We do accept resumes on a rolling basis and will keep them on file for one year in case a job opening arises.

Full-Time Teacher Position Description: The Free School in Albany, NY, the longest running inner-city democratic free school in the country, is seeking a full-time teacher. We are looking for someone to work primarily with children under the age of six in our Pre-School and Kindergarten program; however, teachers are expected to be flexible and able to work with children of all ages. Hours include 8am-3pm Monday-Friday following school calendar and weekly staff meetings, monthly staff support meetings, and teacher conferences. Position includes supervision and guidance of children, preparation of activities and especially attending to the emotional growth and well being of the kids. Staff shares daily tasks including maintenance, clean up, opening/closing the building, serving meals, administrative tasks, and organizational tasks.

Qualifications: Previous experience teaching or working with children preferred. Must be self-directed, work cooperatively with all members of the staff and communicate effectively with parents. Strong communication and organizational skills are a must. Previous work (professional) references requested. Apply to this position by sending résumé via e-mail to: teach@albanyfreeschool.com or mail to the following address: The Free School, 8 Elm St., Albany, NY 12202. Deadline for submission is Friday, May 28, 2009.

The Free School is a cooperative and each teacher receives a stipend of $260/week. Includes paid vacations based on school holiday/vacation schedule during the school year.

Founded in 1969, The Free School in Albany, New York is the longest running inner-city independent alternative school in the United States. We offer a unique alternative to traditional models of education by giving children complete freedom over their learning. Students at the school, many whom have slipped through the cracks of today’s increasingly regimented school system, flourish in a nurturing environment that allows them the freedom to chart their own course of learning while fostering their emotional growth.

Founded in 1969 by Mary Leue, the Albany Free School is the oldest inner-city independent alternative school in the United States. It all began when Mary’s ten-year-old son became so miserable in one of Albany’s better public schools that he asked his mother if she would teach him at home instead. Soon three of Mark’s also-suffering friends joined in and with that a little school was born.

 

Yes Magazine
Kids Take Charge of School (Sept. 2009)

Metroland
Free The Children (October 2008)

USA Today
Paying attention, not drugs, touted for ADHD (June 2004)

The New York Times 
In Search Of Back Pay For Heroine Of Civil War (November 2003)

Albany's Times Union
Students Inspire Senator (May 2002)
Students Feel Slaves' Fearful Flight (May 2002)

Metroland
Free to Be (May 2001)

Mothering
Here's A REAL Drug Free School (July-Aug 2000)

Chris Mercogliano (a long time co-director of The Free School) has published many books about the free school and alternative education in general. Find out more at chrismercogliano.com

Free to Learn is a 70 minute documentary that offers a "fly on the wall" perspective of the daily happenings at The Free School. Find out more at www.freeschoolmovie.com

For over thirty years in perhaps the most radical experiment in American education, this small inner-city alternative school has offered its students complete freedom over their learning. There are no mandatory classes, no grades, tests, or homework, and rules are generally avoided. As a last resort, rules are created democratically by students and teachers, often at the prompting of a student.