Elementary Guide (mentor, coach, game-maker)

Staunton, VA  

Acton Academy Blue Ridge  

About Us:

Acton Academy Blue Ridge is an innovative Christian school re-imagining education. We believe that children are capable of far more than people typically imagine. Our mission is to foster a growth mindset and help each hero (student) discover their unique calling. Our small, mixed-age classrooms are a modern twist on the classic one-room schoolhouse, where students learn to mentor and be mentored by one another. Through a learner-driven environment, real-world projects, and self-paced learning, we empower students to take ownership not only of their own education but also of who they’re becoming.

What Makes This Role Special:

As an Elementary Guide you won't be a traditional teacher. You'll be a “gamemaker” who works in the background to create exciting challenges, set loving boundaries, and mentor young heroes ages 4-11 on their learning journey. You'll work in a faith-based environment that values freedom, responsibility, and the unique gifts of every child.

Guide Responsibilities:

 - Observe, mentor, and guide young heroes in setting goals and in developing independence, problem-solving skills, and character

 - Inspire learners and empower them to hold each other accountable to their learner-generated code of conduct in order to maintain a safe, engaging, and learner-driven studio environment

 - Support learners on their journey to cultivate a positive, beautiful, orderly, and inspiring studio (classroom) environment

 - Design and experiment with new projects, tools, and approaches in order to refine existing learning design, curriculum, and studio systems

 - Set an example for students, modeling values like honesty, accountability, respect, and kindness as well as the hero’s journey

 - Handle administrative tasks, including maintaining supplies and equipment, and updating school records

 - Work with other staff to research, find, and schedule guest speakers, plan field trips, and organize events and celebrations

 - Participate in school activities and accompany students on field trips

 - Take photos/video and write blog entries to document studio life

 - Practice the Socratic method at all times to deepen learners’ thinking and problem-solving (i.e., instead of answering questions, use the Socratic method to challenge learners to find the answers themselves)

 - Complete Acton Academy guide training and ongoing professional development

 - Practice and lead Socratic discussions

Qualifications:

 - Passion for lifelong learning and alternative education models

 - Ability to guide without rescuing - letting children learn from natural consequences

 - Ability to guide without answering questions (ever)

 - Previous experience working with children 4-11, especially in non-traditional settings

 - Has a growth mindset (not a victim mindset); coachable and excited to grow with a startup

 - Can tell a story, invent a game, and design scientific experiments, creative challenges, and team-building activities

The Ideal Guide:

 - Ideal for those with previous entrepreneurial experience, international experience, or experience/training in Socratic, Montessori, or Reggio Emilia methods

 - Ideal for those with experience as a nanny, coach, camp counselor, or youth minister

 - Is fun, playful, conscientious, organized, takes initiative, and likes to keep their space orderly, clean, and beautiful

 - Is both warm-hearted and tough-minded

Benefits:

 - Competitive salary commensurate with experience (Base Pay: $25,000 - $30,000 per year...about $15.25 - $18.50 per hour)

 - 6+ weeks of paid vacation during the school year

 - 4+ weeks of paid vacation during summer

 - 1 week of paid sick leave

 - Employee Discount - free tuition for employee’s children

 - Professional development and growth opportunities

 - Bonus opportunities up to 10% of base salary  

To Apply: Please submit your resume along with a cover letter sharing why you're passionate about child-led learning and how your experience aligns with our mission to Sarah.Geary@ActonAcademyBlueRidge.com.