Lead Toddler Guide

Overview

Position: Toddler Lead Teacher – Infant Toddler Program (‘26-’27 School Year)

Reports to: Infant Toddler Director

Hours: Full-Time/Exempt

Description

Harborlight Montessori is seeking a thoughtful, experienced, and compassionate Lead Toddler Teacher to join our Infant/Toddler program. This role is designed with flexibility and may involve leading a toddler classroom independently or co-teaching as a shared lead alongside another Montessori-trained educator, depending on program needs and strengths.

The Lead Toddler Teacher plays a central role in creating and sustaining a calm, nurturing, and developmentally responsive Montessori environment that supports independence, language development, movement, and social-emotional growth during this critical stage of early childhood. The ideal candidate brings a deep respect for young children, a strong grounding in Montessori philosophy, and a collaborative spirit.

Skills and Qualifications

Working at Harborlight

Demonstrates knowledge of and commitment to the philosophy and practice of Montessori education
Exhibits strong cultural awareness and responsiveness, with experience supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in educational settings
Brings professionalism, warmth, and a reflective approach to working within a mission-driven school community
Priority will be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

Montessori Infant/Toddler credential from an AMI, AMS, or MACTE-accredited program
Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree preferred
Massachusetts EEC Teacher certification required
Teaching at Harborlight

Leads or co-leads a developmentally appropriate Toddler (Infant–Toddler) Montessori classroom in partnership with colleagues and program leadership
Prepares and maintains a carefully designed Montessori environment that supports independence, order, and joyful exploration
Demonstrates enthusiasm, flexibility, and a collaborative mindset when working with classroom partners and colleagues across the school
Communicates clearly and thoughtfully with families, providing timely and meaningful insight into children’s growth and development
Approaches professional learning with curiosity and a growth mindset, engaging in mission-aligned professional development opportunities
Responsibilities at Harborlight

Supporting daily classroom operations, including routines, transitions, and coverage as needed
Maintaining aesthetically pleasing, well-prepared classroom and shared spaces
Attending faculty meetings, team meetings, and professional development sessions as appropriate
Participating in admissions programming and community events as needed
Other duties as assigned in support of the school community
Physical and Work Environment Requirements

Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 30 pounds
Ability to work and supervise children outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
Comfort working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with daily changes and evolving needs
What We Offer

A welcoming, collegial, and mission-driven Montessori community
Salary commensurate with credentials and experience
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off, holidays, and vacation
Ongoing professional development and pedagogical support
Opportunities for leadership growth and long-term professional development
About Harborlight Montessori

Harborlight Montessori is a co-educational independent day school enrolling approximately 285 students from infant through grade eight. Serving Beverly and surrounding communities since 1973, Harborlight is a leader in Montessori education and serves as the lab school for Montessori Institute–New England, a Montessori teacher education program. Harborlight is accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Association of Independent Schools in New England.

Harborlight welcomes candidates who will add to the diversity of our school community and who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging in their teaching and learning. We encourage applications from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools. Harborlight believes that everyone is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, national or cultural origin, sexual orientation, family style, political belief, military or veteran status, disability, or other characteristics protected under federal or Massachusetts law. Harborlight makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. The school’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation and benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

To Apply:

Candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and three written references to:

Mike Bowler, Head of School

c/o careers@harborlight.net