Adolescent lead guide (ELA / Humanities)

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and thoughtful educator to serve as a Montessori Adolescent Guide specializing in English Language Arts and humanities for a small cohort of 7th and 8th grade students. This role is rooted in Montessori adolescent philosophy, which emphasizes purposeful work, independence, and meaningful engagement with the world.

The ideal candidate will partner closely with a math, science, and occupations guide to create an integrated, interdisciplinary learning environment that supports the developmental needs of adolescents including intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Together, this teaching team will design and facilitate a program that blends rigorous academics with experiential, real-world applications while aligning with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction and Curriculum Design

• Design and deliver engaging, standards-aligned instruction in English Language Arts and humanities in accordance with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study
• Lead and support humanities-based inquiry including history, geography, civics, culture, and social systems through an integrated lens
• Collaborate with partner teacher to integrate curriculum across disciplines, connecting literacy and humanities to math, science, and real-world contexts
• Use Montessori principles to guide student-centered and inquiry-based learning

Experiential and Expeditionary Learning

• Plan and facilitate experiential learning opportunities including field studies, community-based projects, and extended expeditions
• Engage students in meaningful reading, writing, discussion, and research connected to real-world issues and authentic audiences
• Foster a sense of responsibility, independence, and contribution through work that connects students to their community and broader society
• Incorporate the natural environment and local community as extensions of the classroom

Student Support and Community Building

• Serve as a guide and mentor, supporting the developmental needs of adolescents
• Build strong relationships with students, fostering a respectful and collaborative classroom culture
• Support students in goal setting, self-reflection, and ownership of their learning
• Communicate regularly with families about student progress and development

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the math, science, and occupations teacher to co-plan, co-teach, and support students holistically
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and school-wide initiatives
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the adolescent program

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, English, humanities, or a related field
• Experience working with middle school-aged students
• Strong collaboration skills and a willingness to work closely with a teaching partner
• Commitment to student-centered and experiential learning
• North Carolina teaching license or willingness to complete North Carolina Residency License 
• Two or more years of classroom teaching and management experience in a public school and/or Montessori environment
  

Preferred:

• Montessori Adolescent credential or training (AMI / AMS / MACTE)
• Experience in a Montessori environment or familiarity with Montessori philosophy
• Background in project-based, expeditionary, or place-based learning
• Experience aligning instruction and assessment to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study
• Comfort with interdisciplinary teaching and curriculum integration

Key Competencies

• Ability to design engaging and discussion-rich learning experiences
• Strong facilitation of writing, reading comprehension, and critical thinking
• Flexibility, creativity, and a growth mindset
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Passion for working with adolescents and supporting their development into capable and independent individuals

About the Program

Our adolescent program is grounded in Montessori principles, emphasizing purposeful work, community, and real-world engagement. Students learn through a balance of academic study, collaborative projects, and experiential learning that connects them to the land, their community, and each other. As a small program, we value deep relationships, flexibility, and innovation.

Application Process

Interested applicants may submit a cover letter and resume.