Grades Class Teacher

Opening Statement

The Grades Class Teacher at Sierra Waldorf School guides their class through daily, weekly, and block rhythms, thoughtfully planned in alignment with Waldorf pedagogy and the developmental needs of the children. This role invites continual professional and inner development, including deepening one’s understanding of Anthroposophy and child development, and seeking fresh inspiration and materials for teaching. Waldorf summer training will be required for teachers who do not have familiarity with Waldorf teaching and philosophy.

Faculty members participate fully in the life of the school, including:

Weekly faculty meetings

Grades mentoring groups

Committee service and shared governance

About Nestled in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Sierra Waldorf School offers a unique opportunity to teach in a close-knit learning community where relationships matter and education is rooted in meaning, creativity, and human development. Located in Jamestown, California, our school serves families who value a balanced childhood rich in academics, the arts, nature, and community. With small class sizes and a collaborative faculty culture, teachers have the opportunity to know their students deeply and to practice their craft with purpose and autonomy

Life in Jamestown offers a rare combination of natural beauty and quality of life. Yosemite National Park, mountain lakes, rivers, hiking trails, skiing, and outdoor recreation are all within easy reach, while the pace of life remains grounded and family-friendly. Many of our teachers are drawn not only to Waldorf education, but also to the opportunity to live and work in a community where connection, simplicity, and the natural world are part of daily life.

We welcome educators who are inspired by child-centered learning, eager to collaborate with colleagues, and excited to contribute to a vibrant school community dedicated to the healthy development of each child.

Essential Job Duties ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching and Curriculum

Prepare and deliver main lesson blocks and subject teaching grounded in Waldorf pedagogy and child development

Work from a block rotation schedule aligned with the school’s curriculum framework and Waldorf educational goals

Integrate academic, artistic, and practical elements across the curriculum

Weave the seasonal and festival life of the school into classroom instruction as developmentally appropriate

Student Development and Assessment

Observe and support students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical development

Maintain narrative records and observations of student growth and learning

Prepare timely written progress reports and end-of-year reports using faculty-approved formats

Participate in parent-teacher conferences as opportunities for shared understanding and support of the child

Classroom Care and Safety

Maintain a safe, orderly, and welcoming classroom environment that supports learning and play

Hold responsibility for the care, cleanliness, and readiness of indoor and outdoor classroom spaces

Report maintenance and repair needs in a timely manner to appropriate staff

Parent Partnership

Build respectful, collaborative relationships with parents in support of the child’s development

Lead parent meetings that foster community and deepen understanding of Waldorf pedagogy

Communicate clearly and consistently with parents, responding to communications within two business days during the school year

Organize and lead class field trips

Additional Responsibilities Collegial and Community Responsibilities

Attend and participate actively in weekly faculty meetings

Serve on committees and fulfill shared governance responsibilities in a timely and professional manner

Practice direct, respectful communication and engage in collegial processes of facilitation or mediation when challenges arise

Perform supervisory duties (e.g., recess, yard, or parking lot supervision) as assigned

Enrollment Support

Follow all enrollment policies and procedures as outlined by the school

Collaborate as appropriate with colleagues and the Enrollment Director to support thoughtful class composition and grade readiness

Festivals, Outreach, and Inreach

Participate in the festival life of the school

Support school outreach and community events as part of shared faculty responsibility

Mentoring and Professional Development

Participate in mentoring, evaluation, and self-reflection processes

Engage in ongoing professional development in support of pedagogical growth and renewal

Care Program

Participate and support the Care process whenever it becomes necessary

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Committee assignments are determined upon hiring and may vary from year to year. All full-time teachers are expected to share equitably in committee and governance work, with assignments made in collaboration with mentors and faculty.

Qualifications REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

All required training and certifications must be current and on file, including but not limited to Mandated Reporter training and CPR/First Aid, in accordance with school policy and state law

Desired Education And Experience The ideal candidate has completed or is actively pursuing Waldorf teacher education and demonstrates an understanding of Anthroposophy as it informs Waldorf pedagogy. The candidate values collaboration, self-development, and shared responsibility within a faculty-led school.

Bachelor’s degree highly desirable

Waldorf teaching certificate or training highly desirable

Waldorf grades teaching experience highly desirable

Employment Details

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Schedule: Primarily Monday–Friday with occasional weekend responsibilities throughout the school year.

Availability is required for two weeks before and after the school year

Compensation & Benefits Full annual salary range: $43,680–$68,850

Additional compensation for bachelor’s degree, completed Waldorf teacher training, and Waldorf teaching experience

Retirement plan

Student tuition remission

Professional development opportunities

To Apply

To apply, please submit an application, cover letter and resumé, and three references to [email protected]. Copy of unofficial transcripts will be required before job offers are made.