LEAD GUIDE AND ASSISTANT GUIDE TEACHING POSITIONS
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 and fastest growing academies.
Acton Academy Pittsburgh is an independent private school located in Wexford, PA that blends state-of-the-art software, quest-like projects with real-world application, Socratic discussions, and multi-age classrooms through a student-centered approach. Our approach to learning does not include tests, grades, or teachers leading lectures. Our classroom structure is unique. It empowers students to take ownership of their individual learning path and collective classroom governance.
Acton exists to move learners 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 you ready to begin your own Hero’s Journey?
Position Description
We are looking for Guide and Assistant Guide candidates with a deep curiosity about life, a lifelong love of learning, a willingness to learn from failure, and an entrepreneurial spirit. These positions will oversee a class of up to 20 students (ages K-3 or 4-6). We seek a Guide who loves to experiment, evaluate, and improve on everything they do. Candidates should be proficient in written and oral communication skills and be comfortable using and learning a variety of technology tools. And most importantly, candidates should have a deep respect for all children. The ideal candidate would have experience working with young people as a Montessori teacher, a teacher (who is passionate about and/or has experience with nontraditional methods), a coach, camp counselor, youth leader, etc.and/or a willingness to learn along with a teachable spirit.
The Lead Guide and Assistant Guide will work in partnership with the Head of School and Academic Director to:
hold students accountable to their promises and to delivering “the best they can do” as they discover and pursue a calling on a hero’s journey
create personal/group covenants to provide and strengthen a safe learning community inspire students to uphold promises to learners, parents, fellow guides, and directors
pass along responsibilities to learners as quickly as possible, so as to empower them to lead themselves to act as a role model and 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 classroom environment and set up a classroom as inspiration for learning
learn how to present learning materials to students and support students in the use of those materials
guide art and PE activities
encourage young heroes to track their progress and create portfolios to show parents and peers what they can do
evaluate and refine existing curriculum, designing and experimenting with new projects, tools, and approaches
help organize, execute, and host a Spring Children’s Business Fair
demonstrate a deep commitment to the success of Acton Academy.
Bottom Line
All great Guides seem to have these few things in common:
They are curious, lifelong learners who would rather be surprised than right.
They are Storytellers that understand how to deliver compelling narratives that help learners connect real-world skills and challenges to their Hero’s Journey.
They are more interested in playing the role of a Gamemaker, working in the background, than taking center-stage in a classroom.
They believe that every young person who walks through our doors is a genius.
They are willing to remain Socratic at all times, answering a question with a question.
Bottom Line
Acton Academy Pittsburgh offers a competitive pay structure. We operate on a ten-month calendar, with organized sessions aligned with local schools. Guides will have time off during seasonal breaks and in the summer. However, some of that time is expected to be spent reading, researching, and planning for the upcoming session or year. Most of this can be done at home and we will work with the Guide to plan something that mutually works for their schedule and ours.
Additional hours may become available if our families request after hour enrichment courses.
This is a position for an independent learner who can take direction, but also work with little direct guidance; someone who likes to collaborate, experiment, evaluate and continually improve; and someone who is a flexible problem-solver. It is essential that this person can learn fast, loves to work hard, and is an active reader and writer. Preference will be given to applicants with Montessori training and/or experience working in a Montessori setting.
Qualifications
Bachelors Degree and Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate required for Lead Guide positions only.
Next Steps
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Step One: Questionnaire
Please read the job description in full as this is a unique position (not a traditional teaching job). In addition, you should begin to read “Courage To Grow” by Laura Sandefer (free copy available upon request) and do some initial research on Acton Academy. Submit responses to questionnaire – linked below.
Step Two: Research
Read in full Courage To Grow by Laura Sandefer and do some research to ensure that you believe in Acton Academy Pittsburgh’s mission, values, and processes. In addition, please make sure that you have read the full job description.
Step Three: Initial Interview
30-minute in-person interview.
Step Four: Case Study
Submit response to 1 case study.
Step Five: Second Interview
1-hour in-person interview.
