Careers

Our benefits package includes health, dental, long-term disability, SIMPLE IRA, professional development, and tuition remission for qualified dependents. Applicants for classroom teaching positions must have a Montessori credential that is MACTE-approved. A bachelor’s degree and previous classroom experience are preferred. Candidates are expected to work collaboratively for the benefit of each child and the school and demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and development.

  • Adolescent (7th and 8th) Guide

    Montessori Community School (MCS), an independent Montessori school for toddlers through eighth grade, seeks an engaging and dynamic guide for its middle school program (grades 7-8). Located on the border of Chapel Hill and Durham, North Carolina, MCS is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS). The ideal candidate is passionate about working with and empowering adolescents, embraces the Montessori method of teaching, and is committed to a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to education that supports the academic, emotional and personal growth of each student. Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree as a minimum (Masters preferred) and would ideally be Montessori certified from a MACTE accredited program. Applicants who do not hold a MACTE accredited Montessori credential at the Secondary level must be willing to start training. Experience in teaching at the middle school level is preferred. To learn more, visit mcsdurham.org.

    – The ideal candidate will have at least 3-5 years of classroom experience. We prefer a candidate who holds a teaching certification through the state and/or certification through a MACTE accredited Montessori training center.

    Montessori Community School is a child-centered school and our philosophy supports teaching the whole child. Ideal candidates will be familiar with the basic principles that guide the Montessori philosophy:

    º Every child is an individual and progresses at his or her own pace.
    º
    The dignity of every child is respected and protected.
    º
    Grace and courtesy are integral parts of the curriculum and should be modeled by adults.
    º
    Students are not punished, humiliated, or shamed to reduce negative behaviors.

    – We are seeking employees who wish to grow in their positions. MCS  believes that learning is a lifelong process, and we encourage our teachers to continue learning through professional development and through their personal interests. We hope to attract educators who will shape their role in the classroom by offering our students unique, educational experiences.

    – We value each one of our employees and seek to provide the following:

    º An understanding and encouraging climate that celebrates positive contributions and offers professional guidance when support is needed.
    º
    An understanding that teachers are people with families and personal lives that need to be nurtured. Though we want energetic teachers to create a supportive and rigorous academic environment, we also encourage our teachers to find balance to avoid burnout.
    º
    A supportive and loving parent community.
    º
    Professional Development opportunities, including Montessori training.
    º
    Tuition assistance for employees’ children.
    º
    Employee sponsored 401k. 

    Our Montessori school strives to be an intentionally diverse community, comprised of people of different ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender identities, family structures, sexual orientations, racial identities, national origins, religions, and abilities. Our hiring practices reflect this philosophy.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Benefits: insurance, 401k, tuition remission, paid professional development opportunities

    Education: 4-year degree (Master’s preferred)

    License/Certification: Teaching Certification (MACTE approved training strongly preferred)

    Send resume and cover letter to Katherine Perretta at kperretta@mcsdurham.org. Applications received before March 15, 2024 will receive priority consideration.

  • Toddler Support Staff

    Attention early childhood professionals! Are you ready to join a community of individualized and joyful learning?

    Montessori Community School (MCS) is in search of early childhood professionals to join our supportive and vibrant community of Montessori educators in the Toddler program, serving students 18 months through 3 years old. MCS is an independent school accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS)for toddlers through eighth grade located on the border of Chapel Hill and Durham, North Carolina. We value teachers as mentors, guides, and partners. Teachers are given the freedom to follow the child, lead them to big work, and utilize the many resources in the community to expand their learning. The ideal candidate is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse learning community. To learn more, visit mcsdurham.org.

    Essential Functions:

    – Overall supervision and daily class functions of a group of children during extended/late day, from 10:00am to 5:45pm daily
    – Observes all rules and regulations at MCS and local, state, or national regulatory agencies pertaining to the health, safety, and care of children
    – Ensure safety and well-being of students in the classroom
    – Provide a supportive and collaborative partnership with the lead teacher by consistently communicating
    – Maintain student record keeping, lesson planning, parent reports, and parent conferences as requested
    – Adhere to school handbook,guidelines and professional standards
    – Regular daily attendance is a core function of this position
    – The physical requirements of this position include but are not limited to picking up and carrying a child of minimum of 40 pounds, and mobility necessary to reach a child quickly in an emergency. Work will be conducted in both indoor and outdoor environments.

    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    Responsibilities:

    – Assist the Montessori lead and assistant teacher in challenging each child to reach his/her fullest potential academically, emotionally, and physically in a prepared Montessori environment
    – Support the work of the classroom teacher by assisting in the preparation of activity and project materials, maintaining the inventory of the classroom, and supervising classrooms
    – Maintain a supportive and collaborative partnership with administration and colleagues to assist with curriculum development and implementation within the context of the school’s overall program and mission
    – Provide care to students on scheduled child care days when school is not in session, including but not limited to winter break, spring break, teacher workdays and summer camp
    – Participate in ongoing professional development and Montessori trainings
    – Attend all required faculty and team meetings
    – Participate in before care, after care, lunch, recess, and/or carline coverage, and parent education nights as assigned
    – Collaborate and participate within a divisional team and interdisciplinary teachers
    – Maintain and participate in home/school partnership by being open to consistent communication

    Ideal candidates have the following:

    – Bachelor’s degree or continuing education preferred
    – Experience working with young children
    – Commitment to the mission and core values of MCS, which include “respect, integrity, community, and love of learning”
    – Flexible team player with a “can-do” attitude
    – Ability to work independently and collaborate in teams with a wide range of individuals
    – Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse learning community

    Benefits include:

    – Competitive hourly wage
    – Paid time off
    – Tuition remission
    – Insurance and 401k
    – Paid professional development opportunities

    MCS staff members also enjoy:

    – Supportive families and strong school culture
    – Beautiful campus with large classrooms and natural lighting
    – Opportunities for summer employment
    – Small class sizes
    – Joyful, supportive, and fun co-workers

    Our Montessori school strives to be an intentionally diverse community, comprised of people of different ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender identities, family structures, sexual orientations, racial identities, national origins, religions, and abilities. Our hiring practices reflect this philosophy.

    Interested in applying? Send your resume and cover letter to Katherine Perretta, Director of Finance and Operations, kperretta@mcsdurham.org

  • Late Day Staff

    Montessori Community School is seeking a part-time staff member to supervise children in our After School program. Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, have a warm and friendly personality, be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, be able to relate well to children, and be willing to fulfill responsibilities in accordance with the School’s program and philosophy. The ideal applicant will enjoy spending time outdoors in varying weather conditions and be able to facilitate programs with fellow staff members in a collaborative setting. Hours are 2:45 – 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, though these may be adjusted at the time of an employment offer depending on the needs of the program.

    Please send a resume to kperretta@mcsdurham.org and kshah@mcsdurham.org with the Subject: “Late Day Staff: Your Name.”

  • Substitute Teacher

    Montessori Community School is looking for caring, flexible substitute teachers to add to our on-call list. Substitute teachers must be willing to work with children from ages 18 months through 8th grade. No formal Montessori training is needed to apply, though, former teaching/childcare experience is preferred. This is an on-call position where we will reach out to you as needed to provide coverage when our current staff is absent. Hours for the position and days worked vary based on the needs of the school. Interested applicants should send a resume and list of at least four references. All Substitute Teachers will be required to complete a background screening and provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test that is within the week of substituting.

    Please send a resume to kperretta@mcsdurham.org and kshah@mcsdurham.org with the Subject: “Substitute Teacher: Your Name.”