Montessori Director

Job Description

The Director of MTEI is a rare and meaningful leadership opportunity for an experienced Montessori leader who wants to shape the future of the teacher education program. As the sole full‑time leader of the Montessori Teacher Education Institute — a MACTE‑accredited, AMS‑affiliated program with cohorts in Atlanta, GA and Omaha, NE — you will direct every dimension of the institute: academic programming, accreditation, credentialing processes, enrollment, faculty development, and operations.

This role is both visionary and hands‑on. You will set the academic direction for MTEI, develop the next generation of Montessori educators, and serve as MTEI's primary representative to accreditation bodies, the broader Montessori community, and Cadence Education leadership. You will also contribute to Cadence's Education Team initiatives and provide support to Cadence's network of Montessori schools — bringing your expertise directly into the organization's commitment to high‑quality early childhood education.

You will be supported by part‑time administrative and finance staff and will oversee a team of 1099 instructors and field consultants. This is an ideal role for a practitioner‑scholar who combines deep Montessori knowledge with strong organizational leadership.

• Competitive compensation
• Yearly Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000
• On demand pay with UKG Wallet
• 50% childcare tuition discount
• 401(k) with employer match
• Educational and professional development
• Comprehensive benefit package for all full‑time employees, including:
• Paid time off that increases with seniority
• Medical, dental, vision options available
• Additional life, disability, and retirement plans
• Tuition reimbursement
• Company‑paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• 401K
• Pet insurance
• Paid CDA

Required

• AMS credential (Early Childhood or Infant & Toddler) — active and in good standing.
• Familiarity with MACTE accreditation standards and demonstrated experience working within or alongside an accredited teacher education program.
• Bachelor’s degree required;
  Master’s degree in Education, Montessori, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Montessori education, including at least 5 years of lead teaching in a Montessori environment and teacher education experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a school, program, or organizational setting — including staff supervision, operational oversight, and strategic planning.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and confidence representing MTEI externally with accreditors, partner organizations, and the public.
• Proficiency with online learning platforms (Canvas or similar LMS) and standard productivity tools. Demonstrate adaptability to new and emerging instructional technologies.
• Demonstrate ability to design, develop, and facilitate courses and professional learning workshops for adult learners, including experience with curriculum sequencing, rubric development, and instructional scaffolding.
• Stays current with emerging research in education, adult learning, and Montessori practice; able to critically evaluate and integrate relevant findings into program development and instructional decision‑making.
• Knowledge of adult learning theory (andragogy) and ability to apply evidence‑based principles to program and course design.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.
• Occasional weekend and weeknight work to attend courses, observe faculty, and support Adult Learners.

• Prior experience as a director or administrator of a MACTE‑accredited teacher education program.
• Experience with GNPEC or comparable state authorization processes.
• Familiarity with SCW, or similar billing/enrollment systems.
• Experience presenting at professional conferences or facilitating large‑group professional development.
• Background in online course development (Articulate Storyline or similar tools).
• Existing relationships within the national Montessori community (AMS, MACTE, regional associations).

• Direct all MTEI programs across Infant & Toddler, Early Childhood, and Elementary levels, ensuring alignment with AMS and MACTE…