The Opportunity
Do you want to change the world? Do you feel called to something greater than a job? Only four times in human history has the opportunity for learning changed as dramatically as it has in our lifetime: the invention of written language, the invention of the printing press, the invention of the internet, and the advancements of AI. What’s possible in a Pre-K - 12 school has changed just as fundamentally.
Acton Academy St. George is part of the Acton Academy network, a school model praised by the Gates Foundation’s former Executive Director of Education as “one of the most important education developments in the world.”
If you’re interested in education and innovation and searching for a calling that intersects those, this might be your chance. Being a Guide at Acton Academy St. George is more like being a leader of a small, fast-paced startup. We believe that every young person who enters our doors deserves to find a calling that can change the world. More broadly, we intend for Acton Academy St. George to be a catalyst of change as Utah becomes a leader in Pre-K - 12 education. This journey needs innovators and leaders, called to a higher purpose and perhaps that's you.
Who We Hire
The most successful Guides at Acton Academy St. George are not just looking for a job; they’re looking for a calling, are on their own journey to leave the world a better place than they found it. After several years, Guides here can go on to start their own school, start their own company, or join a top tech firm or graduate program.
Top candidates often come from diverse backgrounds in:
- Design (graphic, experience, product, design thinking, etc.)
- Innovative education
- Montessori
- Entrepreneurship
- Building (“maker-space”, architecture, craftsmen and hobbyists, etc.)
- Outdoor adventure (climbing, canyoneering, etc.)
- Consulting, finance
- Writing, blogging, publishing
- Photography, painting
- Engineering, hard sciences
- Music
- etc.
These backgrounds enrich the environment and are frequent sources of inspiration for projects. We are looking for individuals who are on a personal Hero's Journey and believe children are capable of much more than we usually give them credit. Do that sound like you? If so, let's talk.
Perhaps you’ll choose a career at the frontier of education and social entrepreneurship. Perhaps you’ll land at a large tech firm, or a top graduate program. We’re on your team to get you there.
Qualifications
We hire people who:
- Can build strong relationships with children ages 3-11 (depending on the studio)
- Love to learn and have a vision for how that can be different and better
- Have a track record of achievement and commitment in the discipline(s) they’ve committed to in their life.
- Feel called to a job that truly makes an impact, goal oriented, and passionate about personal growth
- Embrace technology and the nearly infinite opportunity it offers for learning and growth (think ChatGDP, etc.)
- Embrace the innovation cycle, including iterating, failing, improving, and trying again
- Has a deep rooted belief that children are capable of SO much more than the world often gives them credit and can trust them to own their learning.
Ready To Start The Application Process?
We are always collecting interest for the following roles:
- Apprentice Guide
- Montessori Guide
- Elementary Guide
- Middle School Guide
Montessori/Preschool Guide Job Description
Acton Academy St. George has a Montessori Inspired preschool and is looking for Guides to become an integral part of our team working together to create a joyful learning environment for children.
This could be the perfect position for you if you found the above description inspiring, recently finished Montessori training, and/or on your first year(s) of guiding, have experience in an innovative preschool, and/or are ready for a more entrepreneurial opportunity.
Position Description
In collaboration with the team, you will help run an all-day classroom. You will guide ~25-30 children, delivering an exceptional all-day program that supports the individual needs of the children. Consistent with that vision, you will observe and evaluate individual children's progress; help maintain the environment; various works, snack, lunch, outdoor time in our natural playground, and other activities (such as arts and crafts, music, etc.).
Qualifications
We are looking for individuals with a deep curiosity about life, a lifelong love of learning, and an entrepreneurial spirit (must thrive in a startup environment). Our Montessori/Preschool Guides are responsible for facilitating a nurturing and joyful studio culture. We look for Guides who have:
- An entrepreneurial mindset and desire to work hard, solve problems, and improve on everything she/he does.
- A deep love, respect, and trust for all children and empathy for the challenges children face in their lives.
- A commitment to practicing gentle, compassionate limit setting.
- A strong teamwork ethic, a genuine desire to collaborate with colleagues, and a commitment to professionalism.
- A willingness to be coached and mentored.
- A willingness to work in an 10+ month program (with paid-time off throughout the year that mostly follows the Washington County School Districts calendar, with some exceptions).
- Experience working with children (ages 3-6 preferred).
- A passion for the Montessori philosophy or hands-on learning environment.
Acton offers a very competitive salary based on experience. The position also offers opportunities for professional development and growth. Please note that as a small school, Acton is unable to sponsor candidates for employment-based visas or offer medical benefits at this time.
Next Steps
If you've read the above and feel like you'd be a good fit, even if you don't meet all the "qualifications," please submit your resume and a thoughtful cover letter that outlines how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position, how the position is part of your own journey, and how you heard about this opportunity.
Elementary Guide Job Description
Acton Academy St. George is seeking a full-time Guide/Coach for its Elementary Studio (classroom). This studio is for ages ~ 7-11. The ideal candidate will have some experience coaching, working in a Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or projected-based learning classroom, is someone who chooses a Growth Mindset, loves telling stories and making learning a game and super fun, can inspire young people and enjoys being inspired by them, can do the Floss ;), and is personally uplifted by empowering young Heroes (students) to find their special gifts and strengths.
The goal of an Acton Elementary studio is to have fun and prepare each learner with the skills, work ethic, and independence to thrive in a rigorous Acton Middle School environment.
Acton Academy St. George is a part of a worldwide network of Acton Academies. With ~ 300 schools operating worldwide, we collaborate regularly, working together with the network on a journey to improve the learning experience for our learners and their families.
As a new guide at Acton, you will immerse yourself in "the Acton way" of learning. If your passion is education and you think, one day I'd like to open my own school, this role might just be perfect for you!
Qualifications:
- Coaching, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and/or project-based experience strongly encouraged
- A deep curiosity about life and love of lifelong learning
- Innovative and entrepreneurial spirit
- Commitment to free market ideals
- Proven excellence in written and oral communication skills
- Evident passion for being on a Hero’s Journey
- A desire to invest the time and energy in learning "the Acton way"
- Very comfortable with Technology
Are you an independent learner who can work with little direct guidance (albeit supported); someone who likes to collaborate, experiment, evaluate and continually improve? Are you someone who has a deep respect for all children believing that each human has genius within; 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.
This role comes with lots of paid time off compared to traditional schools, lots of flexibility in the studio, and great pay. Pay will be determined based on experience and ability to lead a classroom.
If this sounds like a fit, please respond with your resume, accomplishments, and other information you feel would be helpful.