Lead Guide

2nd Grade Teacher

Guide for Ages 6–8 at Acton Academy Bee Cave | Austin Area, Texas

Full-Time | Exceptional Autonomy | Extraordinary Calendar

This Role Is Not for Most Educators

But it may be exactly right for one.

Acton Academy Bee Cave is seeking an exceptional Lead Guide to support students (learners) ages 6–8 (roughly 1st–3rd grade) in a calm, learner-driven studio environment.

This is a role for someone who genuinely loves this age group — the curiosity, energy, imagination, and rapid growth that happens between ages six and eight.

You do not need to be Montessori certified.

But you must deeply enjoy working with children in this stage of development and believe that young people are capable of far more independence and responsibility than most schools allow.

This role is for someone who wants to:

• Do meaningful work without micromanagement
• Be trusted as a professional
• Focus on children instead of bureaucracy
• Help build capable, independent human beings
• Work in a peaceful environment with a humane schedule
• Be part of a small, mission-driven team

If you thrive on strict scripts, constant oversight, or institutional structure, this role will likely feel uncomfortable.

If you’ve been waiting for a place where your judgment and leadership with children are respected, you may feel at home here.

What Makes This Role ExtraordinaryMassive Professional Autonomy

You will not be micromanaged.

You will not need approvals for routine decisions.

You will not spend your energy navigating layers of administration.

Instead, you will be trusted to:

• make good decisions
• guide children toward independence
• maintain a healthy studio culture

Your leadership inside the studio matters far more than compliance with systems.

A Schedule Designed for Human Beings

Many educators burn out because recovery is impossible.

Our calendar is intentionally different.

• Two full months off every summer (July & August)
• 1–2 weeks off between each session (7 sessions per year)
• Substantial rest built into the year
• Time for travel, family, creativity, or personal renewal

Many guides describe this structure as life-changing.

Freedom to Focus on Learners

You will not be buried in administrative work.

• Minimal paperwork
• Limited meetings
• No standardized testing pressure
• No performative documentation

Your attention belongs with the learners.

Optional Parent Interaction

Some exceptional guides prefer deep focus inside the studio.

Parent communication can be handled by leadership if desired.

Your primary responsibility is the learners and the studio culture.

A Calm, Beautiful Environment

Our campus is intentionally designed to support concentration and well-being.

• Peaceful Hill Country setting
• Natural light and thoughtful spaces
• Outdoor access and nature
• A calm and respectful culture

It feels fundamentally different from a typical school.

About the Explore Studio (Ages 6–8)

This multi-age studio supports children as they move from early childhood into greater independence.

At this age, learners are developing:

• responsibility for their choices
• the ability to focus deeply
• foundational academic skills
• social maturity and collaboration
• confidence and resilience

Our studio blends elements of:

Learner-Driven Education

• Goal setting and reflection
• Studio covenants and accountability
• Peer collaboration
• Real responsibility

Hands-On Learning

• Project-based work
• real-world challenges
• individualized pacing
• meaningful practice of core skills

Who Thrives in This Role

The strongest candidates often:

✔ Love working with 6–8 year olds specifically

✔ Believe children grow through freedom and responsibility

✔ Can hold clear boundaries with calm authority

✔ Enjoy creating structure without rigid control

✔ Are comfortable making decisions independently

✔ Value character formation as much as academics

✔ Want meaningful work without burnout

Many great guides come from backgrounds such as:

• elementary teaching
• youth leadership
• outdoor education
• homeschooling communities
• project-based learning environments
• camps or experiential education

The common thread is simple:

They respect children and enjoy guiding them toward independence.

What You Will DoGuide Daily Studio Work

• Support learners in planning and completing their work
• Protect focus and independence in the studio
• Help children develop strong habits and routines

Build a Responsible Community

• Maintain studio covenants and norms
• Facilitate conflict resolution between learners
• Encourage ownership of actions and choices

Support Whole-Child Development

• Academic growth
• Executive function
• Emotional regulation
• Social maturity
• Confidence and resilience

Qualifications

Required:

• Experience working with children ages 6–9
• Ability to build strong relationships with children
• Excellent judgment and communication skills
• Ability to work full-time on campus

Preferred but not required:

• Elementary teaching experience
• Montessori familiarity
• Experience in learner-driven or project-based environments

What matters most is your connection with children and alignment with the philosophy.

Compensation & Benefits

• $45,000 – $65,000 salary depending on experience
• Extraordinary time-off structure
• High-trust professional environment
• Supportive, mission-driven team
• Opportunity to help shape a truly different school model

About Acton Academy Bee Cave

Acton Academy Bee Cave serves families seeking an education centered on independence, responsibility, and real-world readiness.

Our mission is for every child to begin a Hero’s Journey — discovering their gifts and learning to use them to contribute meaningfully to the world.

We believe:

• Children are far more capable than most systems allow
• Freedom paired with responsibility produces growth
• Character matters as much as academics
• Learning how to learn matters more than memorizing facts
• Education should prepare children for life, not just tests

To Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• A short note explaining why working with ages 6–8 excites you
• Any relevant experience working with children

If you are looking for a position with strict scripts and predictable routines, there are many excellent schools that will be a better fit.

If you are looking for professional trust, meaningful work, and the chance to help children grow into capable human beings, we would love to hear from you.

Pay: $45,602.98 - $65,532.62 per year

Benefits:

• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $65,000