Category: Jobs

The vision for The Oak School is to bring an attuned, respectful, warm, nurturing, open, and intelligent environment for the holistic growth of children everywhere. Become part of a movement in growing happy, confident, resilient, integrated, and adaptable humans. We envision our graduates growing up to competently and lovingly tackle our biggest global issues with compassion and intelligence. 

The Oak School’s ideal founding teachers are individuals who have unparalleled passion for whole child education and are passionate about kids, individualized curriculum, and alternative education. They are well rounded, have and pursue passions outside the classroom, and have a personal self-growth practice. They are also creative, fun, organized, lifelong learners, outdoors enthusiasts, and want to contribute to the foundations of a new school. 
The Whole Environment Educational Philosophy is inspired by indigenous cultures and science alike. It expands on foundational aspects of holism and melds the best of both worlds–much like the integrated individuals it seeks to nurture. Read more about our philosophy here: www.theoakschool.org

Location: West Denver, Colorado

Minimum Education:
Licensed elementary school teacher For pre-K teacher: licensed early childhood educator or meets those specific criteria in the state of CO; Waldorf, Pikler, and/or RIE teaching experience and/or training; will consider Montessori training as well. 

Beneficial Experience Preferred: Masters degree 5 – 20 years experience working with kids Teaching mixed aged groups Success with creating individualized curriculum plans  Curriculum and/or new teacher coaching experience

Ideal candidate’s values include:
– Demonstrates willingness to learn and implement the Whole Environment Educational Philosophy – Commitment to the whole child – Actively committed to personal self-growth and practice self-compassion – Team player — communication style is fluid and direct with colleagues and parents – Recognizes the talents, ideas, and strengths of others and invites their contributions – Familiar with a variety of alternative education modalities, early childhood programing and extra curricular activities  – Values integrity and openness, honest and authentic communication  – Active listener with intent to understand, is curious, open and takes in another’s story, as well as takes a deep interest in the people around them – Takes time to engage with their creative process, try new things, and learn from mistakes. – Well attuned to peers and children, has an innovative approach to learning and teaching, self-motivated. – Has a creative practice – Regularly spends time in nature and understands the benefits that come from doing so.

Position Details
– small class sizes (10-12 students), plus an aid – unique and specialized emotional support for teachers including weekly flex time for emotional health, personalized coaching, and staff training/tools on holistic health and living practices for both in the classroom and outside.  – a supportive community of staff, children and families – a chance to help build a school from the ground up – autonomy in your classroom to bring your passion of teaching and children to life – open, individualized, project based curriculum – Our vision of supporting teachers includes yearly salary increases to be competitive and eventually exceed public school salaries for both staff and teachers. We want our teachers to be able to thrive both inside and outside of the classroom. 
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to triciamartinowen@gmail.com. Thank you and we look forward to meeting you! 

The Open School is seeking to hire a staff member in a self-directed, democratic school, situated in Santa Ana, California.

Position Summary

The Open School staff members work directly with students and take on specific responsibilities to keep the school running. We hire staff rather than teachers to emphasize that adults are not automatically teachers and that people learn from each other in complex ways. The Open School staff are not responsible for creating activities for students to pursue and do not have the authority to unilaterally establish or enforce rules. Staff at The Open School are available as role models, facilitators, and peers as students pursue their own interests.  

There are numerous ways that staff interact with students ranging from tutoring in a specific subject, playing games (computers, cards, sports), working on collaborative projects, building things, going on field trips, cooking, producing plays to playing music, etc. Staff are expected to act as dependable stewards of the school; facilitate student access to resources; exemplify mature practice of personal fulfillment and societal engagement; and anchor school culture to values of interpersonal respect. 

Staff also support all areas of school operations from ground maintenance to budgeting. Most work is done from Monday through Friday, 9am-4:30pm, but there are times when staff will need to work outside of those hours, such as a weekend event or an evening meeting.

In addition, staff will be engaging in our virtual program on a regular basis. This may include taking part in activities, meeting one-on-one or in a small group with students virtually, and holding any number of meetings online. Staff will also be expected to pursue relationships with parents, holding regular conversations and meetings with them to deepen the parents’ understanding of and relationship with the school.

