Independent School Principal

About the School

Maria Montessori Education Centre of Calgary is an independent Montessori school in Calgary with two campuses, serving children from toddler through Grade 9. Our main campus is in the NW near the Foothills Hospital (toddler to grade 9), and our satellite campus is situated in the cSpace building in Marda Loop (toddler to kindergarten). We are committed to authentic Montessori practice, multi‑age learning environments, inclusivity, and a culture that honours independence, curiosity, and respect. We operate under the Alberta Education Act and meet all requirements of the Private Schools Regulation (AR 93/2019). Our primary programs for toddlers through age 5 operate under the Early Learning and Child Care Act.

Position Overview

The Principal is the educational and community leader of the school. For the kindergarten-to-grade 9 programs, this role ensures the integrity of the Montessori pedagogy, that Alberta Education standards are met or exceeded, and that the school remains a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Montessori Leadership - Uphold and model Montessori philosophy across all programs; ensure environments, materials, and practices align with Montessori Canada standards (MC); support guides through observation, coaching, and professional development.
• Alberta Education Compliance -Ensure alignment with the Education Act , Guide to Education , Teaching Quality Standard , Leadership Quality Standard , and all reporting, assessment, and assurance requirements.
• Independent School Regulation Oversight -Maintain compliance with AR 93/2019, including governance expectations, financial accountability, safe‑school policies, and annual accreditation processes.
• Instructional Leadership -Lead curriculum integration that honours Montessori pedagogy while meeting Alberta Program of Studies outcomes.
• Staff Supervision & Evaluation -Recruit, mentor, and evaluate staff in accordance with Montessori standards and Alberta’s professional practice standards.
• Community Engagement -Foster strong relationships with families, the board, Alberta Education, and the broader community.
• Operational Management -scheduling, safety protocols, student services (eg. ECLS), and planning.
• Student Well-Being- Ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment consistent with Alberta Education’s Safe and Caring Schools policies.
• Collaboration- Work collaboratively with admin staff to ensure cohesiveness of vision and mission.

Qualifications

• Alberta Teaching Certification.
• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field preferred.
• Montessori training or willingness to complete Montessori Administrators' training.
• Demonstrated experience in Montessori environments.
• Strong knowledge of Alberta Education legislation, standards, and reporting requirements.
• Proven leadership experience in a school setting.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Attributes of the Ideal Candidate

• Child‑centred mindset-Deep respect for student autonomy and developmental readiness.
• Collaborative leadership-Ability to build trust, empower staff, cultivate a positive culture and communicate openly and respectfully.
• Fostering trusting relationships with families. School ambassador.
• Strategic thinker-Able to guide long‑term school wellness while maintaining Montessori integrity.

Application Process

Please submit to Servejit Massey at ***email_hidden***:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Statement of Montessori leadership philosophy
• Three professional references

Start date: August 2026

Position: Full-time (1.0 FTE)

Compensation: Matched to the Alberta Unified Grid

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.