Lead Guide

We're opening a new Acton Academy on Signal Mountain, Tennessee — a learner-driven microschool where children are treated as capable, curious heroes on their own journey. We're looking for a Lead Guide to help us build it from the ground up. This is not a teaching job. Guides don't lecture or manage; they ask questions, set up challenges, and trust learners to figure things out. As Lead Guide, you'll help launch and shape our Elementary Studio, work closely with our founding team, and play a central role in building the school's culture and community from day one.

No specific degree or certification required. We care far more about mindset than credentials. The right candidate genuinely believes in the potential of every child, is a lifelong learner, and thinks like an owner. Experience working with children in any capacity, such as coaching, mentoring, camp, youth programs, or unconventional education, is valued.

Experience with Montessori, Acton Academy, or other learner-driven models is a plus but not required.

- Facilitate a self-directed Elementary Studio using the Acton Academy model

- Ask Socratic questions rather than providing answers or direct instruction

- Design and launch quests, challenges, and learning experiences

- Maintain the culture, systems, and guardrails of the studio community

- Build relationships with learners, parents, and the founding team

- Grow smaller over time as learners take on greater ownership of the studio

- Socratic questioning and active listening

- Comfort with ambiguity and self-directed environments

- Strong relationship-building with children and families

- Proactive problem-solving and systems thinking

- Ability to hold boundaries without controlling

- Growth mindset — models learning and resilience for learners