Assistant Elementary Teacher

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ASSISTANT ELEMENTARY TEACHER (SPARK STUDIO GUIDE)

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.

We are seeking a full time Assistant Spark Studio Guide to work with our Spark Studio, which currently consists of 13 Raptors between 4 and 7 years old, with enrollment expected to increase substantially over the next 1-2 years. The Assistant Spark Guide has the potential to grow into a Guide for s second Spark Studio.

We are looking for an energetic, engaging, entrepreneurial individual who is passionate about guiding children on their independent journey of lifelong learning, and who possesses an understanding of the Hero’s Journey and the Socratic Method. The candidate should have an understanding of learner driven schools and/or Acton Academy and be an advocate for rethinking traditional models of education.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the Spark program by assisting the Spark Guide in daily activities
• Learn to lead Socratic discussions and how to work with the Acton Academy learning design, processes and systems by completing a required onboarding process
• Equip our Raptors to take ownership of their learning and monitor progress on core skills curriculum by learning the studio systems and guiding learners in setting goals, tracking their progress and creating portfolios of their work to show peers, parents and future employers what they can do
• Pass along each of the above responsibilities to learners as quickly as possible, so as to encourage students to lead themselves
• Assist in facilitating the growth and development of a studio culture of hard work, high standards, warmth and joy
• Learn to be 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
• 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 or training in early childhood development
• Experience planning and implementing games or projects; coaching or mentoring experience a plus
• A passion for disruptive education opportunities
• Deeply curious and ready to learn and work hard in high pressure, fast paced environment
• 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
• Kind-hearted and tough-minded
• Independent worker
• Calm demeanor and secure in being on a Hero’s Journey

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work extended hours
• Required reading prior to application:
  • Courage to Grow by Laura Sandefer
  • The One World Schoolhouse by Sal Khan

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.