POSITION: Teacher / Montessori Guide 3 – 6 years
FULL TIME/PART TIME: Full Time Position
ACCOUNTABLE TO: LCH/LCS Programme Coordinator
LOCATION: Stellenbosch, South Africa
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your CV and a cover letter to jessica@sustainabilityinstitute.net
Applications without a cover letter, or with a generic cover letter will not be considered. In the cover letter please highlight all relevant experience and qualifications you have in relation to this specific position, what attracts you to this position and the organization, and why you are the best candidate for the job.
Application Deadline: 17 July 2026
ORGANISATION BACKGROUND:
The Sustainability Institute is recognised as a leading institution in navigating the transition towards just and generative futures through education, research, and practice. Founded in 1999, the Institute is an international learning centre teaching, exploring and applying ways of being that are restorative. Our focus on children is centred within the Lynedoch Children’s House, Lynedoch Primary Schools and Lynedoch Youth programmes. We are an expert in learning experience design for transformative education in sustainability in the African context. We offer knowledge, skills and a physical space for designing transformative educational experiences anchored in sustainability. Our expertise includes research and advisory services, offering and implementing learning programmes in partnership with other organisations, and SI-led courses and workshops.
MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE:
The Lead Montessori Guide provides educational leadership across the Lynedoch Children’s House, ensuring high-quality Montessori practice, strong developmental outcomes and consistency across both the 0–3 and 3–6 environments.
Reporting to the Head of the Pre- and Primary School, the Lead Guide acts as the main guide of the preschool programme and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day educational quality of the 0–6 environments.
The role combines exceptional Montessori practice with leadership of the school’s early literacy and numeracy strategy. The Lead Guide mentors and coaches’ staff, supports children’s personalised learning journeys, oversees assessment and data systems, coordinates multidisciplinary support, strengthens partnerships with families and ensures continuous improvement across the preschool programme.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The core areas of responsibility of the 3- 6 Guide include the following:
Educational Leadership Across the 0–6 Programme:
- Provide day-to-day educational leadership across both the 0–3 and 3–6 environments.
- Ensure consistency in Montessori philosophy, practice and classroom standards across the preschool.
- Support the implementation of the school’s vision, curriculum and strategic priorities.
- Work closely with the Coordinator to drive continuous improvement.
- Support operational decision-making and act on behalf of the Coordinator when required.
Lead Literacy and Numeracy Development
- Lead the implementation of the preschool’s literacy and numeracy approach across the 0–6 programme.
- Ensure high-quality language, literacy and mathematical experiences are embedded within authentic Montessori practice.
- Coach and mentor teachers in implementing evidence-informed literacy and numeracy practices that complement Montessori pedagogy.
- Monitor children’s progress and identify trends that inform programme development.
- Lead ongoing reflection and improvement of literacy and numeracy practice across the preschool.
Mentor and Develop Staff
- Mentor Montessori Guides, assistants and interns through coaching, classroom observations and professional dialogue.
- Model excellent Montessori practice.
- Support induction of new staff.
- Lead reflective practice meetings.
- Contribute to professional development planning.
- Conduct regular performance conversations and contribute to staff performance management in collaboration with the coordinator.
Assessment, Observation and Data
- Oversee observation, assessment and documentation across both environments.
- Ensure assessment data is captured accurately and consistently.
- Analyse learning and developmental data to monitor programme quality and child progress.
- Prepare reports and summaries for leadership, funders and school improvement planning.
- Use assessment information to guide personalised learning and targeted intervention.
Personalised Learning & Therapeutic Collaboration
- Coordinate personalised learning plans for children requiring additional support.
- Work closely with the Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist and other specialists.
- Ensure classroom recommendations are implemented consistently.
- Lead multidisciplinary meetings.
- Monitor intervention plans and review progress with staff and families.
Parent Partnership & Communication
- Lead parent communication across the preschool programme.
- Build trusting relationships with families.
- Facilitate parent workshops on Montessori philosophy, child development, literacy, numeracy and school readiness.
- Support teachers in communicating children’s progress effectively.
- Meet with families regarding learning, development and additional support where appropriate.
- Promote meaningful parent engagement in children’s learning.
Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor the quality of Montessori environments across the preschool.
- Ensure classrooms maintain high standards of preparation, presentation and record keeping.
- Support programme evaluation and continuous improvement.
- Identify areas for development and implement improvement plans.
- Ensure compliance with organisational policies and educational standards.
Professional Practice
- Represent Lynedoch Children’s House professionally.
- Welcome visitors and external partners.
- Contribute to fundraising, tours and partnership activities.
- Participate in strategic planning and organisational learning.
- Continue professional development in Montessori education, literacy, numeracy and early childhood practice.
Since the Guide will be based on the SI premises certain non-core responsibilities are expected of him/her. Non-core areas of responsibility include:
- Keep SI surroundings free of litter
- Attend staff meetings where necessary
- Host students as part of ilima where necessary
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Essential
- AMI Montessori Diploma (3–6 Years)
- Experience working in an early childhood education setting
Desirable
- Experience implementing evidence-informed literacy practices
- Experience working alongside Speech and Occupational Therapists
- Experience facilitating parent education workshops
- Knowledge of trauma-informed educational practice
KEY COMPETENCIES:
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Excellent understanding of Montessori philosophy and practice
- Strong knowledge of early childhood development
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
- Strong observation and assessment skills
- Commitment to continuous professional learning
- Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills
- Ability to use data to inform teaching practice
- High levels of professionalism, integrity and accountability
- Ability to communicate in the following languages:
English
Afrikaans
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
The successful candidate will be:
- Warm, calm and nurturing
- Child-centred and relational
- Passionate about education and lifelong learning
- Reflective and open to coaching
- Adaptable and resilient
- Creative and solution-focused
- Organised and proactive
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Professional, trustworthy and dependable