Montessori Teacher Training Fellow

Riverbend School is a Pre-K through 8th Grade Montessori school in the Boston Metrowest area with approximately 200 students and 50 staff members. Our mission of innovation and excellence in Montessori education depends on the talent, creativity, and commitment of our dedicated team. Riverbend features a warm, welcoming community that is built around a culture of belonging. Families are actively engaged in their children’s education, making this a truly energizing place to work. We offer generous benefits, professional development opportunities, and Montessori training support to help each member of our team grow in their career.

Riverbend’s two-year Montessori Teacher Training Fellowship is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for early career teachers to receive Montessori certification while working alongside experienced mentors at our South Natick campus. This paid fellowship features hands-on Montessori experience, automatic enrollment in an accredited Montessori training program, and support from Riverbend teachers and fellow participants. A stipend, health insurance, vacation benefits, and housing are all included in the program. Fellows will join an enthusiastic faculty who will introduce them to the rewarding career of Montessori education. 

Riverbend School

Job Description

Position:
Montessori Teacher Training Fellow — Riverbend Montessori Teacher Training Fellowship Program

Reports to:
Program Manager and Division Director

Oversees:
N/A

Scope of Work:
The Montessori Teacher Training Fellow is a full-time paid position embedded within Riverbend’s two-year Montessori Teacher Training Fellowship Program. Fellows receive intensive Montessori certification training through an accredited training center over two summers, complete practicum requirements during two academic years at Riverbend, and participate in mentoring and supplemental professional learning (e.g., mindfulness, literacy, arts, and nature-based education). Fellows commit to a two-year program, supporting, assisting, and learning within a variety of Riverbend programs as assigned by the Program Manager, Division Director, and Head of School.

Program Timeline (Two-Year Commitment):

• Summer 1 (July–August): Intensive Montessori training at partner center
• Academic Year 1 (Sept–June): Paid teaching fellowship (full time), practicum (hours determined by certification requirements), plus mentorship with Riverbend expert teachers
• Summer 2 (July–August): Second summer of Montessori training
• Academic Year 2 (Sept–June): Paid teaching fellowship (full time), continued practicum (as needed), and leadership development through capstone project

Housing Benefit:

The fellowship includes a stipend for two years of subsidized/shared housing at Riverbend’s fellowship home from the June that Year 1 begins through June of Year 2 when the fellowship ends.

Transportation:
Personal transportation required. Fellows are responsible for their commute to and from school and their training center.

Experience Requirements

• Early-career aspiring educators (typically defined as 0-3 years post graduation from a 2 or 4 year college program in education or in a related field with the intention of seeking profession in education)
• Experience working with children (school, camp, tutoring, mentoring, coaching, community programs, babysitting/nannying etc.)
• Interest in (or exposure to) Montessori education and a strong desire to grow in Montessori practice
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment with frequent feedback, reflection, and mentorship
• Comfort working in a culturally diverse community and commitment to inclusive practices

Education/Certification Requirements

• Two- or four-year college degree (education background preferred but not required if experience is strong)
• Willingness and ability to enroll in and complete an accredited Montessori training program (funded through the fellowship)
• Ability to meet all school requirements for working with students (CORI background check, fingerprinting, proof of eligibility to work in the United States)

General Responsibilities

Fellows work with Riverbend lead teachers in an assisting capacity. Fellows support classroom teachers in maintaining an engaging Montessori learning environment and develop their teaching practice through hands-on classroom experience, mentorship from Riverbend faculty, and completion of Montessori training/practicum requirements. Fellows are expected to participate fully in the Riverbend community, including, but not limited to, professional development, staff meetings, community events, after school and auxiliary programming, and the collaborative and reflective components of the fellowship cohort model.

Specific Responsibilities

Educational Program & Student Services

• Support Leads Teachers in preparing and maintaining a warm, orderly, and developmentally appropriate Montessori environment
• Assist with supervision and facilitation of student work during work cycles, small groups, and transitions
• Provide instructional support to individuals and small groups as appropriate and as guided by the Lead Teacher
• Observe students and contribute to documentation of learning and growth in alignment with Montessori practices and practicum expectations
• Demonstrate steady growth in Montessori philosophy and methods through coaching, practice, and training
• Support student independence, agency, and grace and courtesy in daily routines
• Assist with classroom organization, materials care, and cleanliness of learning spaces
• Support safety procedures and supervision responsibilities (arrival/dismissal, drills, field trips, recess/lunch duties as assigned)

Fellowship Training, Practicum & Professional Learning

• Attend and successfully complete required Montessori training coursework and summer intensives at the partner training center
• Complete practicum requirements during the academic year(s) while serving as a paid fellow
• Participate in mentorship structures (meetings, observations, feedback cycles) with Riverbend faculty/mentors
• Participate in supplemental fellowship learning opportunities (e.g., mindfulness, literacy, arts, and nature-based education)
• Engage in cohort-based learning with other fellows in the program, including collaboration, reflection, and professional growth planning
• In Year 2, develop leadership skills through presentations, capstone-style work, or public sharing of learning (as defined by the program)

Community Relations

• Build positive, professional relationships with students, colleagues, and families in alignment with Riverbend’s culture and expectations
• Participate in community events and family-facing activities as appropriate to the role and division

Teaching Fellow

• Support Lead Teacher with classroom documentation and other classroom-related tasks aligned to practicum learning
• Attend required meetings and school events for faculty/staff (as applicable to the role)
• Maintain professionalism, reliability, and clear communication with program leadership and school supervisors

Housing & Community Living (Fellowship Requirement)

• Participate in shared housing at the fellowship home and follow all housing agreements, house guidelines, and related school policies
• Contribute to a respectful, collaborative communal living environment with attention to communication, shared responsibilities, and problem-solving

School Culture

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to professional ethics and confidentiality
• Model Riverbend values including respect, responsibility, and constructive communication
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and professional conduct in all student-facing settings

Commitment to DEIJ

Riverbend School is committed to becoming an anti-bias and anti-racist community. Fellows must be committed to furthering this work by embracing differences; exploring and affirming identities and intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, social class, family structures, learning differences, and differences in ability. Fellows must be comfortable working in a culturally diverse environment.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share Riverbend’s commitment to Montessori education.

EEO Statement

Riverbend School is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment. Riverbend strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, veteran status, or any other class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.