Announcement of Job Opportunity
Shine Learning Center is a Self-Directed Education community that serves young people and their families. Shine Learning Center cultivates a safe, inclusive space where young people have the autonomy to engage in meaningful learning experiences and unlimited free play in an amixed-age setting.
Shine is hiring a part-time facilitator to work with its students (roughly ages9-13) and in partnership with the rest of the program’s team, students, and parents. Facilitators act as models, space-holders, and mentors of self-directed living and intentional culture creation. Above all, facilitators need to be grounded in the perspective of trusting children, partnership-based relationships, and personal responsibility.
Basics: terms, hours, compensation
This part-time facilitator role would be primarily fulfilled on two days a week, Monday and Wednesday from the hours of 9am to 4pm.
● The term of employment begins on September 12, 2022 and will conclude June 7th, 2023.
● Compensation is hourly starting at $30 per hour.
This is the perfect role for you if…
● You have experience cultivating authentic, respectful, and partnership-based relationships with people of all ages
● You will take great joy in leading a small group of mixed-aged students that meets each day to connect, explore, play, and grow
● You are a passionate, curious, and joyful person with a variety of interests and abilities that you will enjoy sharing with young people through offerings made at our Set-the-Week meeting and through spontaneous, self-organized activities
● Ability to lead by example; never rely on positional authority
● You are excited to practice the art of “maximum support with minimal interference” in the context of working with young people
● You understand and are aligned with the basic principles of Self-Directed Education
● You are comfortable self-starting, adapting to changing circumstances, not always having the answer, navigating interpersonal relationships, coordinating logistics, and communicating effectively in multiple forms
● You are, yourself, self-directed: you don’t need to be told what to do in order to be productive in your role; you can notice what needs to be done and take action, while communicating effectively with team members along the way
● You live in, or are able to relocate to, Sebastopol, CA in the next three months
BONUS:
● Unschooled or previously enrolled at a Self-Directed Education community
● Prior experience with alternative education models
● Prior experience working with young people in outdoor settings (e.g. adventure playground, forest school, nature school, outdoor summer camp)
● Skilled at any of the following: animator, artist, dancer, writer, engineer, martial artist, musician, yogi
● You can speak multiple languages
Responsibilities
● Always arrive fully prepared, on-time, and eager to support Learners
● Serve as a Facilitator, guide, mentor, cheerleader, and confidant to all Learners
● Be a paragon of positivity; never embarrass, insult, yell at, or shame a Learner
● Co-create culture with Learners and other Facilitators in an environment focused on autonomy, trust, connection, curiosity, play, and inclusivity
● Serve as a role model inside and outside of Shine
● Be responsive to the questions and needs of Shine Learners and their families
● Document the growth and learning experiences of Learners for internal purposes
● Participate in brainstorming sessions, learning center improvements, and research efforts
● Participate in professional development opportunities to include Agile Learning Facilitator trainings
How to Apply: If you have not already done so, read through and explore:
Agile LearningCenters website and starter kit https://agilelearningcenters.org/
The Shine Learning Center website https://www.shinelearningcenter.org
The Alliance for Self-Directed Education website https://www.self-directed.org/sde/
Email us at rosehaynes@gmail.com and send:
● A video of you sharing more about yourself, your experience/background, and why you’re excited about the idea of joining the team at Shine Learning Center. In your video, please answer the following questions:
○ How did you hear about this opportunity at Shine Learning Center?
○ Why are you interested in Self-Directed Education, as opposed to conventional forms of schooling?
○ What unique skills and perspectives would you bring to our community?
○ Why you are a uniquely great fit for Shine, and why Shine is a uniquely great fit for you.
○ How does deschooling and/or Self-Directed Education look in your life lately?
● A very simple written outline of your work/life/learning experiences (no formal resume needed)
● Two or three relevant references and their contact info
● Links to any other work or creative projects you’ve contributed to and are proud of
● Candidates from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply. Shine Learning Center does not discriminate on the basis of race,sex, gender identity,sexual orientation, culture, religion, nor national or ethnic origin.
Chosen candidates can expect:
1. An Initial interview with founders
○ If chosen to move forward, candidates will be required to review a variety of materials (books, articles, webinar) on what we do and what Self-Directed Education is
2. Possible second interview
3. Tentative offer pending criminal background and reference checks
4. Paid onboarding process with CPR/First Aid training and sexual abuse training
