2026-27 Grade Fourth Class Teacher
2026-27 Grade Fourth Class Teacher
Job Category: Lower School: Grades 1-5 and Middle School: Grades 6-8
Opening Statement
Swallowtail School is seeking an energetic and engaging class teacher to lead our rising fourth grade class for the 2026-27 school year, and continue to carry them through the eighth grade.
Our Grades teachers are responsible for bringing developmentally appropriate curriculum in accordance with the principles and methods of Waldorf Education. In the forefront of our work will be warmth, rhythm, health, safety, professionalism, a reverence for nature and for one another. The Class Teacher is also responsible for forming and maintaining a healthy social life in their class and for incorporating the student families into the school life. They are an important member of the Grades team and are expected to work collaboratively with colleagues, share responsibilities for program delivery, and serve as a role model within the school community.
About
Swallowtail School serves approximately 150 students from PreK through Grade 8. We are located at the intersection of rural Oregon farmland and the Portland suburbs, with a main campus in Cornelius and a farm property a few minutes away in Hillsboro.
At Swallowtail, we are fortunate to have an exceptionally committed and supportive community of families, and a close-knit collegial group that value working together in collaboration. We have a thriving Early Childhood program with one preschool and two mixed-age kindergartens, and those classes are usually full with a wait list. Grades classes range from 12-18 students. They are well supported by subject offerings (Music, Handwork, Spanish, Movement, Agricultural Arts, Middle School Math, and Eurythmy in blocks).
Grades and Early Childhood classes spend one day per week in the fall and spring at our 26-acre farm property, where they work with our Agricultural Arts Teacher and full-time Farmer to deepen their connection to and understanding of the land.
Essential Job Duties
Specific duties for the 4th Grade Position include:
-
Develop class curriculum incorporating:
-
An anthroposophical understanding of the developmental needs of the students
-
Our shared commitment to bringing greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to Waldorf Education
-
Swallowtail grade-level benchmarks and recent assessments or observations, to build capacities and ensure academic growth
-
-
Prepare a school-year schedule of subject blocks (block rotation) in the summer and daily written lesson plans throughout the year. Daily lessons should include movement, music, rhythm, story and imagery, review, and new instruction. Written plans should include learning goals and a space for reflection.
-
Provide a consistent rhythm of the day, week, and year
-
Dress in appropriate gear for the weather when outdoors, and uphold that expectation with students
-
Ensure a beautiful and well-kept classroom
-
Maintain a healthy classroom atmosphere of respect and attention by holding appropriate boundaries with children in a calm and centered manner
-
Assess the growth and development of students in the program, communicating proactively with parents and Student Support Coordinator if a student is in need of extra support
-
Interview prospective children and their families as part of the admissions process
-
Offer at least one fall and one spring conference to each family in the class, including a written progress report for the family and the student file
-
Help families understand the principles of Waldorf Education and the developmental needs of their children through weekly class emails, distributed readings or other resources, and by planning and conducting at least 3 Curriculum Evenings each year
-
Write a comprehensive Year-End-Report for each student, due 3 weeks from the last day of school
-
Evaluate daily work and provide ongoing feedback and guidance to students
-
In 5th grade and above – complete written block reports at the termination of each block
Regarding Collegial Work and Professional Development
-
We encourage all teachers to attend morning verse
-
Participate in Grades section meetings, working collaboratively in the areas of curriculum development, planning, student affairs, etc.
-
Attend collegial meetings and in-services, including 3 days in June and August
-
Complete a summer training each year (must be pre-approved by Pedagogical Chair)
-
Serve on at least one school committee or leadership group (1st year teachers exempt)
-
Support and abide by decisions of the school leadership groups, including Leadership Council, the Faculty, and the Board of Trustees
-
Work with mentor if assigned and with Pedagogical Chair
-
Participate in annual self-evaluation and review with Director and Pedagogical Chair
-
Work with an outside evaluator in the classroom, in the first year of teaching and every odd year
-
Submit class calendar dates for coming year by summer deadline of given year
-
Participate in all festivals, fundraisers, and all-school meetings
-
Participate in some outreach events, work parties, and school-wide family education evenings
Qualifications
Required Trainings/Attributes
- A dedication to Waldorf Education
- Waldorf Grades Teaching Certification
- At least one year of classroom teaching experience
- A love of children and a deep desire to support their growth
- Excellent classroom management skills
- Willingness to be part of a culture that values professional growth and ongoing positive and constructive feedback.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- The desire and ability to work collaboratively with all members of the school community
- The ability to adapt the curriculum to the skills and needs of a class or individual child
- Current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handlers (within 30 days of hire)
Employment Details
Benefits include:
- Professional Development funds, up to $750/year
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 100% Tuition Remission for the employee’s dependents
- Free use of extended care for enrolled children, while working
- Paid sick/personal leave
To Apply
To be considered, please send a letter of interest, resume, and three references to Hiring@SwallowtailSchool.org
