Lower Elementary Montessori Lead Guide

Lower Elementary Montessori Lead Guide Starwood Academy of Frisco Frisco, TX Job Details Full-time 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Employee discount Professional development assistance Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Working with children Bachelor's degree Classroom experience Lesson planning Full Job Description About Starwood Academy Starwood Academy of Frisco serves children ages 18 months through fifteen years and has provided a high-fidelity Montessori education to the Frisco community for over 25 years. Our leadership team is deeply rooted in Montessori philosophy, with 100% of our administrators holding Montessori credentials at one or more levels. With an average staff tenure of over eight years, our school is built on consistency, expertise, and a shared commitment to excellence. At Starwood, each member of our community—students, families, and team members alike—contributes to a vibrant and connected environment grounded in respectful relationships, a love of learning, and a deep appreciation for life. Position Summary At Starwood Academy, our Lead Lower Elementary Guides cultivate a classroom where children are deeply engaged in purposeful work, developing independence, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. Rooted in Montessori philosophy, this role requires a thoughtful observer, a strong instructional leader, and a collaborative partner to both families and colleagues. The Lead Guide plays a critical role in shaping the student experience, guiding each child's academic, social, and emotional development within a carefully prepared environment that honors the Montessori method and the unique potential of every child. Scope of Role The Lead Lower Elementary Guide serves as the instructional and operational leader of the classroom, driving the student experience and the integrity of the Montessori environment. This includes guiding each child's development through intentional observation, individualized instruction, and a commitment to maintaining the uninterrupted work cycle. This role leads and mentors the Lower Elementary Teaching Assistant, partners closely with school leadership and student support staff, and serves as a trusted point of connection for families. The Lead Guide balances independence with collaboration, bringing strong organization, sound judgment, and a calm, grounded presence to the classroom each day. Essential Functions The following functions are core to the role:: Deliver authentic Montessori instruction aligned with each child's developmental readiness Prepare and maintain a fully functioning, orderly, and engaging Montessori environment Conduct ongoing observations to guide lesson planning and individualized learning pathways Maintain accurate and timely student records, including progress, attendance, and required documentation Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of students throughout the school day Communicate professionally and consistently with families, colleagues, and school leadership Lead and support the Lower Elementary Teaching Assistant to ensure cohesive classroom operations Implement classroom management through a respectful, positive discipline approach Participate in required meetings, conferences, and school events Respond appropriately to student incidents, including documentation and communication per school policy Duties & ResponsibilitiesClassroom Leadership & Instruction Cultivate a calm, respectful, and engaging classroom culture that fosters independence and intrinsic motivation Present Montessori lessons with intention and clarity, based on ongoing observation of each child Develop and guide individualized work plans that support each student's academic and developmental growth Maintain and adapt the prepared environment to meet the evolving needs of the children Team Leadership & Collaboration Lead and mentor the Lower Elementary Teaching Assistant, providing clear expectations and ongoing guidance Meet regularly to reflect on student progress, classroom dynamics, and environment needs Collaborate with the Director of Curriculum & Instruction to support each child holistically Partner with colleagues to ensure consistency and alignment across the program Student Observation, Assessment & Record Keeping Develop a deep understanding of each child through consistent observation Maintain thoughtful and accurate records of academic, social, and emotional progress Provide timely, meaningful feedback on student work Prepare progress reports, conference documentation, and required assessments Family Partnership Build strong, respectful relationships with families grounded in trust and professionalism Communicate regularly regarding student growth and development Conduct parent conferences and support families in understanding the Montessori journey Participate in admissions by welcoming prospective students into the classroom experience Classroom Environment & Operations Maintain a beautiful, orderly, and fully prepared Montessori classroom Oversee the care and stewardship of classroom materials Manage inventory and communicate classroom needs proactively Ensure a safe environment and promptly address any maintenance or safety concerns Student Supervision & Safety Support the physical and emotional well-being of all students Supervise students during transitions, lunch, recess, field trips and arrival/dismissal Follow all safety protocols and complete incident reporting as required Professional Responsibilities & Community Engagement Actively participate in team meetings, school events, and parent education opportunities Attend field trips that enrich the student experience Engage in ongoing professional growth and Montessori development Participate in performance evaluations, including reflection and goal setting Adhere to all school policies, procedures, and standards of professional conduct Support the broader Starwood community and contribute positively to school culture Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Curriculum & Instruction and/or Asst. Head of School Qualifications Montessori Lower Elementary credential (AMS, AMI, or MACTE-accredited program) Bachelor's degree required (Education or related field preferred) Prior Montessori classroom experience strongly preferred Strong organizational and classroom leadership skills Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities Deep alignment with Montessori philosophy and child-centered education Work Schedule This is a full-time, on-campus, 11-month role within each academic year. Working hours of 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Occasional evening or extended hours may be required to support school events and community engagement. Work Environment & Physical Requirements Ability to work in a dynamic classroom environment with frequent movement Ability to supervise children in both indoor and outdoor settings Ability to lift, bend, kneel, and reach as needed Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations We offer continued professional development, a vibrant community of team members, paid holidays, four weeks of paid vacation, health insurance and retirement plans.

Disclaimer:

The list of Requirements, Duties, Responsibilities is not exhaustive but is merely the most accurate list for the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description and to require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, changes in personnel, workload or technical development).

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person