2nd Grade Teacher 2025/26
Opening Statement
Mountain Laurel Waldorf School seeks a passionate and dedicated Second Grade Class Teacher. The ideal candidate is a certified or nearly certified, caring grades teacher committed to Waldorf education and active community involvement. This is an immediate opening, and ideally, the chosen candidate will guide this class of 14 children through Eighth Grade.
About
About Mountain Laurel Waldorf School:
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
- Teach 2nd Grade using Waldorf methods and principles, cultivating curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.
- Monitor class progress in all subjects, both as a group and individually.
- Foster an inclusive and respectful classroom environment that encourages academic and personal growth.
- Work collegially within the school community to support the school’s mission.
- Participate in school festivals, community events, and faculty meetings.
- Prepare student reports and hold regular parent evenings.
Qualifications
The Ideal Candidate:
We seek a teacher with a strong foundation in Waldorf education and classroom experience, ideally in a Waldorf school. The ideal candidate will:
- Be committed to Waldorf education’s core principles and have a love of teaching.
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related subject.
- Hold a Waldorf Teacher Training Certificate or be willing to begin training.
- Have experience creating a warm, nurturing classroom environment where students feel safe to explore and learn.
- Bring curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning to the classroom daily.
- Be flexible in adapting teaching methods to meet students’ unique needs.
- Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Be a strong team player with excellent collegiality and communication skills, able to build strong relationships with students and parents.
- Have experience with classroom management strategies that foster a positive learning environment.
- Have experience developing imaginative lesson plans incorporating storytelling, art, music, and movement.
Employment Details
Why Mountain Laurel Waldorf School?
- Rich and Holistic Education: Our comprehensive curriculum includes Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Cyber Civics, Chorus, Orchestra, Handwork, Sculpture, Vanaver Caravan World Dances, Games, and Circus Arts.
- Student Support: Our Care Streams Group (mentored by Kim John Payne) offers guidance in social inclusion, discipline, and learning. Our Educational Support Teacher provides individual and group support in literacy.
- After-School Enrichment: Activities include a chamber ensemble, high school ensemble, sculpture and fiber arts classes, African drumming, Chinese dancing, musical theatre, as well as an adult chorus group.
- Community: We celebrate seasonal festivals, family-centered activities, and a strong sense of community.
- Professional Growth: We offer a supportive environment for Waldorf professional development.
- Committed Engagement: The school operates through a mandate group system of governance and has a committed College of Teachers and supportive Board of Trustees. Our staff numbers nearly thirty-five.
- Compensation and Benefits:
- Salary commensurate with experience: $46,000 base salary plus $500 increment for each year of Waldorf teaching experience.
- Benefits include: medical, dental, and vision coverage; HSA; Employee Assistance Program; 401K retirement plan; tuition remission; professional development stipend; and relocation assistance.
To Apply
Join Us!
To Apply: Send your resume and cover letter to personnel@mountainlaurel.org.
Hiring Process: Qualified applicants will participate in classroom observations, teaching demonstrations, and interviews with the College of Teachers and Personnel Committee. Travel expenses are the applicant’s responsibility.