Dr. Paul Astin to Depart Mariposa School of Global Education

After just one year as principal and three years of teaching at Mariposa School of Global Education, Dr. Paul Astin is departing for a chance to open a brand new school.

Once a Patch "Teacher of the Month," Astin says he is leaving with a heavy heart.

"I am leaving our remarkable school to take on a project in my home community of Topanga," he wrote in an email to parents. "I will be opening a middle and high school (grades 6-12), and founding an institute dedicated to educational reform and cultural renewal."

Astin said that the offer came "somewhat suddenly" but it was a "unique opportunity" he had to accept.

"This effort aligns deeply with a vision I have long held about the educational needs of early adolescents, and about the importance of creating a larger public forum for the exploration of these theories," he wrote. "I feel very called to this work."

Astin will remain with the school through the end of the year.

Mariposa is a Las Virgenes Unified Public school that emphasizes hands-on, project-based and experiential learning through arts, movement, music, world and environmental studies, and outdoor education for grades K-8. Kids from all over Los Angeles must receive permits to attend.

The school district is currently seeking a replacement for Astin, according to Rose Dunn, assistant superintendent of personnel.

"It's a unique kind of position that requires knowledge of the Waldorf-inspired teaching methodology," she said.

The deadline for application closes May 24th, Dunn said.