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Philly Free School Hosts 4th Annual Spring Fling

On May 1st, 2015 the Philly Free School will host their 4th annual Spring Fling. Join us for an evening of delicious food and drink, wonderful silent auction items and raffle prizes, a performance by the West Philadelphia Orchestra, and a fun-packed Kid Zone. Tickets are now on sale for just $10 each, and $5 for kids! The Spring Fling benefits the school’s tuition assistance and sliding scale tuition program, which allow students to attend the school regardless of financial barriers.

 

About the Philly Free School

 

At the Philly Free School, students ages 4-19 explore freely, think critically, and work collaboratively, across ages, to govern themselves and their school. There are no classes, grades, tests, or prescribed curriculum. Through self-initiated activities, students learn the delicate balance between individual freedom and community responsibility. Students and staff each have one vote in a democratic system that governs the school, from creating and enforcing rules, to spending money and hiring and firing staff. Along the way, students develop the internal resources to navigate, assess, and utilize the information and tools needed to thrive in modern society. Located in Graduate Hospital, the Philly Free School is a private, independent school with one of the lowest tuition rates in the city, and also offers year-round enrollment.  In addition to a sliding scale, the Philly Free School opened a number of slots for free this year through an enrollment lottery.
Background of the School Philosophy
The history of this educational model traces back to Summerhill, opened in England in 1921, and the Sudbury Valley School in Massachusetts in 1968. There are now over 30 schools operating in a similar manner around the world.
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Spend Summer in Pono

Pono is a democratic, outdoor learning center. Children spend the majority of their time outdoors in locations of their choice, in and around New York City. Learning is initiated and directed by the children, and teachers nurture and build upon the children's interests. Regular staff are available during the whole summer. Visiting teachers come twice every week from fields as diverse as carpentry, fashion, biology, chemistry, dance, history, and a variety of sports.
 
Camp runs from July 13–September 10, Monday–Thursday, 9am–2pm. Ages 5–10. $695 for one week; $1,850 for three weeks; $3,710 for six weeks; $5,560 for nine weeks. Sibling discounts available. Please visit pono.nyc for more info. You may also write to info@ponolearning.org or call 646-490-8517 for more information.
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Brooklyn Free School is Hiring a Part-Time Diversity and Outreach Coordinator!

We  seek qualified and passionate candidates for a diversity and outreach coordinator!  This position provides special support to the school’s social justice mission, responds to community needs, informs curriculum development, and serves on the school’s leadership cabinet.  

 

Exceptional candidates will have experience in the following areas:
  • pre-K through 12 grade learner-centered curriculum development
  • Designing and leading workshops for parents, students, and teachers from diverse racial, ethnic, socio-economic, ability, sexual orientation and expression, and religious backgrounds
  • Using anti-racism frameworks and building community while confronting societal oppressions (particularly those related to race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and expression)
  • Leadership role in a small school or non-profit setting
  • Engagement with progressive educational pedegogy, particularly from within the free school movement

 

Exceptional candidates will also demonstrate the following personal qualities in a school community setting:
  • Confident and accessible leadership in groups of all sizes (from 5 to 85) and all ages
  • Immediate responsiveness to a wide-range of diversity issues
  • Urgently engaging all stakeholders (students, parents, and teachers) in upholding the school’s social justice mission in both day-to-day and long-term visioning
  • Warmth, good humor, and a playful spirit

 

Additional details:
Position Type:  Part-time (schedule negotiable, 20-28 hours p/w)
Compensation:  $25/hour, 35-37 week school year schedule (September-June)
Start-date:  September 8, 2015

 

Brooklyn Free School’s mission is education for social justice.  Always advocating for young people’s voices to be heard, BFS engages students and staff in democratic decision making and problem solving.  We honor student choice and facilitate student centered learning through play and exploration, constructivist teaching, collaborative course work and self-directed student initiatives. We support social and emotional development through conflict mediation, personal reflection, diversity awareness and community responsibility.  For more information visit our website: www.brooklynfreeschool.org
 
Brooklyn Free School is an equal opportunity employer.  We seek a staff that reflects the diversity of our community.  Candidates of color are encouraged to apply.

 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

 

To Apply: Submit a cover letter, current resume, three references, including one from an educational supervisor, and any additional information you think we should consider in evaluating you as a candidate. Strong applications will succinctly address the following questions:
a. What makes you a strong candidate for the position?
b. What assets/skills/knowledge would you bring to this position?
c. What challenges do you anticipate and how do expect to address these challenges?
All materials and inquiries need to be submitted electronically as an attachment or in the body of an email to hiring@brooklynfreeschool.org.

 

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The Highland School in West Virginia has an Intern Position opening.

Position Description:  Interns participate as members of The Highland School’s democratic community.  Interns must support the school’s democratic process and be capable of functioning in our democratic community.  They must be respectful of students’ activities and function as resources as needed.  Interns act as responsible members of the school community on a consistent basis.  The ability and willingness to reach out to staff and students has been a vital part of an intern’s success at our school, as well as helping to understand how and why we function.

 

Location: The school is in a very rural location.  The intern position is a 24/7 intensive experience living in a dormitory with other school members.  Shopping options or entertainment places are beyond walking distance.  We recommend that interns have their own transportation for time off.

 

Qualifications: Interns need to be interested in learning about democratic education. They must be willing to ask questions and reflect on their experiences. Interns also need to make changes based on feedback and reflection. Participation in weekly general school meetings and staff meetings is required.   

 

Interns should enjoy working with children. An outgoing, open-minded person with a variety of interests is preferred. Respecting and valuing each student’s unique interests and being willing to learn along with students is critical.  A cleared background check including no offenses against children must be supplied prior to the first day of employment.  Must have driver's license and clean driving record.  

 

Conditions of Employment: Interns are hired and fired at the pleasure of the General School Meeting. Interns must abide by the Constitution and school rules.  Unless there is an emergency (sickness or death in the immediate family), all personal leave must be prearranged with the General School Meeting.  Room and board ($250 per month) are provided in the school dormitory.  The Highland School does not provide health insurance for interns.

 

No H1B1 work visas available for staff or intern positions.