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Why Peter Berg Thinks it is Important to Become an AERO Sustainer Now

By Peter Berg

I have been thinking a lot about why an organization like AERO is so important to our future.  Here in the US and around the world institutions of law, decency, education and even basic freedom are under attack.

Hard lines have been drawn and we have seen the rise and entrenchment of tribalism at it’s worst.  It seems that we can no longer have conversations about facts, the good of society or our future without being labeled or dismissed.

Much of this is a result of an education system that does not honor the drive to learn and be free.  Way too much is spent coercing youth into doing something because they’re told to or because someone, somewhere came up with arbitrary standards that even the most competent of adults couldn’t reach.

I believe this is why AERO’s work is even more important than ever.  Some of you know me and know my connection to AERO those of you who know me best know that I wouldn’t give so much of myself to an organization unless it was moving the needle in the direction of liberation and freedom, with a large dose of heart-centered work.

AERO is now in its 30th year and our work has helped shape the global revolution in education.  AERO has been the inspiration for and has directly helped thousands of adults and youth to start programs, schools, learning centers, and organizations.

Indeed many organizations that are currently doing important work in ‘alternative education’ got their start with AERO and or have used AERO events as a launching pad for their crucial initiatives.

AERO is still the only organization that brings together all learning alternatives on a worldwide scale. From helping youth and families to find the right educational fit to providing, resources and support to changemakers and visionaries it would be hard to quantify exactly how many people’s lives AERO has changed.

AERO believes that the oppression of voices, creativity and freedom especially in our youth has gone on quite long enough and can no longer stand which is why AERO will be embarking on exciting new initiatives, such as:

  • More Local Events – Building on the success of local events such as most recently, and notably, the AEROx regional held at Workspace Education in Bethel, CT, we will be holding more local, smaller gatherings in the future as well as the National conference.
  • School/Learning Center Tours – Tours in particular areas that are designed to showcase the innovative work
  • Podcasts – Monthly podcasts about current educational trends and issues
  • Message Board – Connect with other members on the message board to get advice, feedback and more
  • AERO Representatives – We have AERO representatives throughout the globe who will offer consultations and guidance  Course Offerings/ Trainings – In addition to the school starters course AERO will be offering new courses and trainings over the next few years.
  • AERO Documentary – There seems to be interest in an AERO documentary that would chronicle AERO’s work and spread the word about educational alternatives.

Become a sustaining member here.

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Global Village School Currently Accepting Applications – High School Math/Science Teacher

Job Ad – HS Math/Science Teacher – for AERO

Global Village School Currently Accepting Applications – High School Math/Science Teacher

A rapidly growing international online alternative school seeking part-time high school math/science distance education teacher.

Candidate must have experience in high school math and science education with strong computer skills, strong oral/written communication skills, a commitment to social justice, and a flexible schedule. Experience working with homeschoolers is ideal. See full job description and instructions to apply below.

 

Teacher Job Description

About Global Village School:  GVS is an international K-12 homeschool diploma program with a creative, flexible approach and an emphasis on peace, justice, diversity, and sustainability. Our focus is on preparing students to be wise and capable stewards of the planet and each other. We work to nurture and protect the passion and enthusiasm for creating a better world that comes so naturally to so many young people. We seek to help our students to lead authentic and meaningful lives, and strive to have them leave school feeling confident in their abilities to make an impact on the world around them.

Global Village offers a full K-12 curriculum with all the regular academics, weaving in progressive themes wherever we can. In addition, we offer customized curriculum which reflects students’ interests and learning styles, and high school courses such as International Human Rights, Planetary Stewardship, Peacemakers, Literature of Diversity, and The History of Civil Rights in the U.S.

 

Definition and General Description:  Working under the supervision of the Executive Director, and in cooperation with the office staff and administration, the Teacher provides support to and oversees the educational progress of assigned students.

Schedule: Flexible. Time required depends upon number of students assigned.

