POSITION OPENING
at Acton Academy Kennebunkport
Middle School / Launchpad Studio Guide
Middle School / Launchpad Studio Guide
Do you believe young people are capable of far more than we often ask of them?
Acton Academy Kennebunkport is a private K through 12 school built around a simple idea: learners should take increasing ownership of their education, their choices, and the person they are becoming.
Opened in 2020, our school is part of the worldwide Acton Academy network. Our learners use adaptive learning tools for core academics, participate in hands on Quests built around real world challenges, engage in Socratic discussions, pursue apprenticeships, and explore their own Hero's Journey.
There are no traditional lectures, grades, or teachers standing at the front of the classroom providing answers. Instead, our Guides create the environment, ask thoughtful questions, hold high standards, and challenge learners to think, struggle, research, collaborate, and discover answers for themselves.
Our studios are multi age, learner driven communities where young people take meaningful responsibility not only for their own learning, but also for the culture and governance of their studio.
At the heart of Acton is the belief that every person has unique gifts and a purpose worth discovering. We want learners to move from receivers of knowledge to independent seekers of knowledge who can think critically, solve difficult problems, develop strong character, and use their gifts to serve others in meaningful ways.
We believe this journey applies to adults too.
Working at Acton is not simply about helping young people grow. It requires Guides to continue growing themselves, to question assumptions, resist the urge to provide easy answers, and become increasingly curious, thoughtful, and intentional.
Are you ready to begin your own Hero's Journey?
inal schedule will be determined with the selected candidate. There may also be opportunities for additional hours depending on school needs and the candidate's interests, strengths, and abilities.
About the Role:Acton Academy Kennebunkport is looking for a thoughtful, energetic, and curious individual to guide a small group of fewer than 10 Middle School and Launchpad (High School) learners through afternoon Quests, Civilization (history) and studio activities.
As mentioned above, at Acton, Guides do not lecture, provide answers, or position themselves as the expert in the room. Instead, they use the Socratic method to ask thoughtful questions, challenge learners to think more deeply, and encourage them to discover answers for themselves.
Our goal is to develop independent thinkers who learn how to solve problems, make decisions, collaborate, and take ownership of their own learning.
The 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
lead Socratic discussions by asking strong questions rather than lecturing or providing answers.
facilitate Civilization discussions, hands on Quests, and afternoon studio activities for a small group of Middle School and Launchpad learners (less than 10 learners).
prepare for and facilitate already developed Quest experiences, Civilization challenges and discussions, and Socratic discussions (launches) making adjustments when appropriate based on the learners and studio needs.
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 hero visits, 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, studio design, and other aspects as needed to ensure success
Pay: $28 per hour - starting at the time of hire through June 4, 2027; however, there is an opportunity for this position to move to a more permanent position for the 2027-2028 school year. Employees are paid every two weeks. Medical insurance must be
acquired independently.
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.)