Is it your calling in life to empower children to grow their beliefs and skills to change the world?

Do you crave working hard with a small, mission-driven, world-class team of entrepreneurs changing the vision of education?

If so, keep reading…

Position: Spark Studio afternoon guide at CHOICE: An Acton Academy

What is a Spark Studio afternoon guide? The Spark Studio is the studio for heroes (children) ages 4-7 years old. The afternoon work cycle is inspired by Reggio Emilia philosophy and heroes learn through open-ended play with: projects, art, blocks, manipulatives, costumes, books, games, and wonder bins.  We are seeking a Socratic Guide who is passionate about guiding young children on their independent journey of life-long learning, who is committed to trusting children, who sincerely sees the genius in all children, who likes to have fun, and who can create and implement developmentally appropriate experiences in the Spark Studio. Guides are expected to prepare the learning environment and materials, lead discussions, inspire our heroes to explore, be curious, and take ownership of their learning. The main part of this job is to plan and run the afternoon work cycle. The afternoon work cycle starts with a launch that sparks curiosity and inspires heroes to push forward on their Hero’s Journey. This can be a: participlay, a story, a short video, an experiment, or a demonstration, and likely continues with a Socratic discussion. After the launch, heroes engage in the open-ended challenges and play created by the afternoon guide. The afternoon Spark Guide will integrate opportunities that elevate the level of their play and encourage cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. 

What is CHOICE: CHOICE: An Acton Academy is a Pre K-9 independent school located in Woods Cross, Utah that provides a truly unique and revolutionary “disruptive” educational model and is affiliated with the Acton Academy Network. We emphasize Socratic guidance as opposed to traditional teaching, mixed-aged classrooms with a self-paced curriculum as opposed to grade-levels, and life-oriented quests that culminate in a public exhibition of their learning as opposed to test scores and report cards. Within the boundaries of safe guardrails, students are empowered to be in the driver seat of their learning in an environment that is truly theirs. Moreover, our goal is to support each learner on their Hero’s Journeys as they seek to find callings and change the world. Each day is an exciting experiment in motivation, passion and community. If interested, please take a look at our website: www.choice-education.org to get a better idea of what our unique and revolutionary school is like.

Preferred experience: 

• Most important: Demonstrated excellence in an area of passion
• Secondary (NOT required): Experience with Reggio Emilia philosophy 

Desired attributes:

• Self-driven
• Curious
• Life-long learner
• Creative ideas
• Ability to organize and carry out ideas
• Warm hearted and tough minded
• Love of children
• Ability to collaborate
• Willingness to give and receive feedback

 Required license or certification:

None

Other Details: 

• Start date: July 2024
• Our guides serve as pillars of our learning environment and receive competitive pay, commensurate with experience.
• Job Type: Part time. 4.25 hours in person Monday-Thursday 36 weeks/year + the equivalent of 6 hours/week prep time (completed wherever and whenever the guide wishes) + 30 hours initial training (completed in the Summer, wherever the guide wishes)

 Sound exciting? We are excited to meet you!!