Elementary Socratic Guide

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Phoenix Modern is the future education for those seeking a learner-driven, innovative learning environment in Arizona. We are looking for guides who have experience working with elementary age children and enjoy designing real-world projects, guiding socratic discussions and fostering strong communities. Learners remain together all day and form a close-knit family-like unit, which our guides help nurture (think mentor camp counselor).

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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:

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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 learner-led exhibitions of learning
• Communicate with parents including a student progress review twice a year

1. 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

WHO WE ARE:

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 learners with significant opportunities to play an active role in their own learning and shape the community. On 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 elementary and middle school studios are prepared for 20-25 learners, representing 2 grade levels in each studio.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's in Education 
• Teaching Certification (Preferred)
• Teaching 2 years 
• Ability to commute to Phoenix 85012

BENEFITS:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

WORK LOCATION:

Phoenix Modern

200 E Mitchell Drive

Phoenix, AZ 85012

TO APPLY: 

All applicants MUST apply using the link found at www.phoenixmodern.org/team. The first step in the application includes answering a few reflective questions and uploading your resume. Those who only apply here may not move to the second step. We look forward to learning about you! The proposed start date is July 2026 with some additional training opportunities available earlier. Before applying, please be sure to explore our website, including descriptions of our program and blog post. https://form.jotform.com/83544744364160