A successful candidate demonstrates: 

• A solid grasp of the school’s educational philosophy and practices, and a strong commitment to them  
• An interest in and/or prior experience in one of the key management areas of the school’s business i.e. Business Management, Marketing and Public Relations, Finance, Building Management and Maintenance, IT Management and Maintenance, Supporting Learning  
• Continued striving for personal growth, open to learning and being challenged to grow
• Passion and engagement with personal interests  
• Responsible, respectful, professional and mature adult behaviour at all times, able to hold personal boundaries
• Safety consciousness and commitment to understanding and complying with all school laws and policies  
• Strong communication and literacy skills, including the ability to express thoughts in writing, tailor communication with students of different age groups and developmental levels in a respectful, egalitarian, and non-patronising manner, and interact effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds  
• Strong self-management skills, including high levels of initiative, excellent time management and efficiency, and the ability to effectively balance day-to-day operational responsibilities with availability to students. See what needs to be done, and do it 
• Reliability and punctuality
• Ability to work well in a group decision-making organization
• Commitment to creating a space for a variety of voices and backgrounds, without advocating for an agenda or bringing in personal, political, or religious views when working with students
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and family data, as well as to keep a constant eye out for the protection of student privacy in less formal ways
• Ability to work with neuro-diverse population 
• Where applicants have a background in education they will be required to demonstrate why they have chosen to move away from mainstream practice  

Beneficial Experience:

• Experience of a democratic education environment would be highly beneficial whether as a student, staff member or in another capacity 
• Experience of Self-Directed Home Education or Unschooling could also be beneficial as demonstration of an understanding and commitment to student directed learning 
• Working with children ages 5-18 in any capacity 

Commitments:

 All staff candidates should share these commitments:

• Personal responsibility and sustainability of the school
• Diversity of student and staff population
• Economic access for all who feel the school is right for them
• Deep belief in democratic, “free” or “Sudbury-model” education. Staff at The Open School uphold this model of education, and are not “testing the waters” or “seeing if it works”
• Ongoing personal and professional growth
• Continuous personal education on democratic education, Sudbury schools, youth rights, etc.

Compensation:

Upon hiring, staff members are considered “fellows” for a period of at least 3 months and no more than 1 year. During the fellowship period, they are compensated at $18/hour while they complete their training to become a full staff member. At the end of the fellowship period, the successful candidate will receive a vote of confidence from the School Meeting and earn the title of Staff Member. At this time, a staff member earns $20/hour.  Currently, staff are paid during the school year (approximately September 1st – June 15th). A full time staff member is scheduled to work 35-40 hours per week. 

The Open School is committed to increasing staff wages significantly each year to meet our goal of paying $45,000/year with benefits by 2026.

Benefits include:

• Paid time during school holidays and breaks (other than summer break)
• Paid time off ranging from 70-105 hours/year depending on the number of years employed. Unused PTO will be paid out at the anniversary of the date of employment at the current hourly rate
• Sick pay of 15 hours/year
• “Name your own tuition” for staff children enrolled in The Open School (range of 0 – 50% of high end of tuition)

Application process:

Full or part time positions available.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and three references to info@openschooloc.com.

The cover letter should include information about your background knowledge, research, and experience in self-directed education environments. Include how long you have been interested in this type of education and why you are committed to it. Also, please share your weekly availability and what time commitment you are willing to make.

Along with this, please send a 3-minute video that explains who you are and why you would be a good staff member. 

Upon receiving an application, the process is as follows:

1. The applicant will have a Zoom interview with the HR Committee chair. 
2. If recommended by the chair, applicants will be invited to visit the school and participate in an interview with our hiring committee of students and staff. 
3. If recommended by the committee, the School Meeting will vote on permitting the applicant to spend a trial period on campus. The length of this period depends on the number of hours the applicant will be working (i.e. full time applicants will be required to spend 35 hours on campus, applicants interested in working 21 hours/week will be required to spend 21 hours on campus, etc)
4. If approved by the School Meeting, the applicant will be required to complete their trial period on campus after passing a background check with the Department of Justice
5. After the trial period, there will be an additional interview with the HR Committee
6. If recommended by the committee, the School Meeting will vote on hiring the applicant as a fellow
7. Upon completion of the fellowship period, during which the fellow completes training as deemed appropriate by the HR Committee, the School Meeting will vote on whether or not to retain the fellow as a staff member with a 1 year contract.

