Primary Classroom Guide; Ages 3

ROLE:Primary / Early Childhood Montessori Guide (Ages 3–6)
LOCATION:South Bend, Indiana
SALARY: $40K – $46K, based on experience
One-time relocation bonus of up to $10,000
STARTING AUGUST 2026
Mission

Good Shepherd Montessori School is a diverse, cooperative learning community that uses the Montessori method to nurture the character and uniqueness of the child and to inspire wonder and a joy of learning. The school fosters spiritual growth in the Christian tradition and cultivates compassionate relationships with all people and just stewardship of the world’s resources.

We believe respect for the child is the foundation for academic excellence and that children grow at their own pace, following their inner drive to learn. Our faculty and staff guide children academically, emotionally, and spiritually, fostering an intentional learning environment that prizes cooperation over competition. We employ the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to create space for children to contemplate their relationships with God and the cosmos, with one another, and with the wider community.

We use brain-body regulation strategies to ground our students, build loving relationships with them, and help them stay in the right frame of mind for learning. We reserve time for weekly land-based learning opportunities as well as art and music instruction. We are not afraid to think outside the box to find better ways to serve each student. We see challenges as opportunities for growth and work collaboratively with our students, parents, and colleagues to create possibilities for each child to thrive.

If this resonates with you, consider applying to work with us.

The primary guide plans and provides appropriate learning experiences for students aged 3–6. The guide is responsible for the holistic education that attends to the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical development of all students in their classroom.

• Bachelor’s degree
• Montessori certification (preferably AMS or AMI) through an accredited Montessori training program (MACTE)
• Experience working with children aged 3–6
• Appreciation of and desire to carry out Good Shepherd’s mission to nurture the character and uniqueness of each child
• Three years of classroom experience with children aged 3–6
• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish)

• Support Good Shepherd’s mission to foster holistic education that attends to all students' spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical development.
• Plan, implement, and maintain a clean, orderly, and attractive Montessori prepared environment to meet the developmental needs of children aged 3–6.
• Plan, prepare, and present lessons within the Montessori pedagogical scheme for all curricular areas.
• Observe student activity and modify lesson planning based on observed needs and interests.
• Develop and modify instructional plans and materials to meet the needs of all students.
• Grow the classroom curriculum through material-making.
• Use positive discipline strategies to set limits and boundaries for children to optimize the Montessori learning environment for all students.
• Maintain up-to-date student academic records and prepare progress reports.
• Consistently offer a welcoming presence to students and families in all interactions, including at school, during parent meetings, and in verbal and written communications.
• Establish positive relationships with students characterized by mutual respect.
• Communicate effectively with students to ensure adequate instruction and holistic development.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and the administrative team.
• Communicate effectively with parents to help them understand the details and implementation of the Montessori approach, as well as their child’s progress.
• Supervise classroom assistants, assigning tasks to be completed within the workday, and supporting their professional development by answering questions, sharing observations, and offering guidance.
• Conduct prospective student assessments.
• Attend and participate in school functions with a spirit of hospitality.
• Assist in planning and delivering parent education programs.
• Understand and promote the…