If your goal is to instill a love of learning in others while advancing your professional growth this is your opportunity to get in on the ground floor of one of the world’s most innovative learning designs.

The Patuxent Program, an Acton Experience is a homeschool tutorial in Bowie, Maryland for ages 6-14 that blends state-of-the-art software, projects with real world application, Socratic discussions, apprenticeships, and the Hero’s Journey in a learner-driven, multi-age environment. The approach to learning does not include tests, grades, or teachers leading lectures. The studio structure is unique. It allows Guides to mentor and assist in a self-paced learning environment and empowers learners to take ownership for their learning and collective studio governance.  Guides are game-makers; they dream up launches and deliver Quests.

Acton exists to assist learners (adults and children alike) on a journey to understand and develop their most precious gifts, discover their deepest passions, and use them to serve others in a meaningful way. This journey takes them from being receivers of knowledge to self-seekers of knowledge. We believe Acton learners are geniuses destined to change the world in a profound way.

Are ready to begin your own Hero’s Journey?

Position Description: Our program consists of 4 five-hour days per week spent in the Studio (930a-230p).  The studio location is in Bowie on Rt 450 and will be open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  The Lead Guide will work in partnership with the Founders (and/or other Guides) to:

• communicate with learners using growth mindset  
• hold learners accountable to their promise of delivering “the best work they can do” as they discover their likes and dislikes
• create meaningful learning experiences, ceremonies, and celebrations that reinforce the rules of engagement and personal/group covenants, while avoiding cultural appropriation
• act as a role model as demonstrated by helping create a culture of inclusivity and commitment to antiracism 
• launch and lead Socratic discussions
• modify and launch exsisting quests (projects), including daily challenges while curating world class examples
• create systems that inspire learning
• encourage young heroes to track their progress and create portfolios to show parents, peers and apprenticeship employers what they can do
• evaluate and refine existing curriculum with a commitment to decolonizing history
• design and experiment with projects that demonstrate sensitivity to the individual experiences and needs of community members
• organize speakers, workshops, and trips to inspire learners
• uphold promises to learners, parents, fellow guides, and founders made in relational covenants
• pass along responsibilities to learners as quickly as possible, so as to empower them to lead themselves
• deep commitment to the success of The Patuxent Program, an Acton Experience by participating in admissions, hiring, studio design, and other aspects as needed to ensure success

Hourly Pay (paid over 10 months – Sept thru June): The Patuxent Program, an Acton Experience offers a competitive hourly rate with our contracted Guide; however, no additional benefits are provided (medical insurance must be acquired independently).  There is potential of continuing learning opportunities for our Guides along with growth opportunity as we progress towards opening a 5 day per week program in the future.

Network Bonus: For any Guide interested in opening their own Acton in the future this position offers an amazing opportunity to learn and grow on your own Hero’s Journey in addition to a network bonus. For each continuous and successful year of guiding you will earn a $10,000 credit or cash payment towards opening your own Acton. There is a $40,000 maximum and this will be paid out $10,000 per year by Acton directly, not The Patuxent Program, upon the approval and launch of your own Acton campus.

Qualifications:

• a deep curiosity about life and commitment to lifelong learning
• innovative and entrepreneurial spirit
• endless patience to allow heroes to experience and learn from failure
• commitment to examine the realities of personal, religious, political, and economic freedoms
• proven excellence in written and oral communication skills
• passion for being on a Hero’s Journey
• proven excellence in working with children or guiding children in alternative educational training/experience

This is a position for an independent lifelong learner who can take direction, but also work with little direct guidance; someone who likes to collaborate, experiment, evaluate and continually improve; someone who has a deep respect for all children, believing that each human has a genius within; and someone who is a flexible problem-solver. It is essential that this person can learn fast, loves to work hard, and is an active reader and writer.  If you’re default is to jump on Youtube to figure something out versus waiting for instructions you’ll fit in very well!

AUDITION: 6 STEPS

Step One: Questionnaire. Please read the job description in full as this is a unique position (not a traditional teaching job).   This is an in-person, in studio position for 4 five-hour days each week (Tuesday through Friday). 

In addition, begin reading “Courage To Grow” by Laura Sandefer and do some initial research on an Acton experience. If you believe that you are qualified and interested in the position please follow the below link to begin the formal application.  We are happy to send you a copy of CTG via Kindle.  Email us at info@actonpatuxent.com.

Step Two: Research. Read in full “Courage To Grow” by Laura Sandefer and do some research to ensure that you believe in The Patuxent Program’s mission, values, and processes. In addition, please make sure that you have read the full job description.

Step Three: Short Video, Resume & Writing Submission. Submit a two-minute video, your resume, and response to a short reading.

Step Four: Initial Interview. 20 minute phone/video interview.

Step Five: Case Studies. Submit responses to 3 short case studies.

Step Six: Second Interview. Full in-person interview.,