Part Time Spark Guide

Topsailchamber; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Acton Academy Topsail in Holly Ridge, NC, seeks a Montessori Guide to lead its Spark Studio, catering to ages 4–7. The guide will oversee a studio of up to 20 learners, creating a joyful, purposeful environment where children discover the thrill of learning for themselves.

Responsibilities include preparing the studio, employing Socratic questioning, launching quests, guiding self-governance, and documenting progress.

Qualifications

• Experience guiding young children in Montessori or similar settings.
• Experience implementing learner-driven education approaches.
• Passion for the Hero's Journey and lifelong learning.
• Strong written and oral communication with parents and staff.
• Ability to thrive in a startup environment and adapt quickly.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the studio environment with Montessori materials and play spaces to set learners up for success.
• Practice the Socratic method to guide learners toward answers independently.
• Launch project-based learning activities to spark curiosity and discovery.
• Guide learners in self-governance, goal-setting, and progress tracking.
• Help learners build portfolios of their work and document growth.
• Model lifelong learning and peaceful, respectful classroom culture.
• Manage administrative tasks such as coordinating guests, field trips, and updates for parents/blog.

Skills

Montessori guidance

Guiding young children

Hero's Journey mindset

Growth mindset

Communication skills

Self-regulation & conflict resolution

Google Education tools

Independent learner

Reading enthusiast

Education

Montessori certification/training preferred

Tools

Montessori materials

Curriculum planning tools

Job description

Acton Academy Topsail | Holly Ridge, NC | actontopsail.com

Acton Academy Topsail is seeking a Montessori Guide to lead its Spark Studio (ages 4–7). In collaboration with the guide team, the Guide will oversee a studio of up to 20 learners, creating a joyful, purposeful environment where young children discover the thrill of learning for themselves.

Responsibilities

It is the Guide's responsibility to:

• Prepare the studio environment, including Montessori materials and unstructured-play spaces, so expectations are clear and learners are set up for success.
• Practice the Socratic method at all times — guiding learners to find answers themselves rather than answering questions directly.
• Launch project-based learning activities ("quests") that spark curiosity and independent discovery.
• Guide learners in self-governance, goal-setting, and progress-tracking appropriate for early childhood.
• Guide children in creating meaningful portfolios of their work.
• Model what it means to be an independent lifelong learner on a Hero's Journey.
• Uphold Acton's core beliefs and promises to its students and families.
• Manage administrative tasks such as scheduling guest speakers, taking behind-the-scenes photos, and supervising field trips.
• Write weekly studio updates for parents and the school's blog.
• Communicate effectively and warmly with parents as needed.
• Foster a peaceful, orderly, and joyful Montessori environment suited to the developmental needs of 4–7 year-olds.

Preferred Experience and Skills

We're looking for someone with a deep curiosity about life, a lifelong love of learning, and an entrepreneurial spirit — someone who thrives in a startup environment.

• Has proven excellence in guiding young children (in or out of a school setting).
• Has hands-on experience implementing Montessori, ideally with early-childhood or lower-elementary age groups.
• Has a clear passion for the Hero's Journey and learner-driven education.
• Models a growth mindset and loves to experiment, evaluate, and improve upon everything they do.
• Has a deep respect for all children; empathy for the challenges young learners face; and a commitment to peaceful, compassionate limit-setting.
• Is a quick, independent learner who can take direction and run with it, requiring little direct supervision once goals are communicated.
• Has proven excellence in written and oral communication.
• Is gifted in assessing and positively influencing group dynamics among young children.
• Models effective self-regulation and conflict-resolution skills, and can gently guide learners in developing these skills themselves.
• Is proficient with Google Education tools and online research.
• Is an avid reader.
• Is receptive to feedback and open to coaching and mentorship.

Experience Level : Entry Level, Mid to Senior Level

Job Function : Development, Administrative, General