Inviting facilitators dedicated to supporting self directed education and furthering inclusion.

Position Function: Facilitating a wholistic learning and therapy program that supports creativity, freedom, inclusion and collaboration. This position requires working 1:1 with a 12 year old child that has high complexity needs.

Position Responsibilities: • Create a vibrant and harmonious learning space that nurtures and guides children in becoming kind and balanced adults • Design and offer lessons that reflect knowledge of child development and SDE • Facilitate activities of the day (open the day / set intentions, work through cycles of intention, creation, reflection and sharing, close the day / gratitude circle) • Utilize a variety of academic and social activities to provide opportunity for use of Proloquo2go communication app • Reflect SDE knowledge to advise parents and therapists on how to adjust activities and environment • Assist child in all activities of daily living • Assist child in demonstrating learning (writing a poem or story, creating a dance, creating a portfolio, sharing a study using words etc.)

Location: New York City or Springs, East Hampton, NY Family lives in New York City, takes trips to Springs often. SDE Facilitator position available in both locations. 

Schedule: Please specify location and all available days / hours.

Required: 1 year commitment (minimum) 1+ years experience working with children with multiple physical and developmental needs 1+ years experience facilitating self directed education

Pay rate: $50/hr

Please email application to tampetrovic@gmail.com Thank you!

GVS provides children with a personalized, enlivening, holistic education that prepares them to be global citizens. We have grown significantly, and some of our staff are nearing retirement. We’re looking for capable, committed, enthusiastic people who want to be a part of the  Global Village mission.

The office operations are the foundation for all that we do. The office manager is responsible for ensuring that office operations run smoothly, efficiently, and accurately, conveying a sense of high-quality service to our families. Hours vary seasonally, depending on how busy the office is – averages 28 hours per week, Monday through Thursday, with occasional Fridays during peak times. We will consider local and remote applicants.  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Organization

• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with an ability to take the initiative when a problem is spotted and ask for guidance if needed.
• Strong time-management, planning, and prioritizing skills.
• Strong organizational and records management skills, with a sound mind for systems.
• Must be very detail-oriented and able to switch gears quickly!

Communication

• Strong written and oral communication skills, good listening skills.
• Diplomacy: wisely and fairly handle issues as they arise and advise office staff on how to do so.

Management

• Supervise employees effectively, in a collaborative and supportive manner, while ensuring that they do their tasks correctly.
• Methodically organize and oversee training of new employees.
• Ability to make good decisions, ask for support when needed, and discern when requesting an exception to policy is in order.

Commitment

• Commitment to the vision of Global Village School.
• Commitment to following the policies and procedures and ensuring that the office staff carries them out.
• Commitment to being flexible and willing to take and act on advice.
• Commitment to communicating proactively and constructively when challenges arise.

Technology

• Strong knowledge of technology, personal computers, and software, including using email, the internet, Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and Outlook), and Google Drive (online, shared spreadsheets).
• Familiarity with data entry.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot standard office equipment (computer and multi-function printer/copier/fax machine).
• General ability to learn new systems primarily by using help files and tutorials.

Personal/Professional

• Personality traits include trustworthiness, dependability, flexibility, truthfulness, self-awareness, and productivity.
• Acts in a professional manner when interacting with staff, students, parents, and the public.
• Follows oral and written instructions. 
• Works independently with minimal supervision and is comfortable taking responsibility and asking questions as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:  Applicants must have education, training, and experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas. 

1. Associate degree or equivalent. 
2. At least one year of previous office management experience OR three years of administrative office experience.
3. Provides own transportation and has adequate insurance as required by law.

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. At least two years of previous office management experience
3. Job or volunteer experience with progressive organizations and causes.
4. Experience with homeschooling or alternative education.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept international applicants unless they have a U.S. residence.  

How to Apply, Timeline, and Pay:

  Please follow this link to learn more and apply – you will be required to submit a cover letter!: Indeed Office Manager Job Description. No phone calls, please!
We will contact qualified candidates to set up the next step.   The application process will close when our staffing needs have been met, and may close without advance notice.

​ Pay starts at $19-20/hr. Some benefits may be available.