The VISTA position for 2012-2013 has been filled but check back next April when we begin searching for our 2013-2014 VISTA.
Do you want to help high school students realize their dreams? Do you want to create a radically different model for school that is centered around students as unique individuals?
At Big Picture South Burlington, we believe all students have an internal motivation to learn and have designed a school where students create an individualized curriculum around their passions. It’s the responsibility of adults to uncover their greatest passions and unlock that motivation. This can be tough and requires a special person to stick with it. Each student along with a supporting panel of adults creates a unique learning plan that includes internships, community projects, and individualized academics. There are no official classes, instead students learn through community discussion, socratic seminars and a whole lot of self- directed learning. Our advisors manage a group of students who have created their own path of learning and everyone (students and advisors alike) enjoys the safety of working in an inspiring learning community. The feel of the school is captured by one student who said:
“Big Picture saved my passion for learning. Before coming here I had no drive for coming to school and sitting in a classroom every day. I didn’t think much of what I was being taught. But now I love learning in everything I do.”
Big Picture is not for everyone. It is not for someone who believes students should be passive recipients of knowledge. Big Picture students are curious, they are critical thinkers, they seek to discover, solve problems and make connections, they are not the skill and drill set of most educational settings. At Big Picture South Burlington, students are strongly encouraged to take charge of their academic future as well as be responsible for their choices. If you believe every student can learn and are willing to dedicate yourself to helping our students realize their dreams then this may be the right VISTA position for you!
For more information about the school go to: bigpicturesb.net
We are taking applications until May 18th, and will start interviews the following week. Though we will wait for the right person if necessary.
To apply, send cover letter, resume and 3 references to info@bigpicturesb.net and apply at the Americorps Vista website:
https://my.americorps.gov/mp/
Benefits of Americorps Service:
VISTAs serve for a variety of reasons, from wanting to make the world a better place to discovering a life-changing adventure. For one year, you will be doing everything you can to create and expand programs that ultimately bring individuals and communities out of poverty.
As a VISTA, you’ll gain:
- Memorable experiences
- Highly developed skills
- New friends
- A sense of belonging to a community
- Feeling of waking up every morning to help the world
- A new challenge
Recent graduates gain the kind of real-world experience they can’t find in a typical entry-level job. Experienced adults apply their skills and knowledge to serious social problems and discover previously untapped strengths.
In return for a year of full-time service, you’ll also receive other benefits as well:
- A Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or post-service stipend
- Modest living allowance
- Healthcare benefits while in service
- Childcare assistance while in service
- Student loan forbearance or deferment while in service
- One year of noncompetitive status for a federal government job
- Access to the network of VISTA & VISTA alumni (170,000 strong)