Upper Elementary Teacher

Cedar River Montessori School

Location: Renton, wa

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Are you a collaborative, creative Montessorian who is passionate about working with upper elementary students (grades 4-6)? Do you find purpose in guiding students to be their best selves socially, emotionally, and academically in a collaborative and progressive educational community?

Cedar River Montessori announces an opening for an experienced teacher in Upper Elementary for the 2026-2027 academic year, working with a strong student teacher who will be starting her practicum year. Our school community values the rich cultures, traditions, and ethnicities our families come from, and we are looking for diverse applicants who represent these backgrounds. Members of BIPOC and LGBTQ communities are encouraged to apply.

This job is for you if you:

We would love to learn more about you if…

• Are inspired by our mission and values

• Embrace outdoor experiences in all kinds of conditions

• Love children and supporting their development

• Have a commitment to high-quality education and whole-child learning

• Welcome opportunities to stretch yourself by learning and implementing new techniques and strategies to support children with learning differences or behavioral challenges

• Are a skilled classroom manager, inspiring children to be their best selves and patiently coaching them through solution-finding processes

• Delight in the details of maintaining a classroom space (both physical space and virtual space) for children to thrive

• Are a highly relational and effective communicator

• Are able to multitask and manage a variety of responsibilities

• Have a positive attitude and are able to roll with a dynamic and creative organization

• Care deeply about equity, diversity, and social and environmental justice

• Enjoy working in a progressive, relational, collaborative, and nature-loving team of dedicated and talented individuals

Principal Responsibilities:

• Create and maintain a healthy, safe, and positive environment for children
  Support social-emotional learning and solution-finding opportunities using the Positive Discipline framework

• Take initiative and communicate with the Elementary team about project and curriculum ideas

• Observe and assess individual student growth and progress, and follow up with the teaching team and administration when there are areas of concern

• Communicate with educational leadership, staff, and families about the child’s development and daily experiences

• Collaborate with Cedar River Montessori staff to foster a sense of community and belonging

• Implement daily practices and routines within the classroom and throughout the campus

• Observe, document, and facilitate children’s progress in the areas of their social, emotional, physical, creative, and cognitive skills

• Organize classroom materials and clean, disinfect, and sanitize the workspace to facilitate the learning process for each child

• Support the students, families, and school community through excellent communication

• Model safe and responsible behavior during outdoor activities, and motivate students to participate in all types of weather

• Help guide students through self-directed activities, allowing each student to develop at their own pace

• Foster a nurturing and stimulating non-competitive environment

• Oversee key annual upper elementary projects and events such as sixth-grade passion project, going outs, fall Harvest Fest, salmon rearing and release, and multi-day overnight trip each spring

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree and AMI, AMS, or MACTE certification (9-12/6-12 or Elementary I/II)

• Minimum two years’ experience as a Lead Montessori Teacher

• CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens certified or be willing to obtain
  Positive Discipline training, or willing to take

• Anti-biased/Anti-racist training, or willing to take

• Defensive driving course (or willing to take) and good driving record to drive the school's 15-passenger vans

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• AMI, AMS, or MACTE certification for Elementary I and II

• Strong communication skills with children, parents, and colleagues

• Strong decision-making skills to respond to risk management, emergencies, or difficult situations

• Ability and desire to support children with learning differences

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally

• Familiarity with Transparent Classroom

Desired Behavioral Traits and Attitudes:

Leader, team player, fun, outgoing, passionate, organized, flexible, creative, resourceful, critical thinker, community-minded, and self-motivated. Aligned with Cedar River Montessori’s mission and values, and environmentally and socially conscientious.

Benefits and Compensation:

• 10-month salary $60,000-72,000, depending on certification and experience.

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits.

• Matching retirement, paid professional development, tuition discount, and paid time off.

• This is a full-time commitment to working for the 10-month school year, with the option to continue in the summer.

Who We are:

Located on 12 acres of forested wetland and pasture, Cedar River Montessori is an American Montessori Society-accredited, independent, non-profit school for students ages 3 through 14 in Renton, WA. Cedar River Montessori students follow their natural interests as they explore their world, discovering the interconnectedness of personal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Students learn how to work independently and collaboratively, experiencing a transformative education as they grow into the next generation of engaged, global thinkers who compassionately challenge the status quo. Founded in 1981, we strive to be a diverse and inclusive community.

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