Join the Villa Bella Crew

Growing together since 2019.

Education is a special place to be. It’s essential. Foundational. World-changing. Beautiful.

But that can all feel far away when you’re worn-out, burned-out, and left-out. Just like students, educators need empowering support, strong foundations, and the space to think, do, and be bigger.

That’s why at Villa Bella Expeditionary, we do things differently.

Based on the proven, ground-breaking EL Education curriculum, we challenge students to not just learn and do more, but to BE more. Our tight-knit crew of teachers, staff, and leadership strive together to make a difference in our community and to spend each day falling in love with teaching again.

(We’ll let you in on a secret. It’s working.)

Looking to further your career in education?

Open Positions

Certified Teachers

Click the buttons below see full position descriptions and to apply with District 70

Are you ready to reach students on a completely different level, surrounded by enthusiastic parents, a cheerleader administration, and a supportive team of fellow teachers? Now is your moment.

You know there’s a better way.

And you’re right. At Villa Bella Expeditionary School, we know there’s a better way to help kids learn, grow, and become forces for good in the world.

It’s called Expeditionary Learning (EL). Using project-based instruction (expeditions) and fully integrated socio-emotional learning, teachers here empower their students to dig deeper, make discoveries, think critically, and follow their own personal genius.

The results are mind-blowing. Not only do our students achieve higher, they’re motivated, engaged, and enthusiastic about learning.

So are their parents.

So are their teachers.

At VBE we know that for students to feel safe and trusted in their learning environment, their teachers need to feel that way too.

That’s why we don’t see teachers as workhorses that we can pile duties on, micromanage, and ignore. Teachers are incredible! We strive to give them the respect, autonomy, and support that they deserve.

You have so much to give to your students and the world. You have superhuman powers of strength, compassion, endurance, creativity, problem-solving, and yes…teaching.

If you’re ready to reach students on a completely different level, surrounded by enthusiastic parents, a cheerleader administration, and a supportive team of fellow teachers, now is your moment.

We can’t wait to meet you, witness your superpowers, and give you the opportunity to change the world.

Middle School Office Manager & Health Tech

Click the button below see full position descriptions and to apply with District 70

Are you’re ready to build something new and exciting from the ground up, surrounded by a supportive community? We need you!

Organizers of the world, unite!

Here at Villa Bella Expeditionary School, we have a big job. We’re growing and building a different kind of school. One that empowers students, encourages achievement, and values the contribution of parents, teachers, and staff.

If that doesn’t sound big enough, we’re also expanding our reach from elementary into middle school. For the next three years we’ll be adding new grades, new students, and new teachers…and we need someone to keep it all running smoothly.

If you’re a sucker for lists and charts, love getting everything put in its place, a whiz with communication, and don’t mind a little blood now and again, we’ve got just the job for you.

As the office manager, you’ll be the glue that holds everything in our new middle school together, the connective tissue between parents, teachers, students, the administration, and more. From answering phones to organizing paperwork to greeting students and parents, you set everyone up for success.

And as the health tech, you get to help take care of not just the student’s minds, but their bodies as well. From managing medications and health files to caring for ill and injured students, you’ll help VBE’s students feel safe, cared for, and loved.

If you’re ready to build something new and exciting from the ground up, surrounded by a supportive community, we need you!

Let’s work together to turn a vision for our children’s education into reality.

Support Staff, Paraprofessional

Click the button below see full position descriptions and to apply with District 70

Are you passionate about empowering kids, have cat-like reflexes, a ninja’s ability to blend in anywhere, a soft heart and kind eyes, oodles of patience, are a whiz with scissors and a stapler, always have one eye on the clock, and have a healthy sense of humor? We need you!

Looking for a way to make a difference?

At Villa Bella Expeditionary School, we’re approaching education in a whole new way, helping students not just know more, but BE more. Our project-based learning curriculum encourages kids to dig deeper, make discoveries, think critically and follow their own personal genius.

But they can’t do it alone.

We’re looking for an individual with a bag of tricks–someone who can be an extra set of hands, eyes, and legs for teachers, who can work one-on-one or in small groups with students, who can pitch in with anything, anywhere.

Basically, we need a walking, talking, smiling Swiss Army Knife.

If you’re passionate about empowering kids, if you have cat-like reflexes, a ninja’s ability to blend in anywhere, a soft heart and kind eyes, oodles of patience, are a whiz with scissors and a stapler, always have one eye on the clock, and have a healthy sense of humor, we need you!

Sound like a lot? Don’t be so modest.

We can’t wait to meet you and work together to build a powerful community of learners, teachers, and helpers.

What Sets Us Apart

Our Mission

We trust and empower teachers to help students become life-long learners by inspiring investigation, enabling achievement, and offering challenging, adventurous opportunities for growth—both academically and emotionally.

Our Culture

We’re in this together! No teacher is an island. Instead, we are a crew, working together to pilot the course, steer the ship, and keep our community strong, engaged, and safe.

Our Values

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Collaboration

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Continuing education

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Open-mindedness

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Trust

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Growth

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Support

FAQ

What is Expeditionary Learning or EL Education?

Not to be confused with nature schools, EL schools emphasize engaged teaching and learning, project-based curriculum, and a demanding and supportive school culture. Literacy is central and reading and writing are integrated throughout the curriculum. Character development and teamwork are not just emphasized, but embedded in school structures, practices and rituals and integrated into the academic program.

Learn more about EL Education here.

What does the average school day look like at VBE?
While the subjects you teach are the same, the difference is in the method of instruction. Students tend to be more active in the learning process in Expeditionary Learning classrooms. You’ll spend your days helping students immerse themselves in topical Expeditions and encouraging engaged learning by exploring, discovering, and asking questions.
Do I need to be certified in or have experience with EL Learning to apply?
No. We know that EL Learning is probably a new approach for most people. That’s why we offer a 2-week training program for all new teachers before the school year begins. We’ll also support your learning with trainings throughout the year, help from the administration, and from your fellow teachers. We’ve found that though the approach is new, it feels natural–this is how education should be.
What are your class sizes and student/teacher ratios?
We allow up to 50 students per grade level. With two teachers per grade, our student to teacher ratio is no more than 25:1. Through our partnership with CSUP, field experience students and student teachers are in the classroom daily. Along with parent volunteers, there is always plenty of support in the classroom.
Are parents involved at VBE?
Absolutely. VBE believes that family support and involvement is vital to the success of our school. We ask that each family completes 10 hours of volunteer activities each year, but many parents go above and beyond, both helping at the school and at home.
What extra duties will I be assigned at VBE?
Unlike many other schools, we acknowledge that your most important duty is teaching. We provide extra administrative support so you don’t have to do many of the extra non-teaching duties like lunches, pickup, recess, etc.
What grades are offered at VBE?
In our fourth year of operation for the 2022-2023 school year, VBE will serve students in kindergarten through 6th grade. We will add 7th grade in 2023-2024 and will be fully enrolled as a K-8 school with the addition of 8th grade in 2024-2025.