Fall 2017 Job Opening: Elementary (2nd-5th) Teacher – Education Revolution – Alternative Education Resource Organization

About Radicle Roots:

The schoolhouse is an experiential, democratic learning community in East Austin where youth have the freedom to pursue meaningful learning, joy, and connection guided with strong and loving mentorship. We are committed to diversity, equity, and accessibility. Learn more about our independent, nature-connected, free-school inspired learning community at www.radicleroots.org before applying.

Position Overview:

Radicle Roots Community Schoolhouse is hiring a full-time teacher for the 2017-2018 school year. Option for 2-3 part time teacher positions available.

We are seeking a new team member who trusts children, who is inspired by collaboration with other teachers, is motivated to design innovative learning experiences, and is dedicated to empowering youth to be self-directed learners. We are looking for someone who is visionary, creative, flexible, and hardworking in their approach to supporting life-long learners.

Applicants who identify as people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. LGBTQIA applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants of the teaching profession minority (aka male-identified) are encouraged to apply.

Primary Responsibilities:

Teach

Develop strong relationships with kids based on love and trust. Learn the Radicle Roots methodologies. Encourage students’ strengths and find ways to guide them to master challenges through Coyote Mentoring and inquiry-based interactions. Document observations of children through anecdotal records and photos. Share a love of the outdoors and encourage connection with nature. Provide opportunities for and use language that empowers children to develop all parts of themselves, including social skills / conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, self awareness, and physical development, in addition to academic learning and intellectual growth. Give meaningful feedback to students on their work through written, verbal, and visual means. Be light on your feet!*

*As Chris Mercogliano explains it: “Teachers who are light on their feet are able to see the goodness in every child and we continue to love them even when they are at their most annoying. We don’t get plugged in and instead we try to use humor to change the channel. We respond in unexpected ways if at all possible and try to approach each situation as if it were brand new. This is because responding in patterned ways encourages children to try to drag us into power games… We are flexible and able to tolerate disorder and think on the fly.”

Design curriculum and build the learning environment

Identify children’s growing edges and design appropriate hands-on activities and projects in the Radicle Roots style to help them progress. Use information from observations of students to prepare the learning environment and maximize student initiation of learning activities. Use knowledge of each child’s interests and talents to create engaging curriculum that is not limited to state standards. Seek out community resources and non-traditional ways to encourage learners to follow individual and authentic learning paths.

Collaborate

Work as a team with other teachers through open, honest, and effective communication. Possess self-awareness, self-compassion, and a willingness to examine inner assumptions and patterned actions to continue personal growth and deepen skills as a mentor. Take part in our weekly democratic decision making process with students and staff.

Work in partnership with parents

Spend time getting to know the feel of the Radicle Roots community as well as the individual families through informal and formal channels. Communicate what’s going on at the schoolhouse and seek info about what’s happening at home. Identify parent skills and connections that can be utilized for learning opportunities and collaborate with parents to incorporate those talents into the schoolhouse. Prepare for and conduct family conferences three times a year.

Assist with outreach

Table at events, such as the Education Transformation Alliance alternative school fair. Be a positive representative of the schoolhouse and build community connections with diverse populations.

Requirements:

Minimum 3 years as a lead teacher in a classroom, outdoor education, or other formal learning environment.
Experience teaching project-based learning and developing curriculum or activities tailored to student interests.
Working knowledge of child developmental stages.
Ability and willingness to cultivate real relationships with children and parents.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills including being able to give and receive feedback.
A self-starter who can learn on the job, identify opportunities for creativity, take initiative, and follow projects and responsibilities through to completion.

Preferred qualifications:

Certified elementary teacher.
Bilingual English/Spanish speaker.
Experience teaching in multi-age settings, free schools, or Montessori schools.
Experience or trained in working with special needs students.
Experience using Positive Behavior Support.
Experience using non-violent communication and conflict resolution.
Experience or training in literacy instruction.
Experience or training in student-centered or project-based mathematics.
Familiarity with Coyote Mentoring.

Radicle Roots is committed to building a culturally and racially diverse teaching staff, and strongly encourages applicants who identify as people of color to apply. LGBTQIA applicants strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants of the teaching profession minority (aka male-identified) are encouraged to apply.

Start date

Mandatory paid training / planning / preparation weeks begin August 21st.

Option to start immediately to begin training during the Spring semester.

First day of the 2017-2018 school year is Tues Sept. 5th.

Compensation

$25,000-$30,000 annually. Benefits include great coworkers, a health and wellness stipend, and the opportunity to contribute your voice, time, and talents to a growing, mission-driven radical learning community. Work on a beautiful 3-acre campus on the east side of Austin, spend plenty of time outdoors, and bring home fresh organic produce from the schoolhouse garden. Tuition waived for children of teachers. We take 3 months off from June-August, one week at Thanksgiving, two weeks for Winter Holidays, and one week at Spring Break. Schedule generally aligns with AISD.

How to apply

Send your