• Founded in 1969, The Montessori Academy (TMA) is an ISACS and AMS accredited private school serving more than 200 children annually from age 18 months through grade 8 in Mishawaka, Indiana.  Classes at The Montessori Academy are prepared according to the developmental characteristics of each age level.  True of all employees at The Montessori Academy, our teachers guide their students in accordance with Montessori philosophy and the mission of The Montessori Academy.

The Montessori Academy's goal is mutual trust and friendly regard among all.  As adults we model appropriate behavior, attitudes and feelings.  Employees are expected to follow TMA's guiding principles, policies and procedures.

Listed below are current employment opportunities with instructions regarding how to apply. If you'd like to substitute or volunteer, please contact the front office. 

ADVANCEMENT AND ENROLLMENT DIRECTOR
We are currently interviewing for an Advancement and Enrollment Director.  This individual will lead and manage the school's enrollment and advancement efforts, focusing on growing the student body, enhancing the school's brand, and securing philanthropic support.  This individual will be a key member of the senior leadership team and work closely with the Head of School, faculty, staff, Board of Trustees and parents to develop and execute strategies that advance the mission and vision of the school.

Key Responsibilities:
Enrollment Management

• Oversee the recruitment, admission, and retention processes to meet annual

enrollment goals.

• Lead the admissions office, managing all aspects of the admissions cycle

including inquiry, applications, testing, interviews, and decisions.

• Build and maintain relationships with prospective families, guiding them through

the admissions process.

• Analyze and report on enrollment trends, making strategic recommendations for

increasing enrollment and retention.

• Coordinate with the advancement team to develop materials and campaigns that

attract a diverse pool of applicants.

• Work with the academic and administrative teams to ensure a smooth transition

for new students.

Advancement and Fundraising

• Lead and manage the school's annual giving campaign and oversee major

fundraising initiatives.

• Work closely with the Development team to cultivate relationships with donors,

including parents, alumni, and other community stakeholders.

• Help plan and implement fundraising events and activities.
• Develop strategies for donor engagement and retention, ensuring the school

maintains strong relationships with its donor base.

• Collaborate with the Head of School and Board of Trustees on long-term

strategic planning for advancement.

Marketing and Communications

• Partner with advancement team to raise the school’s profile, develop content,

and manage branding efforts across various channels (social media, website,
publications, etc.).

• Represent the school at events and in the community to enhance visibility and

promote the school’s programs and initiatives.

• Create a compelling narrative about the school’s mission, values, and

educational offerings to attract prospective students and donors.

Strategic Planning and Reporting

• Work with the senior leadership team to develop and implement strategies for the

school’s overall growth and sustainability.

• Regularly report on the status of enrollment and fundraising goals to the Head of

School and Board of Trustees.

• Monitor industry trends in education, admissions, and fundraising to ensure the

school remains competitive and innovative.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree in education, business, or related

field preferred.

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in enrollment management, fundraising, or

related fields within independent schools or non-profit organizations.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated success in managing and achieving enrollment and fundraising

goals.

• Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, faculty, staff, alumni,

and donors.

• Proficiency with technology, including CRM software and social media platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and effectively

manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Additional Desired Attributes:

• Passion for education and the mission of independent schools.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire others.
• Comfort with public speaking and representing the school in a variety of settings.

Applicant Instructions: Please send a cover letter and Resume as well as contact information for three references who have acted in a supervisory role for the candidate to Kathy Kolata, Head of School,  [email protected].


EARLY CHILDHOOD LEAD TEACHER
We are interviewing Montessori teachers who will teach in a 3 to 6-year-old classroom.  The ideal Early Childhood/Primary candidate is one who is interested in joining a highly collaborative adult community that is invested in Montessori.  BIPOC and LGBTQ+ educators are strongly encouraged to apply.

Education and Experience: 
A bachelor’s degree and an Early Childhood/Primary Montessori credential is required. Three years of teaching experience is preferred. Staff benefits include medical and dental insurance, paid days off, and a retirement plan. Salaries are commensurate with experience. 
​
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.  The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Collaborate with Early Childhood and Lower Elementary teachers to ensure the developmental needs of each individual student are met and that proper preparations are made for the students' successful move to Lower Elementary.
• Provide regular reports to the parents regarding the content presentations and instruction in the appropriate academic and social/emotional areas.
• Provide an end-of-year summary of the student's experiences and accomplishments.
• Provide specific feedback to parents relevant to a child's interests, particular talents and discoveries.
• Prepare and maintain the instructional space to reflect the qualities inherent in a Montessori prepared environment and the academic needs of a kindergarten level student: appropriate materials, order, cleanliness, beauty, positive supportive atmosphere, respect for the environment and each other.
• Fulfill all preparation and instructional duties pertinent to area of specialty.  Annual expenses are managed within the departmental and classroom budgets and according to the school's policies and procedures for approval and methods of ordering supplies and receiving reimbursement.
• Integrate current best practices in education with the Montessori approach to learning.
• Assist in the care of the Montessori environment throughout the school.
• Share the responsibility for the safety and physical well being of the children at all times.
• Participate in staff meetings, institute in-service sessions and professional enrichment workshops as scheduled by the Department Head and the Head of School.
• Support and participate in other school events per the Head of School.

Applicant Instructions: Please send a cover letter and Resume/CV as well as contact information for three references who have acted in a supervisory role for the candidate to Kathy Kolata, Head of School, [email protected].


UPPER ELEMENTARY LEAD TEACHER
We are interviewing Montessori teachers who will teach in a 9 to 12-year-old classroom.
The ideal Upper Elementary candidate is one who is interested in joining a highly collaborative adult community that is invested in Montessori.  BIPOC and LGBTQ+ educators are strongly encouraged to apply.

Education and Experience: 
A bachelor’s degree and an Elementary II Montessori credential is required. Three years of teaching experience is preferred. Staff benefits include medical and dental insurance, paid days off, and a retirement plan. Salaries are commensurate with experience.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.  The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Collaborate with Lower and Junior High teachers to ensure the developmental needs of each individual student are met and that proper preparations are made for the students' successful move to the Upper Elementary level.
• Provide regular reports to the parents regarding the content presentations and instruction in the appropriate academic and social/emotional areas.
• Provide an end-of-year summary of the student's experiences and accomplishments.
• Provide specific feedback to parents relevant to a child's interests, particular talents and discoveries.
• Prepare and maintain the instructional space to reflect the qualities inherent in a Montessori prepared environment and the academic needs of a Lower Elementary student: appropriate materials, order, cleanliness, beauty, positive supportive atmosphere, respect for the environment and each other.
• Fulfill all preparation and instructional duties pertinent to area of specialty.  Annual expenses are managed within the departmental and classroom budgets and according to the school's policies and procedures for approval and methods of ordering supplies and receiving reimbursement.
• Integrate current best practices in education with the Montessori approach to learning.
• Assist in the care of the Montessori environment throughout the school.
• Share the responsibility for the safety and physical well being of the children at all times.
• Participate in staff meetings, institute in-service sessions and professional enrichment workshops as scheduled by the Department Head and the Head of School.
• Support and participate in other school events per the Head of School.

Applicant Instructions: Please send a cover letter and Resume/CV as well as contact information for three references who have acted in a supervisory role for the candidate to Kathy Kolata, Head of School, [email protected]