Breakthrough Montessori PCS
Location
Washington, District of Columbia
Salary
$59,995 - $100,222 / YEAR
The Primary Guide plans and provides appropriate learning experiences by preparing a structured, student-centered, high-fidelity Montessori learning environment for intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development. Responsibilities include planning and implementing the Montessori classroom, maintaining the prepared environment, monitoring student progress, and communicating effectively with students, colleagues, and families.
Candidates must have a firm commitment to Montessori pedagogy, anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy, and upholding the school's mission, requiring a Bachelor's degree and an AMI or AMS Montessori Primary diploma. Proven ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team with excellent communication, organization, and time management skills is essential.
Founded in 2016, Breakthrough Montessori is a public charter school in Washington, DC. We serve 388 students in PK3 through grade 6. At Breakthrough Montessori PCS, we believe in the unbounded potential of all children. Students of all races, classes, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and backgrounds deserve a personalized education.
Our school is grounded in an institutional commitment to development, prevention, and community. We support human development through an uncompromising application of the time-tested Montessori instructional model. We support prevention through early learning, support and intervention, enabling us to quickly and effectively address learning challenges. Finally, we support the community through an intensive approach to family engagement.
Breakthrough Montessori PCS is committed to equity in all areas of our school’s work. We are a supportive environment that seeks to employ a diverse staff reflective of all genders, races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.
Breakthrough Montessori PCS is a coaching school; all team members receive and give coaching to support professional growth.
Under the direction of the Principal and the Assistant Principal, the Primary Guide plans and provides appropriate learning experiences for students. They prepare a structured, student-centered, high-fidelity Montessori learning environment conducive to all children's intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development. As a public school, our diverse population of students must have equitable access to instruction, social-emotional support, and opportunities for self-development. The Primary Guide plays a central role in creating a prepared environment in which this is possible.
Plan, implement and coordinate the Montessori classroom Maintain a prepared learning environment according to the developmental and curricular specifications outlined in the Montessori Scope & Sequence Follow required procedures and practices and monitor appropriate use and care of equipment, materials and facilities Attend weekly coaching meetings, level meetings, and PD sessions Train classroom team to help maintain consistent standards, freedoms, and limits for children through use of the Montessori method Set limits and boundaries and maintain appropriately high standards for child behavior in the Montessori context self-discipline independence responsibility grace and courtesy respect for others care of the environment care of self community building Observe student activity and base weekly lesson planning on observed needs and interests Work within the Montessori pedagogical scheme to develop weekly instructional plans to meet the needs of all students Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all students using Transparent Classroom Monitor and evaluate student development and outcomes Prepare and present progress reports on all students In collaboration with the Principal and Assitant Principal, prepare, administer and reflect on formative and summative assessments Communicate effectively with students to ensure instruction and holistic development Communicate effectively with colleagues and the school leadership team Communicate effectively with parents/families to help them understand the details and implementation of the Montessori approach (including newsletters, phone calls, etc. as directed by Assistant Principal) Lead the classroom team in working together to implement high-fidelity Montessori programming, through: conducting weekly classroom team meetings, collaborating with the classroom team to draft a plan to manage varied student needs including behavior challenges, and creating weekly and daily cleaning/ sanitizing schedule with classroom team to maintain the prepared environment. Must participate and contribute to IEP, eligibility meetings, Child Study Tier 1-3, and 504 plans Provide a spirit of hospitality at school gatherings, occasional public events, and ongoing family engagement events Supervise Montessori and classroom assistants Attend and participate in school events outside of regular school hours, not limited to conferences, Lesson Share Day, etc. Other duties as assigned
and Qualifications: Have a firm commitment to Montessori pedagogy and implementation, and upholding the school’s mission and anti-bias/anti-racist pedagogy. Commitment to upholding the confidentiality of students and parents Proven ability to work as a member of a diverse team of educators Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build meaningful relationships. Excellent verbal and written skills. Excellent organization skills and attention to detail. Time management skills (such as punctuality, timeliness, the time management skills to complete lesson plans, reports, record-keeping, assessments, emails, newsletters, and data collection in a timely manner). Fulfill duties in accordance with the Primary Guide appraisal Openness to feedback, desire to continue development as a professional, and willingness to take responsibility for student outcomes and the classroom team. Enthusiasm and commitment to our vision and mission Fluency in a language other than English is a plus Creative, energetic, and nurturing personality
Bachelor‘s degree in an applicable field required AMI or AMS Montessori Primary diploma required Montessori classroom teaching experience, preferably in a public school setting Experience collaborating and working as a teacher Experience utilizing classroom modifications to develop the full potential of each child Experience with families from diverse backgrounds Additional experience/training in special education, music, art, and/or physical education is a plus
We provide employees with a robust leave policy that includes: Paid personal time off Paid family leave (in addition to DC paid family leave) Paid bereavement leave Paid leave for the observation of a religious holiday Breakthrough invests heavily in the professional development (PD) of our faculty through: A weekly early release schedule with professional development and collaborative planning time from 1:30-4:30 pm every Monday; An individual professional development budget of $250/year to pursue additional PD opportunities; Conference participation and A Continuing Education grant application program that provides grantees up to $20,000 to complete Montessori teacher training, an advanced degree or other license. Other benefits include: Health, dental, vision Retirement (Vanguard Retirement) AFLAC Educator wellness groups, facilitated by a clinical psychologist. For information on Breakthrough Montessori PCS, including employee benefits and our company culture, visit our website at www.breakthroughmontessori.org. Breakthrough Montessori PCS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Market context
In the District of Columbia, Primary Guide openings tend to draw candidates with Montessori training and classroom experience, especially in schools centered on mission-driven, anti-bias practice. This role is competitive because it requires a Bachelor’s degree plus an AMI or AMS Montessori Primary diploma, along with strong collaboration and communication skills. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show Montessori alignment and experience working in diverse teams.
Salary benchmark
$59,997 avg / yr
Typical range: $59,995–$59,995 based on 5 active listings in District of Columbia
School Counselor / Social Worker
Upper Elementary Guide
Lower Elementary Guide
Special Education Teacher
Montessori Assistant: Elementary
Dedicated Aide
Private Lacrosse Coach
SPED Inclusion ELA Teacher
SPED Inclusion Math Teacher
Registered Behavior Technician - RBT/BT - Part-Time
Registered Behavior Technician - RBT/BT - Full-Time
SY26-27 After School Lead Teacher