Grade 1 Teacher
Opening Statement
The Austin Waldorf School is seeking a warm and enthusiastic first-grade teacher to join our
dedicated grade school section. We have an outstanding faculty who fosters a spirit of
collaboration and innovation and are deeply committed to Waldorf pedagogy and
anthroposophy. Our program includes eurythmy, music, handwork, arts, woodwork, as well as
Spanish and German. Class teachers joining our team are supported by their Grades Director
and mentor, a collaborative and experienced student support team, our school counselor, and
librarian.
About
AWS is an established school community with an enrollment of approximately 400 students. Our
picturesque 33-acre campus consists of four kindergartens, eight grade school classrooms, a
nine-classroom high school, including a state-of-the-art science lab, a library, handwork room,
performing arts center, gymnasium, eurythmy hall, art studio, school store, gardens, and
playgrounds. Community events, such as festivals, concerts, plays, athletics, and adult
education classes create an atmosphere of cultural enrichment. We are fully accredited by the
Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Independent Schools
Association of the Southwest (ISAS).
The Austin Waldorf School is a non-profit organization that welcomes applicants of any religion,
race, color, sexual orientation, gender preference, national or ethnic origin, and any other
category protected by federal, state, and local law.
Essential Job Duties
The Grades Teacher is responsible for guiding students through grades 1-8, fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, social responsibility, and emotional resilience using the Waldorf educational approach. The teacher will provide a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate curriculum that integrates academic subjects with artistic, practical, and movement-based learning, honoring the unique developmental stages of each child. By deepening their commitment to the Waldorf philosophy, the teacher will create a supportive, inclusive, and inspiring classroom environment, where each student can develop a lifelong love of learning and a strong sense of self.
The Grades Teacher’s responsibilities:
- Prepare and teach the Waldorf curriculum for grades 1-8, including academic and artistic subjects.
- Foster strong classroom management and a positive learning environment.
- Teach based on an anthroposophical understanding of human development and its relation to the subjects taught.
- Implement hands-on, experiential learning techniques for core subjects such as literacy, mathematics, arts, and sciences.
- Continuously assess student progress and adapt teaching strategies as necessary.
- Complete required student reports and assessments.
- Hold parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress, concerns, and development.
- Respond promptly to emails and concerns from parents, maintaining open and supportive communication.
- Supervise students during breaks and other non-classroom times, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Enforce school community handbook policies and rules to ensure a positive, respectful school environment.
- Share responsibility for ordering, organizing, and maintaining all pedagogical materials related to your subject areas.
- Actively participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and community events, contributing to the school’s mission and vision.
- Collaborate with colleagues to enhance curriculum and develop interdisciplinary projects.
- Cultivate effective professional relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Engage in ongoing professional development related to Waldorf education, including mentoring, independent study, and continuing education.
- Contribute to the broader school and community life, attending meetings, assemblies, and events.
- Share responsibility for keeping the Curriculum Guide current.
- Report health and safety issues related to classroom or equipment to the administrative team.
Qualifications
Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Completed Waldorf teacher training
• Excellent written and social communication skills.
• Excellent collaboration skills and a spirit for innovation.
Employment Details
Benefits and Compensation:
We offer competitive, bench-marked salaries and strong benefits, including health, dental, and
vision insurance, and retirement savings matching.