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Educational Philosophy

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Mission & Vision

Mission

To ignite a passion for learning that inspires participants to collaborate effectively for a healthy and sustainable future.

Vision

Our vision is to cultivate diverse communities of healthy, creative, and engaged learners and leaders, working toward a socially just and ecologically balanced world.

Our Values

We value experiential learning, healthy individuals and communities, and environmental awareness. Since our founding, we have incorporated environmental education, field study, and ecological literacy into our core academics and summer programs. This helps students build an ethic of environmental stewardship and volunteerism into their life as a direct result of first-hand experiences where nature is the classroom. Community responsibility is also central to our mission, and students engage in service learning work with a variety of environmental, social justice, and other organizations.

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Holistic Learning Outcomes (HLOs):

At Explorations Academy, we have high standards for our students, not just for their academics, but for their development as creative, informed, and self-directed human beings. The following are the guiding objectives and values around which we center all of our programs and curriculum. By practicing and embodying these values our students are able to make meaningful contributions to the world now and in the future.

PERSONAL

Character Strength

  1. Become confident and self-reliant in the pursuit of self-understanding
  2.  🌳Be willing to engage with new experiences and ideas and continually explore one's orientation in the world
  3. 🌳Be intentional in bringing about personal change in physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual realms
  4. 🌳Demonstrate integrity through words and actions
  5. 🌳Cultivate resilience: be willing to learn from failure

Executive Functioning Skills

  1. 🌳Plan, execute and evaluate assigned and self-designed activities
  2. 🌳Develop strategies to access, assess and apply new information 
  3. Construct systems to organize responsibilities and follow through with commitments
  4. Express ideas, arguments, and beliefs articulately in written and spoken form
  5. Use quantitative skills and numeracy to make sense of the world through measurement, evaluation, reasoning, models, and applications 

Creative Aptitudes

  1. Practice process-oriented creativity: embrace risk-taking, iterative design principles, and out-of-the-box thinking
  2. 🌳Appreciate aesthetic expression and the role of art in creating and influencing culture
  3. Use a variety of tools, technology, and media to create art/ objects that are meaningful, beautiful, functional, useful, innovative, or inspiring
  4. 🌳Develop passion and motivation through work that holds personal meaning 
  5. Cultivate a variety of approaches to problem-solving

SOCIAL

Interpersonal Skills

  1. Develop interpersonal skills in the areas of collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution
  2. Practice and develop skills to succeed both as a leader and team member 
  3. Practice compassion, empathy, and forgiveness in relationships with others  
  4. Effectively and clearly advocate for one’s needs

Community Responsibility

  1. Contribute to decisions that are collaborative and vision-oriented, and take responsibility for individual choices and actions
  2. 🌳 Demonstrate knowledge of social systems and the roles individuals play in maintaining and/or changing them
  3. 🌳Contribute to the health and sustainability of our Commons and communities

Technological Systems

  1. Develop proficiency in ancient, traditional, and emerging technologies
  2. Think critically about the interdependence of technology and culture
  3. Develop media literacy to understand and evaluate bias, perspective, reliability, and relevance of information and media messages

GLOBAL

Multiculturalism

  1. 🌳 Demonstrate knowledge of and appreciation for the diversity and commonalities of the human experience
  2. Develop competency in communicating in a language other than English 
  3. 🌳 Seek to examine and understand the influence of one’s inherited cultural paradigms

Geopolitical Systems

  1. Develop an awareness of systems of privilege, power, race, and gender both in how these systems are maintained and changed and their effects on individuals and society 
  2. Analyze historical and contemporary world issues from multiple cultural, political, economic, and sociological perspectives 
  3. 🌳Participate consciously in political and economic systems and be able to articulate the consequences of personal political actions 

Ecological Sustainability

  1. 🌳Demonstrate knowledge of the laws and principles that govern natural systems, the interdependence of all living things, and the importance of maintaining ecological balance
  2. 🌳Read and communicate indicators of the health of ecological systems and their sustainability over time, both locally and globally  
  3. 🌳Articulate the role that different societal structures play in either supporting or undermining ecological and cultural sustainability, and propose strategies for positive change

