Montessori Director

Company Overview 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. Job Description 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: Required 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. Preferred 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. E