4/5th Grade Waldorf Teacher 26-27 School Year
4/5th Grade Waldorf Teacher 26-27 School Year
Job Category: Lower School: Grades 1-5
Opening Statement
Prairie Moon Waldorf School is committed to a combined classroom model. We are searching for an experienced teacher who delights in nurturing the sense of wonder and curiosity in young children, works in harmony with families, and is eager to be an integral part of our supportive and collaborative team. The ideal candidate will bring prior experience in Waldorf grades teaching, a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and Waldorf teacher training. This individual will embody a dynamic approach to Waldorf pedagogy, bringing the curriculum to life with creativity and enthusiasm, and fostering meaningful connections with students, parents, and colleagues.
If you are passionate about cultivating strong relationships, guiding children with loving authority, and weaving the values of Waldorf education into every aspect of the classroom, we invite you to join our community. Together, let us kindle the light of learning in our students while embracing the beauty of Kansas plains culture and the shared work of creating a thriving school environment.
Our 3rd and 4th grade class has been held by a deeply devoted teacher since 1st grade. She will be retiring this school year and has held this vibrant class with such skill and love as well as dedicated care for the parents. We are calling in the right candidate to continue the learning path for these children. Although retirement is the goal, our teacher will mentor the new teacher during the transition into the 4th and 5th grade year.
About
Prairie Moon is an AWSNA and WECAN developing member school. We were founded in 2001 and support a strong, vibrant family community of over 75 PreK-8th grade students. We are in the midst of investing in and enriching our pedagogical offerings in order to solidify our foundation for a healthy path into the future. Prairie Moon Waldorf School is Kansas’ only Waldorf school and sits on a beautiful 7.5 acres of prairie land in the Kaw River Valley only minutes from downtown Lawrence. Our school’s first grade teacher will come to a growing Anthroposophical community and will have the opportunity to be a forerunner of Waldorf education in the Heartland. Anthroposophical and Waldorf education study groups are active, and a lecture series addresses the community’s strong interest in the roots of Waldorf education and related subjects.
Essential Job Duties
RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Use Waldorf teaching methods and pedagogy; create age appropriate lessons for fourth and fifth grade, applying our technology-free approach and make lessons accessible and enjoyable for this grade class.
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Schedule and attend home visits in August before the beginning of each school year.
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Host one Parent Association evening per year lecturing on a Waldorf or Steiner subject to educate parents and attending PMWS community.
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Work in collaboration with other teachers to create the daily school schedule during in-service days (see in-service days below). Follow that schedule, holding space for students to adjust to a set rhythm of the year.
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Attend open houses, student concerts, and seasonal festivals throughout the school year.
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Participate in at least one committee of choice throughout the school year. Meetings are usually held once a month. Committees include Finance, Professional Development, Fundraising, Facilities & Maintenance, Outreach, Parent Association, and Policy & Planning.
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Participate in the planning of 1-2 festivals or events per year. As the festivals are cyclical, the setup is streamlined and usually requires 1-2 people who take the lead on assigned tasks. Each teacher can sign up for the events of their choosing, in collaboration with other teachers, at teacher in-service.
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Attend teacher in-service sessions, lasting 1-3 days, 2-3 times per year.
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Attend weekly Faculty meetings and participate in faculty-led book study; create the calendar for the school year in collaboration with other faculty and administration, as well as a weekly dept meeting with fellow grades teachers.
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Must have a mentor and communicate with the mentor throughout the year.
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Must have at least ten hours of continuing education a year. May do additional training in the summer (expected to use PD Funds).
Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Required:
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Ideal candidates will have Waldorf teacher training, experience teaching in a Waldorf Grades Program, and have a strong passion for Waldorf education.
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Candidates who have a serious interest in Waldorf education, are experienced educators, and have a willingness to attend teacher training will be considered.
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We seek a teacher who works well with others, as well as independently, and who possesses a pioneering spirit and enthusiasm for building Waldorf education.
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Our candidates will also have a bachelor’s degree at minimum—master’s degree preferred.
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The applicant that is hired must be able to pass a KBI check, meaning that the candidate has not been convicted of a felony or of any crime against persons.
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Priority will be given to candidates who wish to commit to an eight-year cycle.
Preferred:
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Waldorf education is the principal expression of Anthroposophical thinking in this area; however there is also significant interest in Biodynamic agriculture and Anthroposophic architecture. Thus candidates with interest in these areas are very welcome.
Employment Details
In this position, you can expect to find a supportive, educated community that genuinely loves their Waldorf school. Our location can bring you to a range of housing, options for shopping, including a well-established natural foods cooperative store, a thriving farmer’s market, many locally owned businesses and restaurants, and a responsive city government. The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and Waldorf teacher training.
Additional Benefits:
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Professional Employer Organization (PEO) access to dental, vision, (3) Health plan choices – utilizing Aetna’s network, Life insurance, Disability – long & short-term, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity; 401k retirement plan for all full time employees
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Tuition Remission – up to 80% for full time employees
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Funds and support for both in-house and external mentorship
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Financial support for Waldorf Teacher Training and approved professional development workshops, classes and materials.
To Apply
Please prepare to demonstrate teaching ability: This is a three day process that include the first two days observing the class and then third day will be teaching a lesson and interviewing at the faculty meeting that day. Please plan a sample Waldorf lesson.
Contact Gwyn Schmidtberger, Prairie Moon Waldorf School Administrative Director, to schedule a school visit. 785-841-8800 or admin@prairiemoon.org
Please submit the following to the address below:
1. A brief personal biography
2. Work resume
3. List of 3 professional references
4. Application for employment, which can be found at the bottom of this page: www.prairiemoon.org/employment
Submit Application Materials here:
Prairie Moon Waldorf School
Attn: Teacher Search Committee
1853 E 1600 Rd
Lawrence, KS 66044
Applications can also be submitted via the form at the bottom of this page: https://www.prairiemoon.org/employment
Other Requirements: Pass a KBI check, meaning that the candidate has not been convicted of a felony or of any crime against persons, as well as have a current health assessment that includes a TB test.
