Credentialed Montessori Guide Substitute

Credentialed Montessori Guide Substitute

STEAMspark is seeking experienced, credentialed Montessori educators to join our team as Credentialed Montessori Guide Substitutes.

Credentialed Guide Substitutes provide qualified classroom leadership when a regularly assigned Montessori Guide is unavailable. This position is designed for Montessori credentialed educators who can step into a prepared environment and maintain the continuity, expectations, routines, and authentic Montessori practices established by the classroom’s regular Guide.

This is an ideal opportunity for credentialed Montessori educators seeking a flexible schedule while remaining actively engaged in Montessori education and the STEAMspark community.

Job Overview

• Do you want to be that “spark” in the classroom that inspires a child’s love of learning?
• Are you passionate about the Montessori method and all it has to offer for children’s physical, social, emotional, and academic development?
• Would you enjoy the flexibility of substitute teaching while serving in a role that recognizes and utilizes your Montessori training and credentials?

If this is you, we want you on our STEAMspark Montessori team.

We are looking for Credentialed Montessori Guide Substitutes who can confidently provide classroom leadership and preserve the integrity of the prepared environment when a regularly assigned Guide is unavailable.

Substitutes may support classrooms across the developmental levels for which they possess an appropriate Montessori credential and demonstrated experience.

Role & Responsibilities

• Ignite the “spark” in the classroom.
• Serve as the classroom Guide and assume appropriate instructional and classroom leadership responsibilities during the substitute assignment.
• Implement and maintain Montessori philosophy, practices, routines, and classroom expectations consistent with the established classroom environment.
• Follow lesson plans, classroom notes, schedules, student information, and guidance provided by the regularly assigned Guide and school leadership.
• Observe children carefully and respond appropriately to individual developmental needs, interests, readiness, and classroom dynamics.
• Present Montessori materials and lessons consistent with the substitute’s credentialed age level, each child’s readiness, and established classroom practices.
• Maintain a peaceful, orderly, beautiful, safe, and developmentally appropriate prepared environment.
• Support children’s independence, concentration, movement, language, social emotional development, practical life skills, and academic growth as appropriate for the classroom level.
• Preserve established classroom routines and minimize disruption to the children’s normal learning environment.
• Practice classroom management and positive guidance procedures consistent with Montessori principles and STEAMspark expectations.
• Thoughtfully support age appropriate STEAM experiences incorporated into the classroom environment and curriculum.
• Document significant observations, lessons, incidents, or other information that should be communicated to the regularly assigned Guide or school leadership.
• Provide appropriate direction and support to classroom Assistant Guides while maintaining established classroom roles and responsibilities.
• Establish and maintain professional and effective communication with children, colleagues, and school leadership.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding children, families, and school information.
• Ensure classroom safety and comply with all STEAMspark policies, procedures, licensing requirements, and supervision expectations.
• Leave the classroom prepared, organized, and ready for the regular Guide’s return.
• Perform other duties consistent with the Credentialed Guide role as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Existing AMI or AMS Montessori credential appropriate for the age level in which the substitute will serve.
• Associate’s degree.
• Three or more years of experience as a classroom teacher, Montessori Guide, and/or Montessori Assistant.
• Demonstrated understanding of Montessori philosophy, classroom practices, materials, and the prepared environment.
• Ability to confidently assume classroom leadership responsibilities with limited notice and quickly adapt to established classroom routines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Assistant Guides, school leadership, and other members of the STEAMspark team.
• Dependable, professional, flexible, and able to maintain consistency for children during a regular Guide’s absence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• AMI Montessori credential.
• Experience serving as a Lead or Credentialed Montessori Guide.
• Montessori credentials or experience spanning more than one developmental level.
• Previous substitute, floating Guide, or multi classroom experience.

AMI remains preferred, consistent with the Credentialed Guide position. 

Substitute Assignments

Credentialed Guide Substitutes may be offered assignments based on school needs, substitute availability, Montessori credential level, and classroom experience.

Assignments may include planned Guide absences, professional development, short term leave coverage, unexpected absences, or other temporary classroom needs.

Substitute assignments and hours may vary based on the needs of the school and are not guaranteed.

Compensation

$25.00 to $32.00 per hour, based on Montessori credential, educational background, and relevant experience.

Physical Requirements

• Able to sit on the floor for presenting lessons and interacting with children.
• Able to lift at least 25 pounds.
• Able to move throughout classroom and outdoor environments while supervising and supporting children.
• Able to perform the physical responsibilities appropriate to the developmental level being served.

These requirements remain aligned with your regular Credentialed Guide position. 

About Our Organization

STEAMspark is an AMI/USA Affiliated School, with AMI/USA Affiliated recognition currently extending to our Primary program serving children ages 3 to 6, and is committed to developing a fully AMI recognized Montessori continuum for children ages 18 months through 12 years.

STEAMspark is also a candidate for AMS School Accreditation and is fully accredited through Cognia, including NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI. These distinctions support our broader educational continuum serving children from 6 weeks old through 12th grade. 

STEAMspark is committed to:

• Preparing children to become top academic performers throughout their education.
• Positioning them to take on more advanced courses in secondary school.
• Enabling them to pursue higher education opportunities successfully.
• Igniting a passion for learning at an early age through Montessori driven, STEAM integrated, age appropriate, highly interactive curricula taught by Montessori credentialed and/or state certified educators dedicated to our children.