Elementary School Guide; Teacher

Pace Academy is hiring an Elementary Guide (ages 8–11) for an educator who believes—deeply—that children are capable of great things and that traditional education does not meet every learner’s needs.

If you see yourself less as “the person at the front of the room” and more as a game maker, coach, mentor, and steady believer in young people , this role may be a strong fit. Our Guides create the conditions for learners to build independence, confidence, and real skill—then step back and let them rise.

You do not need prior Acton experience.
We provide training, coaching, and ongoing support to help you learn our model and grow into the role.

• Build a safe, structured, encouraging learning environment where learners take meaningful ownership
• Coach learners in habits like focus, perseverance, kindness, responsibility, and follow-through
• Facilitate project-based learning experiences that connect to real skills and real work
• Lead Socratic-style discussions to develop thinking, communication, and character
• Help learners set goals, track progress, reflect, and celebrate growth
• Partner closely with teammates and the Academic Director to refine tools, routines, and projects
• Communicate clearly with families and support a strong school-community culture
• Take initiative in daily decision-making to support learners and the studio environment
• Support movement/outdoor time and occasional school events

• Experience working with elementary-aged children (classroom, Montessori, homeschool, nature-based, tutoring, camps, etc.)
• A coach’s mindset : calm presence, high standards, and consistent follow-through
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with families
• Comfort facilitating learning rather than relying on lectures, tests, and grades
• A Growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Willingness to give and receive feedback with humility and professionalism
• A Initiative and confidence to make thoughtful decisions in real time
• A genuine belief that every learner can achieve great things with the right environment

• Teaching certification or relevant degree
• Montessori/Reggio/project-based learning experience
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

Pace Academy is an independent, learner-driven school in the Richmond area and an affiliate of the Acton Academy network. Our model emphasizes learner ownership, discussion, real projects, and character development. We do not rely on traditional grades, tests, or lecture-based instruction.

• $40,000–$45,000 annual salary (commensurate with experience)
• Ten-month school year (August–May)
• Tuition discounts for eligible team members
• Supportive, small-school environment with room to grow

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter addressing the prompts below to  :

• Why this position is a good fit for you at this time
• What resonates with Pace Academy’s learning design?