POSITION OPENING
at Acton Academy Kennebunkport
Elementary (Adventure) Studio Guide
Elementary (Adventure) Studio Guide
Do you want to
change the world?
If your goal is to instill a love of learning in others while advancing in your own professional growth, this is your chance to get in on the ground floor of one of the world’s most innovative schools.
Acton Academy Kennebunkport is a private K-12 school that opened in September 2020. Acton blends state-of-the-art software, quest-like projects with real-world application, Socratic discussions, apprenticeships, and the Hero’s Journey in a student-centered, multi-age classroom. Our approach to learning does not include tests, grades, or teachers leading lectures. Our classroom structure is unique. It ensures that the Guides create and facilitate the learning environment, but empowers students to take ownership of their individual learning path and collective classroom governance.
Acton exists to move learners (adults and children alike) on a journey to understand and develop their most precious gifts, discover their deepest passions, and use them to serve others in a meaningful way. This journey takes them from being receivers of knowledge to self-seekers of knowledge who find their callings and are capable of leading schools, businesses or community organizations if they choose. We believe our learners are geniuses destined to change the world in a profound way.
Are ready to begin your own Hero’s Journey?
Position Description: This is a full-time position (5 days per week). Our program consists of 4 days per week spent in the Studio and 1 day per week spent at an off-site location where the entire day in spent immersed in nature. The Lead Guide will work in partnership with the Head of School (and/or other Guides) to:
affirm students, holding them accountable to their promises and to delivering “the best work they can do” as they discover and pursue a calling on a hero’s journey
create meaningful exhibitions, ceremonies and celebrations that reinforce the rules of engagement and personal/group covenants to provide and strengthen a safe learning community
act as a role model as an independent learner on a hero's journey
launch and lead Socratic discussions
co-create and launch quests (projects), including daily challenges and curating world class examples
supply a positive studio environment and set up studio as inspiration for learning
encourage young heroes to track their progress and create portfolios to show parents, peers and apprenticeship employers what they can do
evaluating and refining existing curriculum, designing and experimenting with new projects, tools, and approaches
organizing speakers, workshops, and field trips to inspire students
uphold promises to learners, parents, fellow guides, and founders made in relational covenants
pass along responsibilities to learners as quickly as possible, so as to empower them to lead themselves
deep commitment to the success of Acton Academy Kennebunkport by participating in admissions, hiring, classroom design, and other aspects as needed to ensure success
Pay (hourly): Acton Academy Kennebunkport offers competitive pay; however, no additional benefits are provided (medical insurance must be
acquired independently). This is a 10-month position (mid-August through mid-June). Employees are paid every two weeks. There is an opportunity for this position to move to a salaried full-year position over time.
Qualifications:
a deep curiosity about life and love of lifelong learning
innovative and entrepreneurial spirit
endless patience to allow students to experience and learn from failure
commitment to religious, political, and economic freedoms
proven excellence in written and oral communication skills
evident passion for being on a Hero’s Journey
proven excellence in guiding children (in or out of a school environment); alternative educational training/experience helpful (nature or project-based, coaching, homeschooling, learner-driven, Montessori, etc.)