Upper Elementary Guide | Academy of Enlightened Minds

We’re building the kind of school children deserve.

This is where children start deciding who they are.

By ages 9–12, students become highly aware of themselves—and of each other.

They compare.
They notice who is ahead.
They begin protecting how they are seen.

What was once flexible:

“I’m still learning this”

can become:

“I’m just not good at this.”

Students more consistently:

• Avoid work that exposes weakness
• Hold back where they feel unsure
• Play it safe

What may have been occasional earlier becomes more consistent—and begins to shape how students show up. Patterns start to solidify.

Most schools miss this.

We don’t.

Our school

We are not a typical school.

Montessori is our foundation—but not our limit.

We focus on how students think, respond to challenge, and see themselves and the world around them.

We support the whole child—academic, emotional, physical, spiritual, psychological, and social development.

Our environment is:

• holistic
• growth-focused
• community-driven
• built to develop confident, capable, and self-aware children

Our program integrates:

• Strong academics
• With a dedicated focus on emotional intelligence, mindset development, and belief formation
• Holistic health — including movement, nutrition (with whole organic food), overall well-being, and naturopathic wellness-informed support
• Connection to nature — through outdoor experiences and an environment that extends beyond the classroom
• Leadership and real-world skills

We work closely with families—because alignment between home and school matters.

The foundation is strong.

Now we are raising the standard.

The role

This is not a delivery role.

You are responsible for how students respond to challenge, effort, and themselves.

A critical part of this role is developing students’ mindset:

Not through surface-level encouragement—you really need to “see” the children.

You do this through clear expectations, consistency, and how you intentionally respond in real moments.

Students should leave your classroom understanding:

• Effort matters
• Ability develops
• Struggle is part of learning

On a daily basis, you will:

• Hold students accountable for effort and follow-through
• Address avoidance directly
• Require revision and completion of work
• Coach students through discomfort instead of removing it
• Manage real peer dynamics and social pressure

Who this is for

You:

• Lead with love and care
• Hold high standards
• Stay calm under pressure
• Address issues directly
• Think in real time

You understand:

• Students at this age are sensitive to comparison and judgment
• Behavior is often driven by how they interpret challenge
• Confidence is built through experience and guidance

This role is not for everyone

Not a fit if you:

• Avoid difficult conversations
• Lower expectations to reduce friction
• Prefer highly structured, low-responsibility environments

Requirements

• Montessori Diploma (AMI/MACTE)
• Bachelor of Education (preferred)
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Vulnerable Sector Check and clean record
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organization, planning, and attention to detail
• Ability to lead a classroom independently with professionalism and presence
• Strong judgment, problem-solving, and critical thinking ability
• Creative, positive, fun, and empowering
• Ability to collaborate openly with a team
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and comfortable using digital tools
• Quick to learn and adapt to new applications, systems, and technology
• Deep understanding of development in ages 9–12 (cognitive, social, emotional, and psychological), and the ability to apply that understanding in real classroom situations
• Strong awareness of how students interpret challenge, effort, and social comparison—and ability to respond effectively
• Able to intentionally develop students’ mindset—helping them build confidence, resilience, and self-belief through how challenge and effort are handled
• Observant, and able to respond thoughtfully to the needs of the classroom
• Able to adapt in real time while maintaining structure and consistency
• Genuinely enjoys being with children and guiding their development — not just managing them
• Open-minded and committed to continuous personal and professional growth
• A genuine passion for children, development, health, and the outdoors
• Background in psychology, coaching, entrepreneurial experience, or relevant certifications is an asset

Successful candidate will be required to provide:

• References
• Copies of certificates of the aforementioned qualifications
• A clear vulnerable sector screening
• Standard First Aid/CPR certification, or proof of enrollment in course

If this resonates

Send your resume to:

Contact: Adrian

Email: [email protected]

Location: High Park/Roncesvalles

Website: www.enlightenedminds.ca