Adolescent Lead Guide (Math / Science)

Mountain City Public Montessori is a tuition-free public Montessori Charter school for children in grades kindergarten through 8th grade in Asheville, North Carolina. Our mission is to provide equitable access to a high-quality, relevant Montessori education to meet the needs of all students and to strengthen our community. An integral part of our mission as an organization is to operate with a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and thoughtful educator to serve as a Montessori Adolescent Guide specializing in occupations, mathematics, and science 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 humanities and ELA 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 mathematics and science in accordance with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study
• Lead and support occupations work, including hands-on and purposeful projects that integrate academic content with practical life skills such as micro-economy, land stewardship, entrepreneurship, or production-based work
• Collaborate with partner teacher to integrate curriculum across disciplines, connecting math and science to humanities 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 work that has real-world relevance and tangible outcomes
• Foster a sense of responsibility, independence, and contribution through meaningful work
• 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 ELA and humanities 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, math, science, 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
• Two or more years of classroom teaching and management experience in a public school and/or Montessori environment
• North Carolina teaching license or willingness to complete North Carolina Residency License 

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 hands-on learning experiences
• 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.