4th/5th Gradeteacher

Phoenix Modern is the most learner-driven, innovative learning environment in Arizona. We are seeking someone with experience working with elementary age children and who enjoys designing real world projects, guiding socratic discussions, and fostering strong community. Learners remain together all day and form a close-knit family-like unit, which the Guide helps nurture (think teacher + camp counselor).

We are seeking a socratic learning guide (world-class teacher) for our multi-age studios who demonstrates the following characteristics:

- Care for the well-being and growth of children
- Genuine trust in children and an interest in finding their strengths
- Playful and curious spirit with a passion for learner-centered curriculum design
- Entrepreneurial with a strong desire to play a major role in building a new school model in Phoenix
- Strong work ethic and consistent follow through
- Continually self reflective with the intent to improve
- Committed to creating and embracing different types of diversity
- Strategic, with the ability to approach situations with optimism and perseverance

**Who are we?**

Phoenix Modern is reimagining the design and approach of school for learners age 5- 14. We value wonder, love, joy, and growth for children. Our purpose is to support a diverse community of learners in developing the skills, mindset, and character that best prepare them for positive, healthy and productive engagement in the world.

Our instructional approach at Phoenix Modern provides children with significant opportunities to play an active role in their own learning and shape the community. In a typical day, learners engage in self-paced core skill development using a variety of tools and resources, participate in guided discussions, and immerse themselves in multi-week projects and workshops. Our mixed-age middle school studios are prepared for about 25 learners, representing 2-3 levels in each studio.

**What is a Learning Guide?**

At Phoenix Modern, the role of the Guide (teacher) isn't like a typical classroom. They act as game makers, facilitators, coaches, and mentors. They inspire, ask probing questions, present challenges, help students reflect, and hold them accountable for upholding the community’s standards of excellence. Guides are responsible for supporting a studio of learners as they build a foundation and love for learning. On a day to day basis, guides have the following roles and responsibilities:
**Build a loving community**
- Speak with children in a friendly, positive, courteous manner; listen to children with attention and respect.
- Foster a safe, and inclusive community and culture of care among learners by developing rituals and routines
- Engage learners in restorative conversations
- Co-develop authentic systems for accountability aligned to our learning approach

**Create rich learning experiences**
- Inspire learner curiosity by asking thought provoking questions, engaging in playful inquiry alongside learners, and creating learning provocations
- Plan and facilitate a variety of learning experiences, ranging from small group instruction, to workshops, to 1:1 conferencing
- Curate or create engaging quest-based projects
- Provide challenges, frameworks, processes, tools and world class examples to support excellence in learning
- Elevate learners’ voices, critical thinking, and perspective-taking by facilitating Socratic discussions
- Promote problem solving through open-ended questions and suggestions

**Monitor and document individual learning**
- Monitor and support academic progress for core skills; hold students accountable
- Document various data-points to illustrate each learner’s holistic growth
- Support student-led exhibitions of learning
- Communicate with parents including a student progress review twice a year

**Contributing to the Phoenix Modern Community**
- Contribute collaboratively to the betterment of our community
- Identify ways to serve others and add value to our team
- Be present and on time for team and community gatherings

The salary for this position is competitive with similar roles and depends on experience. Compensation also includes additional benefits and ample time off.

The proposed start date is July with some additional training opportunities available earlier. Before applying, please be sure to explore our website, including descriptions of our program and blog post.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- English
- Math
- Reading
- Science
- Social Studies

School type:

- Charter school

Application Question(s):

- Do you have an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card?
- Do you live in or near the Phoenix area?

**Experience**:

- Teaching: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person