Position Summary:
Acton Central is seeking a founding Elementary Guide to lead a multi-age Kindergarten to Grade 2 studio in a learner-driven, innovative environment. This is not a traditional teaching role. It is an opportunity to help design, build, and refine the systems, culture, and practices that will shape the school for years to come.
As a founding Guide, your work will extend well beyond the classroom. You will play a key role in creating systems, contributing to school-wide operations, and helping establish the rhythms, expectations, and culture of a start-up school. Your voice will be actively sought in decision-making, within a nimble and collaborative team that operates with a more horizontal than hierarchical structure.
In the classroom, you will guide learners, not through direct instruction, but by coaching them and designing experiences that foster independence, ownership, and deep engagement. You will balance alignment with Alberta curriculum outcomes while creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences that challenge and inspire young learners.
This role requires flexibility, initiative, and a builder’s mindset. You will be part of a team that iterates quickly, reflects often, and continuously improves. If you are energized by autonomy, comfortable with ambiguity, and excited by the opportunity to shape something meaningful from the ground up, this role offers a rare chance to do just that.
Purpose:
The Guide's primary purpose is to facilitate students' learning and development by delivering curriculum in a developmentally appropriate manner. This role ensures that instruction fosters engagement, critical thinking, and a love for learning while adhering to the legal obligations and responsibilities outlined in Alberta’s School Act, Acton Academy’s principles, the provincial curriculum, and the Teaching Professional Code of Conduct.
Responsibilities
Guide:
- Never answer a question with anything except an open-ended question back (Socratic method). This guides learners to the answer while requiring that they think deeply for themselves.
- Facilitate a learner-driven environment that empowers children to explore, think critically, and grow independently.
- Prepare lesson plans that are adapted to the Acton’s methods and cover curriculum requirements.
- Inspire and equip learners to develop independence, self-management, and a love for lifelong learning.
- Uphold studio guardrails to ensure a safe and thriving learning environment.
- Use growth-mindset praise about the process the learner took (rather than praising the outcome).
- Guide learners in co-creating studio norms and systems of accountability rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
- Create rituals, routines, and ceremonies that celebrate growth, learning milestones, and community values.
- Support intentional collaboration and mentoring across age groups to build empathy, leadership, and teamwork.
- Gamify learning to keep it fun and engaging!
Focused Learning Practices
- Integrate Alberta curriculum outcomes into a learner-driven framework that emphasizes academic rigor and creativity.
- Introduce lessons using Montessori methods and materials.
- Implement pre-prepared interdisciplinary projects connecting curriculum objectives with real-life applications, supported by provided tools and resources.
- Monitor and assess progress through ongoing data collection, providing actionable feedback to ensure students exceed grade-level expectations.
Child Development and Support
- Observe and address students' academic, social, and emotional needs, offering individualized support.
- Guide conflict resolution and promote social-emotional growth through restorative practices.
- Partner with families to support each student’s developmental journey and create a sense of belonging.
Operational Responsibilities
- Design and implement schedules balancing individual, group, and creative activities.
- Maintain accurate student records and provide progress updates to families.
- Ensure compliance with Alberta Education standards and Acton Academy’s learner-driven mission.
- Collaborate with the Principal and staff to align with Acton Central’s goals, values, and vision.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Valid Alberta Teaching Certificate (Interim or Permanent Professional Certificate).
- Trained or willing to be trained in Montessori.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Alberta’s curriculum and standards for Grades Kindergarten to G2.
- Proven experience working with elementary-aged children, preferably in an innovative or learner-driven educational setting.
- Familiarity with Acton Academy’s philosophy and guide practices (preferred).
- Background in coaching, entrepreneurial pursuits, psychology, or relevant certifications is an asset.
- Knowledge of human behavior, individual differences in ability, personality, and interest, as well as principles of learning and motivation is an asset.
Skills and Attributes
- Facilitation skills to inspire learners to think for themselves, rather than lecture or provide the answer.
- Inspirational guide with a profound respect for children’s abilities and potential.
- Willing to step back to let a child struggle through a problem, rather than rescuing them.
- Flexibility to pivot, adjust processes, based on what is working and what isn’t working.
- Problem solving skills to create games that will incentivize learners, build civility, and ultimately create a self-governing classroom that upholds excellence and respect.
- Adaptable, patient, and responsive to each child’s unique learning journey and needs.
- Highly observant, with the ability to identify and effectively address individual learner needs.
- Proactive planner with strong organizational skills to design and manage learning experiences and classroom activities on daily, weekly, monthly, and annual bases.
- Skilled in utilizing digital tools to track and maintain accurate records of student progress.
- Strong work ethic with a self-starter mindset and excellent time management to support professional growth.
Key Terms of Employment
- Reports directly to the Principal.
- Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications, including RRSP contributions.
- Adheres to Alberta labour laws and standards for early childhood education.
How to Apply
If you are ready to inspire and guide young learners on their educational journey, we invite you to apply. Please review the below links to learn more about this nontraditional model and submit your cover letter and resume via email to [email protected].
For additional information about Acton Academy Calgary Central:
- Visit our website at www.actoncentral.org
- Listen to this interview about the Acton Academy model: Jordan Peterson interviewing Zach Lahn
- Read or listen to this book about the Acton Academy model: Courage to Grow by Laura Sandefer
Pay: $60,000.00-$85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Alberta Teaching Certificate? (required)
Work Location: In person
