Title: Spark Guide (Teacher) – ages approx. 4-6

Location: Ascent: An Acton Academy, Austin, Texas

Department: Spark (Montessori/Loose Parts) Classroom

Ascent Academy is seeking a full-time Spark Guide to become an integral part of our dynamic team of Montessorians, entrepreneurs, and innovators working together to create a joyful learning environment for children.

This could be the perfect position for you if you recently finished Montessori training or your first year(s) of guiding or have studio experience as an Assistant and are ready for a more entrepreneurial opportunity.

Who Are We?

At Ascent Academy, we are on a mission to inspire each child who enters our doors to find a calling that will change the world. Ascent Academy is a vibrant community, situated on two acres in Central Austin, complete with three classrooms, an orchard, a budding urban forest and a dynamic outdoor Loose Parts Play environment.

Ascent Academy is an independent affiliate of the Acton Academy network of schools, a celebrated network of learner-driven micro-schools and the fastest growing independent school network in the world.

Position Description

In collaboration with the Spark team, you will run an all-day Montessori classroom in a natural and comfortable setting. You will guide approximately 18-22 children, delivering an exceptional all-day program that supports the individual needs of the children in accordance with Maria Montessori’s philosophy and vision.  Consistent with that vision, you will observe, and track; give Montessori lessons; maintain the Montessori & Loose Parts environments (note: this is not the same as “play-based,” this is an intentional, compatible curriculum that focuses on extracting creativity through engagement with a natural outdoor environment); guide children during indoor work, outdoor play, lunch, and other activities.

You will have a supportive team; working alongside guides from the other two classrooms, you will be able to innovate and experiment with creative ideas and have space to offer your special gifts to the learners with a developing space and curriculum.

Qualifications 

We are looking for someone with a deep curiosity about life, a lifelong love of learning, and an entrepreneurial spirit (must thrive in a startup environment). They will be responsible for facilitating a nurturing and joyful studio culture.

We seek people with drive and a lot of heart – and if that sounds like you, you should join us. Even if your experience isn’t a precise match for the role, passion and prowess will always win the day in our book. And if your career has taken you to some spectacular (or spectacularly strange) places? We love a good Hero’s Journey story.

Although these are not all necessities, we seek someone who has:

• An entrepreneurial mindset and desire to work hard, solve problems, and improve on everything they do

• A deep love and respect for all children and empathy for the challenges children face in their lives

• A strong teamwork ethic, a genuine desire to collaborate with colleagues, and a commitment to professionalism

• AMI, AMS, or MACTE Montessori certification for primary-aged children (preferred)

• Experience working with children (ages 4-6 preferred)

• A passion & curiosity for the Montessori philosophy and the discipline to embody Montessori values at all times

• A commitment to practicing gentle, compassionate limit setting

• A willingness to be coached and mentored

• A willingness to work in a year-round program (with time off for holidays; and flexible hours during student breaks)

• Vulnerability and courage to try new things, make mistakes, and the ability to reflect

Ascent offers a competitive salary, plus a flexible schedule throughout the year. The position also offers opportunities for professional development and growth.

Next Steps

If you are interested in becoming part of a growing team, building a conscious, learner-driven environment, 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. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.