Ad Astra is part of the Acton Academy network of schools and is a private school and learner-driven community with the mission to encourage each person who enters its doors to find a calling and change the world. The Acton Academy model is intended for highly motivated, self-directed learners who work well both independently and in groups of similar aged peers. Our school consists of three studios: Spark (ages 4-7), Discovery (ages 7-11), and Adventure (ages 11-13). We have no teachers or grades and each child is responsible for their own learning. We combine elements of the Montessori method with Socratic guiding, hands-on experiential quests and interactive technology. Underlying our method is an application of the Hero’s Journey, creating a lively learning environment that feels more like an adventure than school. Our real world-oriented quests culminate in a public exhibition of learning every 5-6 weeks as opposed to test scores and report cards. In all areas of school life, our learners are empowered to be in the driver’s seat of their learning.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be responsible for facilitating the growth and development of a studio culture of hard work, high standards, warmth and joy
• Learn to lead Socratic discussions and how to work with the Acton Academy learning design, processes and systems by completing a required onboarding process
• Serve as a game-maker to deliver an engaging real-world quest that follows each session’s learning arc by following or co-creating Launches and Quests (projects), including developing daily challenges and curating world class examples
• Create meaningful exhibitions, ceremonies and celebrations that reinforce the rules of engagement, personal and group covenants to provide and strengthen a safe learning community
• Affirm students, holding them accountable to their promises and to their commitment to deliver “the best work they can do” as they discover and pursue a calling on a Hero’s Journey
• Act as a role model as an independent learner on a Hero’s Journey
• Cultivate a positive, beautiful, orderly and inspiring studio environment
• Practice the Socratic method at all times (i.e., instead of answering questions, guide students to find the answers themselves)
• Communicate/meet with parents minimally, following the Acton model of facilitating communication between parents and children directly

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience managing mixed aged groups of children

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience planning and implementing games or projects; coaching or mentoring
• Experience with Montessori or project/creativity-based curricula, specifically with younger elementary students
• A passion for disruptive education opportunities
• Agile with online learning
• Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills
• Entrepreneurial thinker
• Deep heart for children and a trust and respect for their ability to learn and grow without heavy adult intervention

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work extended hours, holidays and weekends as needed
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs unassisted