Educational Philosophy

Philosophy of Education
Technological advancements have made information readily available, while increased human mobility, economic disparity, and environmental degradation challenge our sense of community and connection to nature. In a rapidly changing, complex, and increasingly interdependent world, our social, political, economic, and environmental contexts demand an education that prepares students not only to adapt but to thrive. Explorations Academy provides an education that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply meaningful. Our goal is to help young people navigate the profound journey of becoming adults—adults who are capable of thoughtful, ethical, and informed actions that contribute to a just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

Three key needs emerge from these global trends. First, individuals must gain clarity about their basic necessities and learn how to meet them within the healthy limits of nature. Second, there is a powerful need to creatively engage with diverse human perspectives to rebuild and strengthen our communities. Third, our survival hinges on a deep alignment with the limits of nature and a profound respect for the natural world.

At Explorations Academy, we recognize that adolescents, confronted with unprecedented sustainability challenges, must be empowered to gain the knowledge, skills, and understandings necessary to collaboratively create a healthy and sustainable future. Our educational approach is designed to develop the mental, physical, and emotional capacities of young people through meaningful, real-world learning experiences that foster positive social and environmental impacts.

Constructivism and Experiential Learning

Echoing the philosophies of Dewey, Montessori, and Piaget, we believe that students construct knowledge through active engagement with their environment. Our approach emphasizes experiential learning, where students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and discover through hands-o

Holistic Development and Multiple Intelligences

Reflecting the perspectives of Steiner and Gardner, we are committed to the holistic development of each student. Our curriculum nurtures the head, heart, and hands, integrating academic learning with artistic expression, practical skills, and personal development. We recognize and celebrate the unique blend of intelligences each student possesses, providing personalized opportunities for growth in various domains, from linguistic and logical-mathematical to spatial and interpersonal.

Global Citizenship and Environmental Stewardship

As Neill and Mann might advocate, we emphasize the importance of personal responsibility, global citizenship, and environmental stewardship. Our curriculum is relevant to the contemporary world, with themes that reflect pressing global issues. We link experiential learning with multidisciplinary study to help students develop informed viewpoints, strong citizenship skills, and a deep sense of stewardship for the planet.

Social and Ethical Responsibility

Inspired by the ideas of Freire and Vygotsky, we see education as a tool for social change and personal empowerment. Our small learning community fosters collaboration across diverse perspectives, encouraging students to engage in meaningful dialogues and develop critical thinking and ethical reasoning. By working cooperatively with others of different backgrounds, students learn to respect diverse viewpoints and contribute thoughtfully to their communities.

Empirical and Interdisciplinary Learning

Following the empiricism of Locke, our educational approach is rooted in real-world experiences and observation. We challenge students to grapple with real-world problems through interdisciplinary study, where arbitrary distinctions between subjects are dissolved in favor of a more integrated and thorough understanding. By exploring contemporary issues within their historical and future contexts, students develop higher-level thinking skills and an increased "response-ability" to our changing world.

Commitment to Academic Excellence and Lifelong Learning

We prepare Explorations students to be college-bound or prepare a post-high school transition of their choice, and we are dedicated to supporting their progress toward future academic, career, and personal goals. We hold students to high academic standards while providing personalized advising, college preparation, and opportunities to explore their post-secondary options. However, our commitment extends beyond academic success; we aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are capable of conscious, responsible action in a rapidly changing world.

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Call us any time:

(360) 671-8085

Email us 24/7 hours:

info@explorationsacademy.org

Our university location:

1701 Ellis St. Suite #215

An Explorations Academy education is grounded in delivering a meaningful, relevant curriculum.

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Position Description: Advancement Director (A.D.)

The Advancement Director is a key staff member in our small, nonprofit, educational organization.  This person is responsible for taking the lead role in fund development and donor relations, while also supporting the outreach work of our organization.  The Advancement Director (A.D.) interacts with other staff as well as volunteers, students, and parents, collaborating with and at times leading them to generate necessary philanthropic revenue.  The A.D. will influence our organization through innovation, professional expertise, commitment, personal integrity, and a sense of humor.  This 3/4 time position is an ideal platform for an energetic and experienced individual to deliver results and to earn the satisfaction of being a valued team member in a hands-on human service environment.

