Director Education Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Cadence Education is one of the premier early childhood educators in the United States, operating over 340 private preschools and elementary schools across 30 states. With over 30 years in business, we have developed an unparalleled expertise in preparing students to thrive in the next step of their childhood.

At Cadence Education, our mission is to create bright futures for children, families, employees and our communities. This mission can only be accomplished through a team of passionate childcare professionals who combine their talents to provide an unparalleled level of care and compassion for children and their families. Our research-based curriculum and home-based environments are the leading edge of early education.

Our schools are staffed with individuals who are talented, fun, and genuinely enthusiastic about child development and learning. We encourage collaboration and cherish open-communication in each school and with our corporate office.  We work hard to create an outstanding work-life balance by supporting leaders and staff members every step of the way. For additional information about Cadence, please visit www.cadence-education.com.

Benefits of Working Full Time at Cadence Education:

• 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 

WHY MTEI & CADENCE EDUCATION

MTEI has been shaping the next generation of Montessori educators since 2013. Backed by Cadence Education - one of the largest early childhood education organizations in the country - MTEI combines the intimacy and mission-focus of a specialized teacher training program with the resources and reach of a national organization. As Director, you will inherit a strong foundation: established accreditations, active cohorts in two states, a growing online professional development platform, and deep roots in the Montessori community.

You will report directly to the Chief Academic Officer, work alongside a committed team, and have real influence over the future direction of Montessori teacher education at Cadence. This is not a role for someone looking to manage from a distance - it is for a Montessori educator who wants to lead, teach, build, and make a lasting contribution to the field.

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.

Director Required Skills and Education:

• 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).

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct all MTEI programs across Infant & Toddler, Early Childhood, and Elementary levels, ensuring alignment with AMS and MACTE standards.
• Oversee curriculum quality, syllabi development, Canvas LMS implementation, and course materials for both in-person and online instruction.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate 1099 instructors and field consultants; conduct regular 1:1s, faculty meetings, and annual evaluations.
• Manage the practicum program for all levels - including field visit scheduling, field consultant mentoring, report review, and practicum site oversight.
• Support adult learners through mentorship, office hours, individual academic plans, and timely resolution of concerns.

• Maintain MACTE accreditation and AMS affiliation across all programs, including annual reports, self-studies, and on-site visits.
• Manage state authorizations through GNPEC (Georgia) and the Nebraska state process; stay current on all state and federal requirements.
• Serve as MTEI's representative to MACTE and attend AMS meetings and trainings.
• Maintain and update the Adult Learner Handbook, Faculty Handbook, and all enrollment and program documents per accreditation guidelines.

• Lead the full enrollment cycle: inquiry follow-up, facility tours, Open Houses (4x annually), application review, interviews, and onboarding.
• Drive enrollment strategy for all programs and both cohort locations in partnership with admin support.
• Manage graduation and credentialing processes: file audits, AMS/MACTE submissions, credential signing and mailing, and graduation ceremonies.

Faculty Development

• Mentor faculty in course design and adult instruction, offering guidance rooted in adult learning theory and Montessori philosophy.
• Collaborate with level coordinators to conduct structured 1:1 meetings at key course milestones - course preparation, mid-course check-ins, and closing debriefs.
• Collect faculty feedback at the end of the course and provide timely, actionable guidance for continuous improvement.
• Plan and facilitate annual faculty meetings and professional development trainings in both in-person and online formats.
• Serve as the primary faculty resource for course-related questions and professional development pathways in alignment with AMS and MACTE standards.
• Monitor faculty compliance with AMS and MACTE mandatory professional development requirements and maintain accurate records.

• Establish and manage the annual MTEI budget in partnership with Cadence finance; conduct monthly P&L review.
• Oversee facilities for both the Atlanta and Nebraska locations - supplies, maintenance, vendor relationships, and environmental design.
• Manage billing and invoicing oversight in partnership with administrative support staff (SCW, faculty invoices, scholarship tracking).
• Maintain MTEI's annual academic calendar and all operational processes from enrollment through graduation.

• Lead the Montessori Mastermind platform, including course development, BFTS/GAPDS-approved content, quarterly workshops, and website management.
• Cultivate ongoing professional development for MTEI faculty and model a culture of continuous learning.

• Serve as a key contributor to Cadence's Education Team, collaborating on curriculum initiatives, professional development days (PDD), and school-facing resources.
• Act as a Montessori resource and liaison for Cadence's Montessori region schools, supporting school directors, regional teams, and Cadence leadership.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Cadence leadership, marketing, and finance teams to ensure MTEI's integration within the broader organization.
• Represent MTEI at Cadence conferences and contribute to company-wide initiatives as a subject matter expert in Montessori education.

• Oversee MTEI's marketing presence including newsletters, social media, flyers, local events, and website updates in collaboration with Cadence's marketing team.
• Cultivate external partnerships with Montessori organizations (AMS, MACTE, DECAL, GAEYC, NAEYC, MAG, MPG) and community school directors.

Cadence Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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