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AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF AN ACCREDITED PUBLIC CHARTER MONTESSORI SCHOOL AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY IN WASHINGTON, DC

NEW JOB POSTING

Montessori Academic Dean / Instructional Coach - Elementary House (Grades 1-6)

School Year: 2026-2027
Department: Academic Leadership
Reports To: Principal
Location: Washington, DC
Employment Type: Full-Time / 12-Month Position
FLSA Status: Exempt
Start Date: July 2026 or Until Filled
Compensation: $95,000-$110,000 annually, commensurate with education, Montessori credentials, leadership experience, and certifications, plus benefits.

About Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School's mission is to offer a high-quality Montessori education infused with culturally inclusive principles that guide children to develop to their fullest academic, social, emotional, linguistic, and cultural potential.

Located in the Catholic University-Brookland community of Washington, DC, Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School is an accredited public charter Montessori school and professional learning community committed to authentic Montessori practice, equity, bilingual immersion, global citizenship, and whole-child development.

The school's Guides, teachers, and staff live the mission of providing a culturally infused and authentic Montessori education grounded in the philosophy and writings of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Position Summary

The Montessori Academic Dean / Instructional Coach - Elementary House serves as the instructional and operational leader for the Lower and Upper Elementary programs (Grades 1-6). The Dean leads a "House" model focused on cultivating a cohesive Montessori learning community rooted in academic excellence, positive culture, authentic Montessori implementation, and social-emotional development.

The Dean provides leadership, coaching, supervision, and support to Elementary Guides, specialists, classroom associates, interventionists, resident fellows, and substitute teachers while collaborating closely with the Principal to ensure high-quality instruction, Montessori fidelity, operational effectiveness, and compliance with DCPCSB and OSSE expectations.

This role includes approximately:

• 80% leadership, coaching, supervision, and administrative responsibilities
• 20% classroom teaching/modeling and direct student engagement, as needed

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Coaching

• Promote reflective instructional practice, collaboration, innovation, and continuous professional growth among Elementary staff.
• Provide instructional coaching through classroom observations, modeling, co-planning, co-teaching, and actionable feedback.
• Mentor Guides, Classroom Associates, resident fellows, and specialists to strengthen Montessori practice and instructional effectiveness.
• Support teachers in implementing culturally responsive instruction, positive discipline, and restorative practices.
• Facilitate professional learning communities, instructional planning meetings, and Elementary Academic Team meetings.
• Support implementation of assessment systems, progress reporting, intervention supports, and data-informed instructional practices.
• Ensure curriculum cohesion and smooth student transitions between Lower and Upper Elementary programs.

Montessori Program Leadership

• Lead and sustain authentic Montessori classroom environments aligned with Montessori accreditation standards.
• Ensure fidelity to Montessori philosophy, Montessori materials usage, and best practices for Grades 1-6.
• Conduct classroom inventory reviews and monitor Montessori classroom standards and preparedness.
• Support implementation of expeditionary learning, "going out," international studies, and Montessori Middle School UN programming.
• Collaborate with staff to support interdisciplinary curriculum development across academic subject areas.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate Elementary instructional staff and support personnel.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and retention of Elementary Guides, Classroom Associates, and substitute teachers.
• Support professional growth planning and recommend appropriate professional development opportunities.
• Foster teamwork, collaboration, professionalism, and mission alignment across the Elementary House.

Student, Family & Community Engagement

• Support a positive Elementary school culture grounded in equity, inclusion, respect, and Montessori grace and courtesy.
• Collaborate with the Principal regarding student well-being, safety, social-emotional supports, and behavior systems.
• Assist with parent education events, curriculum nights, open houses, and family engagement initiatives.
• Support classroom newsletters, family communication systems, and school-wide News & Notes communications.
• Partner with families to support student growth, independence, and academic success.

Operations, Compliance & Administration

• Ensure compliance with Montessori accreditation standards, OSSE regulations, DCPCSB expectations, and school policies.
• Support mandated reporting responsibilities and student safety procedures.
• Assist with academic scheduling, substitute coverage, classroom operations, and annual budgeting for Elementary programming and materials.
• Monitor assessment systems, attendance records, instructional documentation, and student records.
• Assist with planning school-wide events and enrichment activities in collaboration with school leadership.

Essential Functions as Montessori Guide / Lead

• Apply Montessori philosophy and child development principles to support the developmental growth of Elementary students.
• Develop and support curriculum and activities across mathematics, language, sciences, cultural studies, writing, reading, practical life, and the arts.
• Foster intellectual, physical, social-emotional, and ethical growth for all students.
• Maintain student academic and attendance records.
• Support strong family communication and partnership practices.
• Assist with classroom material maintenance, preparation, and instructional modeling.

Required Competencies

• Deep commitment to authentic Montessori education and whole-child learning
• Strong instructional leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills
• Knowledge of child development for students in Grades 1-6
• Excellent communication, organization, and public speaking skills
• Ability to inspire, guide, and supervise instructional teams
• Commitment to equity, culturally responsive education, and inclusive school communities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines effectively

Education & Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree
• Montessori Elementary Credential (AMI, AMS, IMC, or MACTE-accredited equivalent)
• Minimum of 3-5 years of Elementary Montessori teaching and/or instructional coaching experience
• Leadership, supervisory, or program coordination experience
• Eligibility to work in the United States

Preferred

• Master's degree or PhD in Education, Educational Leadership, Montessori Education, or related field
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Experience in public charter, urban, or diverse school settings
• Knowledge of DCPCSB and OSSE requirements
• Passing Praxis Core and/or relevant subject-area exams

Compensation & Benefits

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee wellness and professional growth, including:

• Employer-supported health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution/match
• Short-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays and school breaks
• Professional development and Montessori leadership opportunities
• 100% tuition assistance for Montessori credentialing.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School has an institutional commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its programs, activities, hiring, or operations.