Primary Lead Teacher

Wild Fern Montessori School is a small, mission-driven nonprofit in Richmond, Virginia, committed to authentic Montessori education, financial equity, and a strong community.

We are seeking a passionate Primary Lead Teacher for children ages 3–6 beginning late July 2026. AMI certification is strongly preferred; AMS will be considered. This is a full-time, Monday–Friday position located in the Lakeside/Brook Road corridor, with compensation of $38,000–$46,000, depending on certification and experience.

Wild Fern is rooted in AMI principles, the three-year cycle, the prepared environment, and meaningful parent partnership. Through our Sliding Scale Tuition Program and subsidy provider status, we work to make Montessori accessible to more families.

The Primary Lead Teacher will prepare and maintain an authentic Montessori classroom, plan and present lessons, observe and document student progress, guide classroom assistants, communicate regularly with families, lead conferences, and participate in staff meetings, professional development, school events, open houses, and fundraisers.

Qualified candidates will have AMI or AMS Montessori certification for ages 3–6, a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, at least one year of Montessori classroom experience, strong communication skills, experience working with diverse families, and the ability to lead assistants with care and professionalism. Experience in a small nonprofit school and familiarity with Montessori Compass are highly valued.

Benefits include 401(k) with Safe Harbor match, school-supported professional development, paid time off, paid holidays and breaks, 30% family tuition discount, bereavement leave, potential annual bonus, direct collaboration with the Head of School, and a meaningful voice in school planning.

Pre-hire requirements include a current TB test, background checks, fingerprinting, First Aid/CPR certification, and proof of Montessori certification or current standing.

To apply, please send your resume, brief cover letter, and proof of Montessori certification to Kate Lipka, Head of School, at kate@wildfernmont.org.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Wild Fern Montessori School is an equal opportunity employer.

Required

* AMI or AMS Montessori certification for ages 3–6; AMI strongly preferred
* Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
* At least 1 year of Montessori classroom experience
* Experience managing assistants and navigating the needs of a working Primary classroom
* Strong communication skills with children, families, and colleagues
* Experience working with diverse students and families
* Ability to lead, mentor, and hold classroom assistants accountable with care and professionalism

Highly Valued

* Experience in a small nonprofit school environment
* Commitment to parent engagement and community outreach
* Familiarity with Montessori Compass or a similar documentation platform

Ideal Mindset

* Calm, consistent, and reliable
* Growth-oriented and solution-focused
* Collaborative team player
* Deeply committed to Montessori as a philosophy
* Honest, direct, reflective, and open to feedback

* Prepare and maintain an authentic Montessori classroom environment for children ages 3–6
* Plan and present lessons using the Montessori curriculum across all key classroom areas
* Observe children and use records, portfolios, albums, scope and sequences, and Montessori Compass to guide individual learning plans
* Maintain accurate student progress documentation
* Manage classroom flow, daily routines, materials, and classroom budget
* Support practical life needs, including snack, lunch, outdoor play, dressing, toileting, and rest
* Lead, mentor, and support classroom assistants
* Communicate regularly and professionally with families
* Send weekly classroom newsletters
* Lead parent conferences twice per year
* Educate and engage families in Montessori philosophy
* Participate in staff meetings, professional development, school events, open houses, orientations, and fundraisers
* Complete required summer preparation work before the school year begins
* Uphold all AMI Montessori, Virginia licensing, health, safety, confidentiality, and school policies

* Authentic Montessori classroom leadership
* Lesson planning and curriculum implementation
* Child observation and individualized learning plans
* Student progress documentation
* Prepared environment maintenance
* Classroom flow and work cycle management
* Assistant teacher mentorship and accountability
* Family communication and parent partnership
* Parent education in Montessori philosophy
* Conflict navigation and professional communication
* Organization and recordkeeping
* Classroom budget and materials management
* Collaboration with school leadership and staff
* Calm, consistent classroom presence
* Commitment to equity, inclusion, and diverse family communities