As we move through the current school year, I’m already thinking ahead to next year. One of the most important parts of my role as Executive Director is recruiting new MdM teachers.
At MdM, teacher recruitment looks different than it does at other schools, including many dual-language programs. With a teacher retention rate of over 90%, we recruit every year with an eye toward growth, sustainability, and ensuring the very best learning environment for our students.
All MdM teachers must be bilingual in English and Spanish. That alone sets a high bar. But what truly makes our approach unique is this: we intentionally hire teachers who are native Spanish speakers first.
In many dual-language schools, bilingual instruction often centers English as the default, with Spanish layered in. At MdM, we flip that model. We believe deeply in the power of linguistic equity and cultural authenticity, and that starts with educators who bring Spanish not as a second language, but as a lived one.
This means our recruitment process is both thoughtful and rigorous. In addition to dual-language fluency, we look for educators who align with Montessori philosophy, believe in child-led learning, and are excited to grow within a collaborative, mission-driven community. We invest in developing educators who are confident, culturally grounded, and deeply skilled in bilingual Montessori practice.
That investment pays off. Our students benefit from consistent relationships, strong classroom communities, and teachers who truly understand the importance of linguistic and cultural identity. Our families benefit from a school culture rooted in respect, representation, and care. Our teachers benefit from being part of a school that values them as professionals and as whole people.
Recruiting teachers each year isn’t just about filling positions. It’s about stewarding MdM’s future. It’s about asking ourselves what our students will need next year, and five years from now, and ensuring that the adults in our classrooms are prepared to meet those needs with skill, heart, and purpose.
Our teachers are at the heart of what makes MdM feel like home for so many families. The care we take in recruiting educators reflects our commitment to the children and families who trust us each day. This process is one of responsibility and gratitude, and I am continually thankful for the teachers who choose to grow alongside our students and our community.
— Wendy Reneé, Executive Director