

Qualifications: 

1. Certified by a Montessori training program recognized by MACTE/AMS.
2. Master’s Degree.
3. Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Montessori teacher.
4. Strong leadership qualities, including effective time management, prioritization, and clear communication skills.
5. Demonstrates self-direction and creativity.
6. Willingness and ability to be a mentor to other staff members.

General Duties: 

The Educational Director performs all duties of a Montessori Teacher and additional responsibilities as outlined below: 

• Performs duties faithfully, enthusiastically, and satisfactorily during normal working hours and other specified times, devoting full time and attention to the role assigned. 

• Works under the general supervision and direction of the Head of School. 
• Abides by all school rules, regulations, and policies, as well as relevant state statutes, regulations, and ordinances. 
• Adheres to the school’s guidelines, professional standards, and Montessori methodology to maintain excellence, exhibiting a professional manner. 
• Leads teaching staff in coordinating, ensuring congruency, and implementing the Montessori curriculum and enhancements. 
• Mentors newer and less experienced teaching staff when needed. 
• Communicates and cooperates with the Head of School on program changes in accordance with Montessori philosophy. 

Program Development: 

• Provides a physical, peaceful presence in all programs regularly. 
• Supports educational team leaders and attends team meetings on request. 
• Coordinates and develops faculty and class schedules. 
• Coordinates the implementation of new state standards if applicable. 
• Assists with the coordination of school-wide events. 
• Purchases classroom supplies with the approval of the Head of School. 
• Assists with the formation of classroom replacement lists. 

Programs & Student Support: 

• Designs, implements, and administers student programs consistent with Montessori principles. 
• Sets standards for academic, co-curricular, character development, and student life programs. 
• Provides leadership in curriculum development. 

• Oversees activities, elective offerings, formal cultural exposures, and athletics to complement the academic program. 
• Works with staff to identify curriculum needs. 
• Holds general program responsibility for student safety and well-being. 
• Promotes harmonious relationships between students, faculty, and administrators. 
• Oversees student progress evaluation and communication with parents. 
• Maintains an aesthetically attractive environment compatible with the School’s character. 
• Prepares monthly reports to the Head of School on various educational matters. 

Staff Development: 

• Organizes and manages the teacher work area. 
• Serves as a resource and mentor for faculty and staff. 
• Facilitates communication between administration and staff. 
• Facilitates the interview and hiring process for prospective teachers and classroom assistants in coordination with the Head of School.  
• Researches and proposes an annual professional development budget. 
• Holds all teaching and education staff accountable for fulfilling their job responsibilities professionally. 
• Mediates and develops action plans when colleagues cannot resolve differences. 
• Plans and implements required orientation and training for new staff in the department. 
• Establishes and coordinates a mentoring program for new staff members. 
• Pursues ongoing professional development. 

Relationship with the Head of School: 

• Brings matters about the needs and operation of the educational program to the attention of the Head of School. 
• Serves as the chief communicator between the Head of School and the faculty. 

Organization: 

• Creates a strong team of teachers for the School. 
• Ensures smooth day-to-day operation of classrooms and the overall educational program. 

Planning and Analysis: 

• Develops tactical plans for the Educational Program with the faculty and staff. 
• Participates in strategic planning with the Head of School. 
• Encourages perspective via formal and informal assessments and external analyses. 
• Stays abreast of trends and research in education, particularly those affecting independent school operation and educational leadership. 

Personnel: 

• Defines faculty positions and recruits effective teachers and staff. 
• Establishes working conditions, discipline, training, and professional development. 
• Ensures staff understands and shares the school's educational philosophy. 
• Determines standards and measures performance among subordinates. 
• Promotes harmonious relationships among professional staff and follows a collegial managerial style. 

Finance: 

• Assists in the preparation of the annual budget. 
• Ensures adherence to the budget within the educational program. 

Enrollment: 

• Recommends enrollment objectives and assists in the admission process. 

Institutional Image: 

• Interprets the School and its programs to the public. 
• Serves as a primary spokesperson for the school.