Elementary Guide

The Way of the Shepherd Catholic Montessori School is seeking a full-time Elementary Guide to teach 1st-6th grade in the 2026-2027 academic year.  The hiree will work in partnership with the current Assistant Guide to maintain the highest quality Elementary classroom.

The Way of the Shepherd is an independent, Catholic Montessori school within the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.  The school, strongly rooted in the Catholic faith, educates children ages 3 to 14 in multi-age classrooms - Children's House (ages 3-6), Elementary (ages 6-12) and Adolescent (ages 12-14) - according to the Montessori philosophy.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Overseeing daily operations of the learning environment and maintaining the integrity of the room to ensure a clean, orderly, and attractive environment.
• Presenting lessons and assessing children in best Montessori instructional practices.
• Continuing to develop curriculum and Montessori materials to enhance and improve student learning.
• Maintaining all records, reports, evaluations, assessments, and student records as required by the Head of School.
• Facilitating conferences, meetings, and communication throughout the school year with parents/guardians.
• Reporting and implementing disciplinary actions for inappropriate behavior as noted in the school's disciplinary policy in The Way of the Shepherd School Parent/Student Handbook.
• Understanding, sharing, and accepting the responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of the children at all times.
• Ensuring Archdiocesan and licensing standards are met through the development of materials and lessons to support a safe environment for children.
• Making sure the environment is safe per the school's risk management and emergency plans and in line with governmental and accreditation requirements.
• Working with catechists to assist in the faith formation of children.
• Scheduling and coordinating specialist time with the Head of School and Specialists.
• Serving as a role model for students and peers: displaying maturity, responsibility, flexibility, enthusiasm, and sound judgement.
• Helping the Head of School supervise, train, and evaluate assistants through observation and mentorship.
• Attending weekly staff and guide meetings, workshops, and professional development opportunities as required by or in consultation with the Head of School.
• Helping coordinate and implement ongoing formation for parents, i.e. parent education nights, open houses, curriculum nights, etc.
• Attending and helping supervise school functions outside of the school day and/or off campus as required.
• Planning, organizing, and supervising co-curricular activities and events during the school day.
• Cooperating with the Operations Manager and Head of School to adhere to budget and spending guidelines.
• Assisting the Head of School with recruitment efforts including the welcoming of parent and student visitors, child intake meetings and interviews, and enrollment consultation.
• Supporting the school's mission, purposes, and objectives in a positive manner to parents and outside constituents.

The applicant must be a practicing Roman Catholic, faithful to the Holy Father and the Magesterium of the Church, who is actively engaged in growing closer to Our Lord.  S/he should hold a Minnesota teacher's license and an AMI or AMS certification in Elementary Montessori.  Knowledge of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is preferred.  Candidate should love children and desire to help them in their personal character and faith development.  Positive Discipline knowledge is helpful.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree or higher, preferably in the area of Elementary Education or Montessori Education
• Minnesota teaching license preferred
• Elementary Montessori Certification (AMS or AMI)
• Must pass the required background check and Virtus training prior to start date
• Be a practicing Catholic

To apply, email cover letter, resume, transcripts, and 3 letters of reference to JoAnn Schulzetenberg, Head of School, at joann_schulzetenberg@wayoftheshepherd.org