Grades Class Teacher (with apprenticeship year)
Grades Class Teacher (with apprenticeship year)
Job Category: Lower School: Grades 1-5 and Middle School: Grades 6-8
Opening Statement
This position will serve as an apprentice during the 2025-2026 school year with the intention of holding the first grade class in 2026-2027.
Our faculty and staff are guided by reverence for the developing child, courage for the truth, and the ability to continue to learn from one another. The colleague we are seeking will bring a passion for teaching and an enthusiastic commitment to join this community.
The Grades Main Lesson teacher position is a commitment to the looping model of moving up a grade each year with the same class of students. This model allows teachers to deeply nurture the whole child and develop strong, meaningful relationships with students, their parents/guardians, and family members.
Candidates must be committed to presenting subject matter in a lively and artistic way that is engaging to children, and recognizes that not all children learn in the same style. Main Lesson Teachers develop a classroom rhythm, teaching language arts, mathematics, science, history, mythology, geography, and visual arts. Waldorf training and mentoring will provide methods and recommend materials. A full position description is available upon inquiry.
About
Essential Job Duties
The primary student duties are listed below. Training and colleagueship duties can be shared upon inquiry.
- Observe the practice of and commit to the looping ideal of moving up a grade each year with a class of students.
- Observe students of all ages and programs in order to gain an understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate teaching methodology.
- Observe the teaching of language arts, mathematics, sciences, history, mythology, and geography according to the Waldorf Curriculum using Waldorf methodology.
- Observe and practice bringing aspects of lively arts such as painting, flute, singing, rhythm work, and drama to the students
- Observe and work with Subject Teachers to gain understanding of subjects taught.
- Understand and learn about appropriate rhythms for students of all ages for the day, week, and year.
- Assist in guiding students through the day, including during snack/recess, and lunch as needed.
- Observe and practice presenting subject matter in a lively, engaging, artistic way. Be aware of different learning needs and cultural backgrounds. Prepare lessons/activities that engage all students.
- Observe and discuss classroom management methods and curricula choices with peers and evaluate effectiveness. Strive to continuously improve both.
- Gain knowledge of Waldorf assessment strategies including summative evaluations of Middle School students.
- Observe and participate in the planning and organization of relevant field trips each year, which may include the traditional 3rd grade farm trip, 5th grade regional pentathlon, 6th grade campout, and 8th grade ”graduation” class trip. Communicate with parents and complete necessary paperwork.
- Gain knowledge of various festivals and celebrations. Assist in bringing diverse celebrations to students at a developmentally appropriate level.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
-
Bachelor’s Degree
-
Waldorf Teacher Training Certificate or willingness to attend Waldorf Teacher Training
-
Openness to the work of Rudolf Steiner, founder of Waldorf Education, as a basis for teaching
-
Agreement with the school’s Policy & Procedure Manual
Preferred Experience
-
Master’s Degree in education, art, or related field
-
Previous Waldorf experience
-
Alabama Teaching Certificate
-
Teaching experience with children
-
Experience working with the consensus model of decision-making
Employment Details
This is a salaried position requiring in-person attendance for classes during the school year, from August – May. Classroom hours are from 8 am to 3:15 pm each day with planning periods set according to a schedule that is determined by the Grades Team before the start of the school year. Weekly meetings and occasional evening and weekend conferences are required.
-
$30,800 starting salary
-
Benefits available, including medical and dental, tuition remission, and continuing education financial support
-
Generally, school vacations include Thanksgiving week, 2 weeks of Winter Holiday, 1 week of Spring Break, and other holidays during the year. Consult the annual calendar for specifics.