Founding Montessori Lead Teacher (Ages 3-6) Yama Kids Academy |

Denver Metro, Colorado Position:

Full-Time, Salaried Compensation:

$58,000 - $65,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Schedule:

Monday-Thursday student instruction, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., plus designated preparation, planning, and professional development time

Initial Commitment:

Two academic years, with the possibility of continued employment and professional growth About Yama Kids Academy Yama Kids Academy is a small, Montessori-inspired microschool designed to nurture independent, curious, confident, and compassionate learners. Our educational approach combines Montessori philosophy, hands-on exploration, multilingual exposure, outdoor learning, and meaningful connections with the natural world. With intentionally small class sizes of approximately 8-10 students, we aim to create an environment where each child is deeply known, supported, and encouraged to develop at their own pace. Our program incorporates English, Mandarin, and Spanish language exposure, gardening, practical life activities, creative expression, and opportunities for children to spend significant time outdoors. As we establish our foundational preschool and kindergarten program, we are seeking an experienced Montessori educator who is excited about helping build a thoughtful educational community from the ground up. About the Role We are seeking a warm, experienced, and highly motivated Montessori Lead Teacher to establish and lead our mixed-age preschool and kindergarten classroom for children ages 3-6. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in Montessori pedagogy, understands early childhood development, and is confident leading a small, mixed-age learning environment. This is a unique opportunity for an educator who enjoys the independence and creativity of a microschool setting while maintaining a strong commitment to authentic Montessori principles. We are looking for someone interested in making an initial two-year commitment to our school, supporting our founding students through their preschool and kindergarten years. As Yama Kids Academy expands into elementary education, there may be opportunities for continued employment, additional Montessori training, and transition into an elementary teaching or educational leadership role, depending on qualifications, school needs, and mutual interest. Key ResponsibilitiesMontessori Classroom Leadership Establish and maintain a thoughtfully prepared Montessori environment appropriate for children ages 3-6. Deliver individualized and small-group lessons across practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, cultural studies, and early science. Support each child's development of independence, concentration, confidence, responsibility, and intrinsic motivation. Guide a mixed-age classroom while accommodating individual developmental needs and learning differences. Foster a respectful, peaceful, and collaborative classroom culture. Observe students regularly and maintain appropriate developmental records and progress documentation. Prepare kindergarten-age students for a confident transition into elementary learning. Curriculum & Play-based Learning Develop and implement an authentic Montessori Early Childhood curriculum within a small, mixed-age learning environment. Integrate outdoor education and nature-based experiences into the daily rhythm of the classroom. Facilitate hands-on practical life experiences, including gardening, food preparation, caring for animals, and maintaining shared learning spaces. Support children's development of independence, problem-solving skills, responsibility, and environmental awareness. Create opportunities for artistic expression, music, imaginative play, and creative exploration. Collaborate with language educators to incorporate English, Mandarin, and Spanish exposure into the school environment. Help establish meaningful classroom traditions, seasonal activities, and opportunities for family and community engagement. Balance individualized Montessori instruction with collaborative projects and play-based learning. Work closely with school leadership to thoughtfully develop and refine the school's educational philosophy as the program grows. Student & Family Engagement Build positive, trusting relationships with students and families. Provide regular communication regarding student progress, classroom activities, and developmental milestones. Conduct parent-teacher conferences and maintain individual student learning records. Partner with families to support children's academic, emotional, and social development. Model respectful communication, patience, and thoughtful conflict resolution. School Community & Collaboration Collaborate closely with the founders to develop a strong school culture. Help establish classroom routines, policies, and educational best practices. Participate in school events, family engagement opportunities, and professional development. Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming classroom environment. Support outdoor learning, practical life activities, and community-based educational experiences. Required Qualifications Montessori Early Childhood / Primary credential (ages 3-6) from an AMI, AMS, or other MACTE-accredited teacher education program. Minimum of three years of experience working in a Montessori Early Childhood classroom, preferably in a lead teaching capacity. Demonstrated understanding of Montessori philosophy, classroom preparation, observation, and individualized instruction. Ability to independently manage a mixed-age classroom. Strong understanding of early childhood development and age-appropriate social-emotional learning. Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills. Ability to meet applicable Colorado Early Childhood Teacher qualification requirements. Ability to meet applicable background check and child safety requirements. Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification before employment. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or a related field. Three or more years of experience as a Montessori Lead Guide. Experience teaching kindergarten within a mixed-age Montessori classroom. Experience in small schools, microschools, or alternative educational environments. Experience incorporating outdoor education, gardening, or nature-based learning. Proficiency in Mandarin or Spanish. Montessori Elementary certification or interest in pursuing additional elementary-level training. Experience developing curriculum, mentoring other educators, or helping establish new educational programs. Meets Colorado Small Child Care Center Director qualification requirements, or is eligible to obtain the necessary qualification prior to the school's opening. Interest in serving as both Founding Montessori Lead Guide and Center Director is highly desirable. Professional Growth & Future Opportunities Yama Kids Academy is being developed with the intention of expanding beyond preschool and kindergarten into elementary education. We value educators who are interested in building long-term relationships with students and contributing to the growth of a small school community. For the right candidate, opportunities may include: Pursuing additional Montessori Elementary certification. Participating in curriculum development as the school expands. Transitioning into an elementary teaching position, subject to appropriate credentials and school needs. Taking on additional educational leadership responsibilities as the program grows. We welcome applicants who already hold multiple Montessori credentials, as well as experienced Primary guides interested in pursuing additional qualifications. Compensation & Benefits Annual salary of $58,000 - $65,000 based on qualifications and experience. Small class size of approximately 8-10 students. Four-day student instructional schedule. Dedicated planning and classroom preparation time. Paid school holidays and scheduled breaks. Professional development opportunities. Potential support for additional Montessori certification. Collaborative working relationship with school founders. Opportunity to help shape a growing educational community. Additional benefits and employment terms will be discussed during the hiring process. Our Ideal Candidate Our ideal educator believes children are capable, curious, and naturally motivated to learn when provided with the right environment. They are patient, observant, organized, creative, and comfortable taking ownership of a classroom. They appreciate the philosophy and structure of Montessori education while embracing the unique opportunities of a small, community-centered microschool. Most importantly, they are excited about building meaningful relationships with children and families over multiple years and helping establish the educational foundation of Yama Kids Academy. To Apply Please submit your resume, Montessori certification details, and a brief cover letter describing your teaching philosophy and interest in joining a founding microschool team.

Pay:

$58,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Health insurance Professional development assistance Tuition reimbursement

Work Location:

In person