Montessori Inspired Early Childhood Guide
- 1 active job (view)
- waypointacademy.org
Description
Spark Guide (Montessori-Inspired Early Childhood Guide, Ages 4–7)
Salary: $45,000 to $55,000 per year, plus performance bonus
Full time, in person
Start Date: July 2026
About Waypoint Academy
Waypoint Academy is a learner-driven school in Franklin, TN, a member of the Acton Academy network and opening August 2026.
This is not a traditional school. There are no grades, lectures, or scripted lessons. Learners work in mixed-age studios, set goals, reflect on their progress, and learn to manage real freedom with real responsibility.
We are seeking a Spark Studio Guide to help launch our youngest learners (ages 4–7)- someone who loves young children, believes they are far more capable than most people assume, and wants to help build something meaningful from the ground up.
About the Role
As a Spark Guide, you will not act as a traditional teacher. Instead, you will:
- Prepare and protect a carefully designed learning environment
- Coach independence, routines, and self-control
- Model curiosity, calm authority, and high expectations
- Step back so learners can step forward
Spark is where the Waypoint journey begins. The role requires warmth, firmness, patience, and deep respect for children’s capabilities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete a short application at: Spark Questionnaire
We review applications on a rolling basis.
Compensation
- Salary range: $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience
- Annual performance bonus based on studio health, learner growth, and family partnership
- Paid time off aligned with the school calendar, including Christmas break and standard school-year holidays
- Training and professional development in Montessori methods and the Acton model
- Founding-year leadership and growth potential
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Qualifications
Qualifications
Formal teaching credentials are not required.
-Experience working with children ages 4 to 7
-Montessori, Reggio, or early childhood experience is helpful but not required
-Ability to guide early reading, writing, and math skills with patience and calm
-Desire to help build a school and culture from the ground up
-Organized and consistent with routines
-Must pass a background check
Responsibilities
What You’ll Do
-Create a warm, calm, inviting studio where children feel safe, capable, and inspired
-Support children as they balance play with the development of growing skills
-Guide early literacy through phonics, word-blending, and growing confidence in reading
-Guide early writing and early math using Montessori-style shelves and hands-on materials
-Use badges and simple visual trackers to help children mark their progress and celebrate milestones
-Encourage teamwork, collaboration, and healthy social interactions
-Model grace, courtesy, independence, and problem solving
-Ask thoughtful questions to help learners think for themselves
-Maintain an orderly, well-prepared studio environment each day
-Communicate clearly and kindly with families
-Help shape studio systems, rhythms, and traditions during our founding year
-Participate in training, planning, and professional development as the school grows
Skills
Who You Are
-You genuinely love being with young children
-You are patient, observant, curious, and flexible
-You enjoy asking questions instead of giving instructions
-You value independence and self-direction
-You are calm under pressure and don’t rush to solve problems for children
-You communicate clearly and kindly
-You are interested in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or learner-driven education
-You want to grow personally and professionally and are excited to help build something new
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