Grades School Aikido Teacher
Grades School Aikido Teacher
Job Category: Lower School: Grades 1-5, Middle School: Grades 6-8, and Subject Teacher
Opening Statement
Bright Water Waldorf School is seeking an energetic, collaborative, and warm-hearted grade school aikido teacher who would like to join a vibrant Waldorf community. We are a group of dedicated faculty and staff committed to Waldorf principles, mindful land stewardship, and providing our students with opportunities for dynamic learning within an inclusive community.
Join us if you seek a community of dedicated teachers, supportive families, active Board members, and a collaborative governance structure.
About
Bright Water Waldorf School aims to…
deliver Waldorf education and nurture a community of belonging in a way that meets each child, family, and faculty member where they are. We foster self-determination, interdependence, and holistic growth in order to cultivate vibrant, caring, and informed individuals. Bright Water empowers graduates to address the challenges of an ever-changing world with creativity, compassion, and resilience, and to contribute as whole, self-aware members to the greater whole. Our home is within the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington in Seattle’s Chinatown/International District neighborhood.
Essential Job Duties
- Arrive on campus ½ hour before first scheduled class and set up the dojo for classes each day (includes opening windows, operating air filters, and establishing shomen)
- Teach 8 classes a week (45 mins per class) of aikido. Age groups include Grades 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8. Dojo and equipment cleaning at end of day
- Document program and provide reports on progress for student reports
- Meet student needs as they arise
- Work with individual students to support healthy social and emotional regulation
- Complete paperwork associated with incidents and injuries as necessary
- Uphold confidentiality for students and parents for the health of the child. May be asked to attend school events, and participate in school self-government as compensated hours (irregular/negotiable)
We seek an individual:
- Who is self-directed, collaborative, and a black belt shodon or higher rank, with experience teaching aikido to children
- Who enjoys building healthy relationships with parents, students, and colleagues
- Who has excellent aikido teaching, dojo/classroom management, and communication skills
- Who possesses a deep understanding of young students, including their development, learning styles, and needs
- Who is open to collaboration; mentorship and classroom assistance may be available to support a smooth transition into our school community
- Who strives to deepen their understanding of DEI work
- Who has knowledge of Waldorf education and Anthroposophy (a plus but not required)
Qualifications
Required Credentials:
- Shodon or higher rank in aikido: no particular affiliation is required
- Experience teaching children and teens. We would consider a team of teachers with appropriate experience splitting the job, but individual teachers would be asked to provide exclusive classes for each age group
- Ability and Willingness to undergo and pass a background check
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Commitment and energy in working with elementary aged students
- Commitment to an equitable, anti-racist, and gender-inclusive environment, evaluation of systemic privilege and oppression, and an openness to personal and institutional growth
Employment Details
Location: On campus at Bright Water Waldorf School, 1414 S Weller Street, Seattle, WA 98144.
The BUDOKAN dojo is on campus at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center. Mats are already set up and do not need to be moved each class.
Hours: This is a part-time position with some flexibility in scheduling. Classes will take place within the hours of 12-3pm Monday through Friday. Please contact us for details.
Compensation: $35+ per hour based on level of experience
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: Bright Water Waldorf School welcomes, values, and supports ethnic, religious, economic and cultural diversity. Our school seeks a diverse faculty and student body and is committed to having our community reflect the abundant and changing diversity of the United States. We welcome, value, and support single, dual, or multiple parent households and LGBTQ+ parents, faculty, and students. The successful candidate must be able to lift 25 pounds. We are an equal opportunity employer. Visit our website: https://www.brightwaterwaldorf.org/about-bright-water
To Apply
To Apply: Send a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references to hiring@brightwaterwaldorf.org.
For inquiries: hiring@brightwaterwaldorf.org