Montessori Teacher

If saying a workplace is a “family” feels like a red flag, we're probably a bad fit, because we actually walk the walk. The Kenan Center isn’t just a workplace. It’s a place where your professional life is part of who you are, but never the whole story. We want you to feel valued, trusted, and genuinely connected to the people and the purpose around you.

Need to take care of a loved one? We get it. Doctor’s appointment, sick kid, or just needing a mental health day? You’ll have a team that has your back. Have children or pets that occasionally tag along? We’ll probably be the ones bringing snacks for them.

We believe a job should mean something because the work means something, the people we serve mean something, and the people we work with mean everything.

About the Role

The Montessori Teacher position is a full-time role responsible for preparing and maintaining a primary Montessori classroom while supporting the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of each child. This position works closely with the Director to ensure a calm, nurturing, and purposeful learning environment rooted in Montessori philosophy. The ideal candidate is collaborative, child-centered, and committed to fostering independence, curiosity, and respect in young learners.

Benefits and pay range:

· $60,000/year FULL-TIME

o Position is responsible for regular school year programming and 8+ weeks of summer programming for a total of 46 weeks of programming.

· Group health, dental, vacation, free programming, and holidays.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Classroom Instruction and Environment
• Prepare, maintain, and care for the Montessori classroom environment and materials
• Provide thoughtful, developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with Montessori principles
• Maintain order and structure in a subtle, respectful, and non-disruptive manner that preserves the integrity of lessons
• Support students in developing independence, confidence, and a love of learningArts and Culture Program Management
• Student Support and Observation
• Provide consistent, patient, and compassionate support for all students
• Observe student behavior and development, communicating progress and concerns with the Director in a timely and thoughtful manner
• Demonstrate understanding of children’s physical, social, and emotional development
• Collaboration and Communication
• Partner with and support the Director in matters related to the classroom, curriculum, and students
• Help maintain attendance, documentation, and records as directed
• Community and School Engagement
• Support and participate in classroom and schoolwide events, including Parent Breakfasts, Family Outings, Open House, Orientation, Phase In, Parent Conferences, presentations, and performances
• Attend and actively participate in meetings, professional development, and training sessions when invited
• Carry Out Additional Duties as Assigned by the ED

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and Montessori 3–6 training required
• Five years of early childhood experience preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with children, families, and colleagues
• Ability to adapt thoughtfully to a variety of settings, needs, and learning styles
• Demonstrated ability to provide a high level of care, support, and professionalism

Why You’ll Love It Here

The Kenan Center is a 25-acre hub for creativity, connection, and community in Lockport, NY. From youth sports to professional theatre to art exhibitions and senior wellness, we’re a place where people come together to grow and belong.

We’re proud to be a safe, inclusive, and people-centered workplace. Some candidates hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every listed qualification, but if you have real-world experience that aligns with the spirit of this work, we want to hear from you.

Send your resume (or a simple note of interest) to [email protected]. Let’s talk about what makes this work matter to you, to us, and to the community we serve.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person