Pedagogical Coordinator
Opening Statement
Mountain Laurel Waldorf School is seeking a Pedagogical Coordinator who, working from a model of servant leadership, supervises and supports all faculty to ensure their success in delivering high-quality Waldorf pedagogy to students, families, and the broader community. This role serves to uphold and strengthen both the pedagogical and administrative practices of Mountain Laurel Waldorf School, working in collaboration with the Head Administrator and the College.
As the heart of Mountain Laurel School’s educational philosophy, the Pedagogical Coordinator plays a pivotal role in guiding our faculty, fostering professional development, and ensuring the continued evolution of our curriculum in alignment with Waldorf principles and New York State Substantial Equivalency. In this role, the Pedagogical Coordinator works closely with a dedicated and nurturing team of educators to create a dynamic learning environment that honors the unique potential of each child. The Pedagogical Coordinator plays an important role in supporting an inclusive and community-oriented environment at the school.
The Pedagogical Coordinator works within a collaborative governance structure that Includes the College, the Board of Trustees, and the Administration. The Pedagogical Coordinator and the Head Administrator work in partnership to guide the important daily and long term operations of the school.
About
Founded in 1983, Mountain Laurel Waldorf School occupies a charming Victorian mansion (circa 1876) with a separate Practical Arts building housing Sculpture and Fiber Arts studios. Students enjoy three age-appropriate playgrounds and have access to a large community playground.
Serving 132 students from Parent-Child through 8th grade, we offer a supportive, collegial environment with a strong commitment to core Waldorf principles. Our dedicated faculty provides a balanced, comprehensive curriculum, preparing students to meet future challenges with clarity of thought, a love of learning, a caring heart, and the confidence to initiate change.
Located in the beautiful Mid-Hudson Valley, Mountain Laurel Waldorf School is within walking distance of New Paltz’s vibrant village center, Historic Huguenot Street, and the SUNY campus. New Paltz is rich in history and close to pristine nature preserves offering miles of hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails, including the Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park, and the Empire State Rail Trail. Two major centers of Anthroposophical endeavor and teacher training, Sunbridge Institute and the Alkion Center at Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School are close by.
Essential Job Duties
The Pedagogical Coordinator is responsible for:
Ensuring decisions are made with a full understanding of the financial health and strategic goals of the School and with the intent to preserve the integrity of the School’s mission.
Supporting/developing the faculty to ensure they can provide a high quality Waldorf Education to the students.
Leading and supporting teachers in caring for student relationships within their classrooms.
Developing and implementing a comprehensive plan with the Head Administrator to ensure that issues of retention are identified and responded to proactively.
Providing assistance to parents with questions and concerns about academics and pedagogy.
Facilitating the College’s work to effectively develop pedagogical policy for the School and to nurture its cultural and spiritual life.
Supporting outreach endeavors to enhance the School’s public image as a center of quality Waldorf Education.
Duties include (but are not limited to:)
Guiding the school’s pedagogical approach, ensuring it remains true to Waldorf education principles.
Stewarding all pedagogical aspects of the school, including all matters relating to faculty, curriculum, parent education, and community engagement.
Supporting the growth of faculty through opportunities for personal and professional development and ongoing reflection.
Ensuring students meet set curricular goals, and a safe and enriching learning environment is in place for students across a variety of different experiences, backgrounds and diverse learning abilities.
Addressing student academic concerns, difficulties or issues jointly with teachers and the College.
Supervising the process of student evaluation and parent communication.
Overseeing the implementation of accommodations in classrooms in accordance with District Assessments.
Overseeing and administering the pedagogical expectations as outlined in the NYSAIS/AWSNA Accreditation Plan, including overseeing self-study and reporting requirements.
Collaborating with parents, faculty and administration to create an inclusive, community-oriented environment as recommended in the Alma Partners Audit.
Supporting the Carestreams Group when social and behavior issues interfere with learning and academics in the classroom.
Supporting the Administration team in student retention efforts.
Ensuring annual student reports are appropriate and timely.
Establishing protocols for all teachers to track student’s growth and needs through informal assessments.
Working with teachers to establish interventions for use with students
.
Structuring an assessment calendar and protocol for formal assessment reporting to teachers and then parents.
Carrying out teacher observation and evaluation, documenting Professional Development activities.
Supervising and supporting the administration of school personnel processes related to teacher recruitment, orientation, ongoing support, and mentoring.
Accountability (supported by and reports to):
The Pedagogical Coordinator reports to and receives support from the Head Administrator and the College.
Qualifications
Qualifications and Personal Attributes:
Obtained a Bachelor’s and preferably a Master’s degree in education.
Completed Waldorf teacher training and preferably has training in the areas of leadership and administration.
Has Waldorf classroom teaching experience and preferably taken a class through 1 cycle.
Held roles in leadership and mentoring within a Waldorf School.
Exhibits strength in collaborative leadership and has experience with consensus work.
Demonstrates a commitment to and understanding of Anthroposophy.
Possesses excellent interpersonal, organizational, coordination and communication skills.
Is a warm, collaborative and supportive leader.
Is a heart-centered person who is spiritually and ethically grounded in the values of Waldorf Education.
Is accountable with a strong sense of personal responsibility for the academic and pedagogical quality of a Waldorf School.
Is compassionate and open-minded with a genuine interest and experience in the work of inclusivity and belonging, and how it intersects with Waldorf curriculum and teacher development.
Employment Details
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary commensurate with experience: $55,000 – $65,000 range
Benefits include: medical, dental, and vision coverage; HSA; Employee Assistance Program; 401K retirement plan; tuition remission; professional development stipend; and relocation assistance
To Apply
If you are interested in the position, please submit a cover letter and a resume listing background, training, experience, and three references to administration@mountainlaurel.org.