Teaching Internship

(with Reduced Rent Living Space)

Small alternative private K-8 school is looking for a very special intern. We offer this person a truly unique opportunity to teach and learn in our unique model of democratic learning. We also offer this person a place to live while interning at the school: our petite apartment adjacent to our campus and classrooms. Rent is $425/month (utilities included). 12 hours/week in teaching time at the school is required, for the duration of the school year (beginning December 1, 2009 through June, 2010*). Some attendance at school meetings also required. Use of art studio (potter's wheels, kiln, welder) and music room a possibility, depending on your skills and references.

We are a close-knit community of children, teachers and parents with open minds and hearts looking for someone who wants to experience the other side education, where an individual's inclinations and passions are respected and supported, and where kids and adults share in a responsibility towards the quality of education and the community. We are situated in the East Bay, in the Richmond View neighborhood, directly across from the beautiful Wildcat Regional Park and focus much of our science learning on its diverse ecosystem.

Our school, Wildcat Community FreeSchool is a truly magical school of 20 students, ages 5-12, based on the Free Democratic Educational tradition of Summerhill School (founded in the early 20th century in England), and more modern models such as Pinel (c.1962-78, Martinez, CA) Children learn in small, mixed-aged groupings, at their own pace, in loosely structured, fluid activities with an emphasis on arts, history, environmental studies and most importantly, play. Experienced teachers collaborate and develop curriculum together, with kids' input and interests helping to shape the focus of learning. Kids are given support and tools to solve conflicts with each other by adults and student volunteers. Parents are encouraged to participate at all levels of the school.

As an Intern at Wildcat, your contribution would include the teaching of your specific experience, talent or passion, possibly including but not limited to one or more of the following: science, foreign language, music, physical education, drama, or dance. Position to start December 1st, 2009 and to terminate in summer of 2010, with the possibility of renewal. If interested, please send cover letter and resume to:

Wildcat Community FreeSchool
5801 McBryde Ave
Richmond, CA, 94805
sarafries@gmail.com