Acton Elementary Apprentice Guide (Grades 1-6)

Company: Acton Academy of Washington, DC
Location: Columbia
Posted on: February 25, 2021

Job Description:

Acton Academy of Washington, DC (www.actondc.org) is seeking an elementary guide who is ready to change the world of education. We have an immediate opening. Before you read another word, follow this link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNfY4iOBfqY&feature=youtu.be) to watch a short video about the Acton Childrens Business Fair of Washington, DC. We guarantee it will brighten your day! Now, do you believe that children are more powerful than we ever imagined? Do you believe that children should be the agents and primary drivers of their learning, the architects of their own education and life calling? Do you believe that Montessori principles are the best foundation for lifes journey? If your answer to all these questions is yes!, wed love to explore how you can join our team of passionate Montessorians, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the elementary program at Acton Academy of Washington, DC. This could be the perfect position for you if you recently finished Montessori elementary training or your first year(s) of guiding and are ready for a more entrepreneurial opportunity. What is Acton Academy? Acton Academy of Washington, DC is a new Montessori preschool and learner-driven elementary school that guides each child on a journey to discover a calling and change the world. We are located in a fully renovated, historic row house on K Street in Foggy Bottom, Washington, DC, within walking distance of many historic and cultural sites in the heart of the nations capital. We offer an authentic Montessori primary program (ages 3-6) and an innovative Montessori-based elementary program (grades 1 to 6). Acton is an all-day program (8am-6pm) with an optional five-week summer session for those families who need an extended year option. At Acton Academy, we believe children are on a journeywhat we call the heros journeyto discover their calling. As part of the journey, children ask themselves: Who am I? Where am I going? How do my passions and talents connect with the world around me? How can I serve a great need and even change the world? Students taking charge of their own learning is integral to the journey at Acton. Acton challenges students to become the agents and primary drivers of their learning, the architects of their own education and life calling. Think of Acton elementary as Montessori meets Silicon Valley, a student-driven, self-paced elementary program that blends real-world projects, online learning, and Socratic discussions in a multi-age classroom. Acton Academy of Washington, DC is an independent affiliate of the Acton Academy network of schools, a celebrated network of learner-driven micro-schools and the fastest growing independent school network in the world. Acton Academy of Washington, DC is growing quickly, and this is an opportunity to join our founding team of passionate and hardworking Montessorians, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Position Description In collaboration with the guide team, the guide will oversee a class of up to 16 students in grades 1 to 6. She/he will be responsible for facilitating the development of a studio culture of hard work, high standards, warmth, and joy. She/he will: Prepare the studio environment so that expectations are clear and learners are set up for success. Facilitate Socratic group discussions. Practice the Socratic method at all times (instead of answering questions, guiding students to find the answers themselves). Launch quests (project-based learning). Guide children in self-governance. Guide students in setting goals, tracking their progress, and creating portfolios of their work. Guide children in creating meaningful exhibitions of their work. Seek to pass the responsibility for the studio and for learning to students as quickly as possible, so as to allow students to lead themselves. Model being an independent learner on a heros journey and uphold Actons promises to students and families. Write or contribute to weekly blog posts. Communicate/meet with parents, as necessary. Though most of the curriculum will be set already, the guide will be responsible for daily/weekly/yearly planning as well as evaluating and refining the existing curriculum and designing and experimenting with new projects, tools, and approaches. The guide will also maintain the classroom environment and document learner progress (student projects, achievements, and everyday activity). Qualifications We are looking for someone with a deep curiosity about life, a lifelong love of learning, and an entrepreneurial spirit (must thrive in a startup environment). We seek someone who: Has proven excellence in guiding children in or out of a school environment. Has evident passion for being on a heros journey. Loves to experiment, evaluate, and improve on everything she/he does. Has a deep respect for all children, an empathy for the challenges children face in their lives, and a commitment to gentle, compassionate limit setting. Learns quickly and works hard. Has proven excellence in written and oral communication skills. Is an active reader. Is an independent learner who can take direction but can also work with little direct guidance. Is willing to be coached and mentored. Is willing to work in an 11-month program (with time off for holidays; winter, spring, and summer breaks; etc.). Preferably has an AMI, AMS, or MACTE accredited Montessori diploma for primary- or elementary-aged children. Salary Acton offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience plus a bonus structure based on performance. The position also offers opportunities for professional development, growth, and advancement. We will assist with relocation expenses for the exceptional candidate. Next Steps Please submit your resume and a thoughtful cover letter that outlines how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position, how the position is part of your own journey, and how you heard about this opportunity. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Keywords: Acton Academy of Washington, DC, Baltimore , Acton Elementary Apprentice Guide (Grades 1-6), Education / Teaching , Columbia, Maryland