The successful candidate will be highly organized, efficient, skilled at handling multiple projects, and possess excellent interpersonal and administrative skills. The A.D. will manage major donor relations, grant writing, fundraising events, partnerships with businesses, and annual giving efforts.  In each of these areas the A.D. will be supported by other staff and in many cases by volunteers.  In addition, the A.D. will assist with promotional activities such as newsletters, public events, and outreach communications.  The A.D. will also play an important role in supporting and contributing to our administrative team, working closely with the Administrative Manager and Executive Director.  Further, this position involves being part of our overall staff team including faculty and program leaders.  Flexibility, integrity, time management, and openness are crucial to successful performance in this highly dynamic and social setting.

About EA: 

Our school was founded on three pillars of thought that a REAL education (Relevant, Engaged, Applied Learning) is personal, social, and global. Our mission is to ignite a passion for learning that inspires participants to collaborate effectively and take responsibility for positive global change. We value experiential learning, healthy individuals and communities, and environmental awareness. Since our founding, we have incorporated environmental education, field study, and ecological literacy into our core academics and summer programs. This helps students build an ethic of environmental stewardship and volunteerism into their life as a direct result of first-hand experiences where nature is the classroom. Community responsibility is also central to our mission, and students engage in service learning work with a variety of environmental, social justice, and other organizations.

 

Responsibilities

Fund Development:  Take the lead role in developing philanthropic funding.  This will include major donor cultivation and grant writing, maintaining and improving our Salesforce donor database, assisting in event coordination, and building partnerships with local businesses.  Further, collaborating with the Executive Director, working with Board of Directors members as leading volunteers, preparing and delivering donor materials, coordinating annual giving, and donor acknowledgement and tracking are key components of this position.  Ultimately the A.D. is our primary staff member responsible for leading fund development efforts and achieving fund development results.

Public Contact/Outreach: Help to increase the visibility of the organization through outreach activities, publications, and events; be present at community events, at times act as a spokesperson representing the organization.  Assist in public contact and recruitment, at times answering phones and greeting visitors. 

Communication: Website, & Newsletter: Provide leadership in writing, editing, producing and distributing publications.  Assist with building our social media presence and with updating and expanding our website.

Staff Support:  Provide assistance to other staff members as time allows. Tasks may include data entry, phone calls, running of errands, printing, and mailing. 

Qualifications/Criteria

  • Outstanding personal integrity, commitment, and emotional maturity
  • Strong and demonstrated interpersonal, presentation, leadership, grant writing, and team development skills
  • Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented and professional
  • Personal passion and enthusiasm for the mission of our organization
  • Highly articulate with excellent writing skills, including successful grant writing experience
  • Training and experience in a variety of fund development strategies essential; college degree required
  • Computer skills in the Mac and PC platforms, and solid grasp of Microsoft Office applications
  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Salesforce, and website development strategies a big plus
  • Experience in non-profit organizations and valid Washington State Driver’s License required

 

Reports to

The A.D. reports to the Head of School.

Contact
Before applying for this job please review our website, curriculum, mission, and program descriptions. This position requires incredible amounts of passion, dedication, flexibility, a high tolerance for adaptation, and a special measure of brilliance. Please provide an electronic resume and cover letter to jennifer@explorationsacademy.org.  Applications received by May 20th, 2024 will receive priority. We maintain a nondiscrimination policy and are an equal opportunity employer. 

 

Salary/Benefits

This is a .75 FTE salaried position (based on 30 hours/week), which may grow to 1.0 FTE.  The salary range is $45,000- $60,000 per year depending upon experience. Work hours are somewhat flexible, and will include Fridays, and some evenings and weekends.

Expectations:
Employment under this contract is subject to all current policies, rules, and regulations and those that may hereafter be adopted or amended by the Board of Directors of GGI. Explorations Academy seeks individuals of all ethnic, socio-economic, geographic, and religious backgrounds to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization and recruiting a team to reflect the diversity. Explorers Academy does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access as required by law. 

Application Procedure:

Please submit an application by email by May 20th, 2024 to admin@explorationsacademy.org

The application should include: 

  • Cover Letter: Please address the qualifications specified. 
  • Resume 
  • Contact information for three (3) professional references.