What We’re Building

Think back and trace the origins of your passions or hobbies. They typically begin with a spark. Perhaps it was a serendipitous conversation, book, or trip that opened your eyes to previously unseen possibilities and new worlds to explore. Unfortunately, for most of us, these moments are far too infrequent (and rarely if ever happen in school!).

What if a school could create a world where these sparks were routine? How would a child feel about going to a place like that? How would their life change if school continually amplified their curiosity and love of learning?

We’re an independent affiliate of the Acton Academy network of schools, a celebrated network of learner-driven schools, and the fastest-growing independent school network in the world. Each school (now over 300 in 27 countries) is founded by entrepreneurial parents who are disrupting the status quo.

Acton challenges students to become the architects of their own education and “hero’s journey”. Think of Acton elementary as “21st Century Montessori,” a student-driven, self-paced elementary program that mixes real-world projects with online learning and Socratic discussions in a multi-age classroom.

Acton Academies don't follow a franchise model. Instead, it's a network of entrepreneurs building schools with a shared set of principles. Each Acton Academy is unique. Some are religious. Some focus on STEM or the arts. The focus of our Acton Academy is to spark curiosity through adventure and exploration (hence our name). We take an adventure trip once a week (see our Facebook and Instagram feeds for examples).

We’re looking for someone to help us build the foundation of something special that impacts generations of children.

Education Innovator & Lead Elementary Guide

At this stage, finding the right person is critical. If you’d answer an enthusiastic “YES!” to the following questions, then we should talk.

1. Do you think that school could (and should) be dramatically improved?

2. Do you want to be on the “ground floor” of building that next generation of schools (including the stress, uncertainty, and sweat required to build something new)?

3. Are you eager to learn, iterate, and build?

Position Description

This position will be person #4 on campus. You will work hand-in-hand with the existing staff (including the founder and the middle school guide) to evaluate and refine our materials and systems. You’ll have an opportunity to experiment with how to spark interest and motivate learning, regardless of whether it’s within the classroom or out in the wild.

The guide will oversee a class of up to 20 students in grades 1 through 6.

An Acton Academy guide’s responsibilities fall under three buckets: inspire, equip, and connect. Inspiring includes building compelling launches, finding heroic stories to share, showing world-class examples, and modeling a passion for growth and learning. Equipping involves providing tools and recipes so learners can do excellent work and solve problems. Connecting is how a guide helps build a close-knit tribe of learners who support each other.

Detailed responsibilities:

• Acton provides both on-demand and synchronous virtual training options. The guide is expected to use both to master the Acton Academy systems and mindset.

• Build and guide Socratic discussions ("launches”).

• Prepare and launch project-based learning (“quests”). This requires detailed planning and collaboration to ensure the materials are ready and the activities are engaging.

• Set up the studio environment in a way that establishes clear expectations and ensures that learners are positioned for success.

• Use the Socratic method at all times (guiding students to find the answers themselves).

• Observe children and guide their growth through timely praise and probing questions.

• Guide children in self-governance. .

• Guide students in setting goals, tracking their progress, and creating portfolios of their work.

• Support children in creating meaningful exhibitions of their work.

• As quickly as possible, assign the responsibility for the studio and for learning to students so that they can lead themselves.

• Model being an independent learner and upholding Acton’s promises to students and families.

• Document learner progress (student projects, achievements, and other activities).

• Communicate with parents as necessary (the owners have the primary responsibility for parent communication).

Qualifications

Teaching experience is not required. You only need experience working with young people, a love for spending time with children, and a passion to make an impact. We seek someone who:

• Is a lifelong learner and is forever curious.

• Thrives in a startup environment.

• Loves to experiment, evaluate, and improve.

• Loves the outdoors and adventure (Outward Bound experience is great!).

• Has fun and brings joy to the studio.

• Respects all children, understands the difficulties they encounter in their lives, and is devoted to setting compassionate and gentle boundaries.

• Learns quickly and works hard.

• Has proven excellence in written and oral communication skills.

• Is an active reader.

• Is an independent learner who takes direction well but can also work with little direct guidance.

• Is willing to be coached and mentored.

• Nice to have: An AMI, AMS, or MACTE-accredited Montessori diploma for primary- or elementary-aged children.

Salary

Maryland Curiosity Lab offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience plus a bonus structure based on performance. The position also offers opportunities for professional development, growth, and advancement. This is a great opportunity if you are considering opening your own Acton Academy in the future.

EEO Statement

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.