Tallgrass Sudbury School, located in Riverside, IL, near the Brookfield Zoo, is a democratic K-12 school community where students pursue their interests at their own pace and in their own way. Tallgrass is seeking a full-time staff member.
Unlike at most schools, staff members at Sudbury schools are not expected to teach or to direct students’ activities. This position will involve supporting the overall work of the school as well as some administrative tasks. This is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic community dedicated to living out its democratic principles, and to learn about self-directed education in action.
The hiring process includes an interview with the student-run Staffing Committee, an interview with our School Meeting (all students and staff), and a vote by School Meeting members on the preferred candidate.
In a typical week as a staff member at Tallgrass, you might:
Help students with day-to-day needs like learning to use things around the school, conflict resolution, and problem solving
Serve as a jury member on the Restoration Committee
Take students outside to the yard, nearby parks, or other off-campus locations
Work with committees that include staff and students to make decisions collaboratively
Work with other staff and students to troubleshoot issues around the school and keep the physical plant and administrative systems running well
Talk to parents about questions and issues
Assist with marketing and enrollment functions
Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to interact with students as equals, while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Understanding of the Sudbury model. If you’re not familiar with the Sudbury model, please spend some time looking at our website before applying to make sure it aligns with your interests and values: https://www.tallgrasssudbury.org/.
No degree or teaching certification is required. Tallgrass does not prioritize degrees in employment decisions.
Be able to act as models of responsibility, resourcefulness, initiative, and good conflict resolution, and be willing to listen to and accept feedback.
Strong communication skills; the ideal candidate does not shy away from productive confrontation and is open and honest in communication.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and family data.
Ability to pass required background checks before beginning employment.
Tallgrass is particularly interested in diverse candidates
You will join a team of staff serving about 30 students, ages 5 to 18. Tallgrass hopes to grow our small community significantly in the near future, and the ideal candidate will be willing and able to act as one of the leaders in this effort. Work hours are 8:30 to 4:30. Occasional time outside of school hours is expected for meetings and events. The annual salary for this position will be between 36-40K, dependent on experience. We follow a typical school year schedule, and staff also do some work over the summer.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to info@tallgrasssudbury.org. If you have additional questions, contact us either by email or by phone at 708.777.1037. The application period will close on March 31 at midnight.