Reports to:  Executive Director

Status: On Call / As Needed (Fluctuating hours, up to 19 hours per week)

Duties and responsibilities: Provide teaching services for GVS students and follow the guidelines in the GVS Teacher Manual, including:

  • Consult with and support parents and students, answer questions as they arise
  • Review student work and return it in a timely manner
  • Assign grades to high school work (K-8 work only if requested by parent)
  • Keep detailed records, including an up-to-date list of all students
  • Provide documents such as written evaluations at the end of each semester’s work, monthly student updates and billings, send welcome letters to new students, etc.
  • Communicate regularly with office staff and assigned families, including notifying the office if you have any concerns about a family

Qualifications:

  • Personal commitment to the vision of Global Village School, including commitment to social change, educational excellence and innovation, creativity, peace, justice, and diversity
  • A passion for working with young people
  • Teaching experience, preferably in an alternative education context
  • Ability to work with people from a variety of ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, and religious backgrounds, generations, sexual orientations and gender identities
  • Experience working with staff and students in a team-based context
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently; trustworthy; dependable; productive
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • The ability to personalize curriculum and requirements to meet individual student interests, needs, and learning styles
  • High school diploma required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Teaching credential is a plus.
  • Solid knowledge of personal computing: Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Drive, creating pdfs, Email, the Internet, Skype, online chat, and social media such as Facebook is required
  • Knowledgeable about peace, social justice, active nonviolence, diversity issues, education, and their interconnectedness is a strong plus
  • Knowledgeable about homeschooling, humane education, and alternative education is a plus

Global Village School is a project of Community Partners®. Community Partners® is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. Community Partners is an EOE /Veterans/Disabled/LGBT employer.

Please email resume and personalized cover letter to Marcie Foster at info@globalvillageschool.org.

No phone calls please.

 

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Greenfields Academy Seeks Progressive Educator

Progressive Educator
Are you convinced that the way we are educating children has to fundamentally change?
Do you have the patience needed to allow students to experience and learn from failure?
Are you prepared to inspire a generation to tackle the challenges that lie ahead?
Greenfields Academy is a progressive, independent private school serving children in K through 12th grades.  We believe in student-driven learning, where each child is encouraged to set their own goals and pursue their passions.  Our approach to learning does not include tests, grades, or teachers leading lectures. Our classroom structure ensures that the ad create and facilitate the learning environment, but empowers students to take ownership of their individual learning path and collective classroom governance. Our students are on a Hero’s Journey to change the world!
We are currently interviewing for a full-time Guide (our word for teacher) for our upper elementary-aged students, to begin in January 2019 or possibly earlier.  As our school has plans to expand, this position has excellent opportunity for growth and advancement.
Responsibilities may include:
  • maintaining a studio environment that supports and motivates children
  • supporting individuals in setting and achieving their personal learning goals
  • assisting children in identifying and pursuing their passions
  • planning creative curricular activities, projects, and field trips to inspire learning
  • facilitating Socratic group discussions
  • documenting learning through observation and assessments
  • communicating with parents to build strong relationships
  • participating as a supportive, dependable, and energetic member of our team
Qualifications:
We are looking for a candidate with proven excellence working with children in a non-traditional learning environment: free school, democratic school, homeschool, Montessori, Reggio Emelia, project-based, or other student-directed settings.  Candidates should demonstrate a lifelong love of learning, endless patience, and a strong work ethic. Candidates should be comfortable using and learning a variety of technology tools. And most importantly, candidates should have a deep respect for all children.
Salary:
Pay is commensurate with education and experience.  We will assist with relocation expenses for the right candidate.
Next Steps:
To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to hiring@greenfieldsacademy.com. Your cover letter should detail your specific qualifications for this role and why you are interested in working at Greenfields Academy.  Applications not meeting this requirement will not be reviewed.

Learn more about Greenfields Academy at www.GreenfieldsAcademy.com