Carriage House, 0-3 Program 

Children’s House, 3-6 Program 

Elementary, 6-12 Program 

School Administrators

The Teacher Leader Model at Sandwich Montessori School

At Sandwich Montessori School, we embrace a collaborative teacher leader model that blends the best of Montessori philosophy with shared leadership across our entire campus. Our model is uniquely designed for a multi-classroom school, allowing us to serve children from infancy through elementary—and beyond—while ensuring that leadership is distributed and deeply rooted in the Montessori tradition.

A core principle of Montessori education is the three-year cycle, where students gradually take on greater responsibility for their own learning. We extend this philosophy to our educators, creating a structured pathway for our teacher leaders to grow in mastery over time. In our first year, teacher leaders establish their foundation—learning the rhythms of our school, refining their approach, and strengthening their leadership skills. The second year brings deeper responsibility, refining their practice, mentoring others, and contributing to the broader school vision. As we look ahead, we are excited to enter our third year—our Mastery Year—where our teacher leaders fully step into their roles as guides, decision-makers, and stewards of our school’s mission.

At the heart of this model is the belief that every classroom deserves strong, empowered leadership. Each classroom has at least one dedicated teacher leader who is responsible for both delivering an exceptional Montessori education and managing the administrative and leadership aspects of their environment. These teacher leaders ensure that each learning space is thoughtfully prepared, children are supported in their developmental journey, and that daily operations run smoothly—allowing for a seamless, enriching experience for every student.

Decisions at Sandwich Montessori School are made as close to the child as possible, with most daily decisions occurring at the classroom or school level. Our teacher leaders are supported by a Board that provides strategic guidance and oversight, as well as highly qualified mentors who help shape and refine their growth as educators and leaders. This balance of autonomy and support ensures that leadership is both responsive and intentional, creating a school where teachers are empowered to lead, and children benefit from an environment that is both deeply rooted in Montessori principles and adaptable to their evolving needs.

This model is not just about professional growth; it is about creating a school where leadership is a shared responsibility, ensuring that every child benefits from a team of dedicated educators who are empowered, engaged, and continually evolving. As we grow into our mastery year, we look forward to deepening our commitment to this approach, fostering a community where both children and teachers flourish.

School Administrators

If you think your child would thrive in a Montessori environment, give us a call or schedule a tour online. We would love for you to visit our school and learn more.