Montessori Teacher Training Fellow
About the Role
The Montessori Teacher Training Fellow is a full-time, two-year paid fellowship embedded within Riverbend’s 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 support, assist, and learn within a variety of Riverbend programs as assigned by the Program Manager, Division Director, and Head of School. Reports to the Program Manager and Division Director.
Program Timeline
- 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 & Transportation
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. Fellows must participate in shared housing and follow all housing agreements, house guidelines, and related school policies, contributing to a respectful, collaborative communal living environment.
Personal transportation is required. Fellows are responsible for their commute to and from school and their training center.
Benefits
- Stipend for two years
- Health insurance
- Vacation benefits
- Subsidized/shared housing at the fellowship home (two years)
- Montessori certification training funded through the fellowship (accredited program)
- Professional development opportunities (mindfulness, literacy, arts, nature-based education)
- Mentorship from experienced Riverbend teachers
- Cohort-based learning with other fellows
Experience Requirements
- Early-career aspiring educators (typically 0–3 years post-graduation from a 2- or 4-year college program in education or a related field with the intention of seeking a 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, supporting classroom teachers in maintaining an engaging Montessori learning environment and developing 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 professional development, staff meetings, community events, after-school and auxiliary programming, and the collaborative and reflective components of the fellowship cohort model.