Position Summary Acton Central is seeking a founding Preschool Guide to co-lead a multi-age classroom of 3–5-year-olds 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 Preschool Guide’s primary purpose is to facilitate students' learning and development by implementing curriculum in a developmentally appropriate manner. This role ensures that the environment fosters engagement, critical thinking, and a love for learning while adhering to the legal obligations and responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
Guide Responsibilities
- Observe and adapt to the needs of individual learners, providing appropriate invitations and challenges to foster growth.
- Facilitate a learner-driven studio environment where children are empowered to explore, wonder, and grow independently, fostering independence and self-management.
- Inspire and equip learners through Socratic methods, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- Prepare and maintain an organized, inviting classroom environment aligned with Montessori principles, Acton Academy’s philosophy, and focused learning standards.
- Model a growth mindset and uphold a positive studio culture, ensuring a safe, respectful, and thriving learning environment.
- Observe and adapt to individual learners’ needs, offering tailored challenges and invitations to promote growth and achievement.
- Make learning relevant and fun to the learners.
- 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.
Montessori-Inspired Practices
- Utilize Montessori materials and methods to support hands-on, experiential learning and foundational skill-building.
- Guide children in developing practical life skills, sensory exploration, and academic competencies while fostering grace, courtesy, and respect within the classroom.
- Promote order, concentration, and independence through carefully designed activities and a prepared environment that supports purposeful engagement.
Child Development and Support
- Observe and assess children’s behavior and academic progress, addressing unmet developmental or learning needs with patience and care.
- Provide individualized guidance to build learners’ confidence, value, and sense of community while fostering trust and rapport.
- Facilitate conflict resolution and promote social-emotional growth using restorative practices.
- Partner with families to support each child’s unique developmental journey.
Operational Responsibilities
- Design and implement a balanced daily schedule that includes individual and group activities, quiet and active periods, and opportunities for exploration and creative learning.
- Maintain accurate student records, monitor progress, and share updates with families regularly.
- Collaborate with the Principal, staff, and families to ensure alignment with AACC’s mission, vision, and values.
- Demonstrate confidentiality, professionalism, and an enthusiastic commitment to supporting children’s learning and growth.
- Leverage technology to enhance learning and maintain efficient digital records of student progress.
- Exhibit strong oral, written, and listening skills to communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Hold a valid Early Childhood Educator level 2 or 3 certification; or Alberta Teaching Certificate (Interim or Permanent Professional Certificate).
- Trained in or demonstrated understanding of Montessori or Reggio-Emilia principles.
- Proven experience managing a classroom of young children in a Montessori or learner-driven environment.
- Familiarity with Acton Academy’s philosophy and guide practices 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
- Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications, including RRSP contributions.
- Adheres to Alberta labour laws and standards for early childhood education and Alberta Education.
How to Apply:
If you are ready to inspire and guide young learners on their educational journey, we invite you to apply. Please 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.
For additional information about Acton Academy Calgary Central:
- Listen to this interview about the Acton Academy model: https://youtu.be/5umJbXekS8k?si=Q2pRmkq6m7fKDMbe
- Read or listen to this book about the Acton Academy model: Courage to Grow by Laura Sandefer
Pay: $44,000.00-$68,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Licence/Certification:
- Early Childhood Educator level 2 or 3 (required)
Work Location: In person
