Grades Class Teacher
Grades Class Teacher
Job Category: Lower School: Grades 1-5 and Middle School: Grades 6-8
Opening Statement
The Grades Class Teacher at Sierra Waldorf School guides their class through daily, weekly, and block rhythms, thoughtfully planned in alignment with Waldorf pedagogy and the developmental needs of the children. This role invites continual professional and inner development, including deepening one’s understanding of Anthroposophy and child development, and seeking fresh inspiration and materials for teaching. Waldorf summer training will be required for teachers who do not have familiarity with Waldorf teaching and philosophy.
Faculty members participate fully in the life of the school, including:
Weekly faculty meetings
Grades mentoring groups
Committee service and shared governance
About
Nestled in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Sierra Waldorf School offers a unique opportunity to teach in a close-knit learning community where relationships matter and education is rooted in meaning, creativity, and human development. Located in Jamestown, California, our school serves families who value a balanced childhood rich in academics, the arts, nature, and community. With small class sizes and a collaborative faculty culture, teachers have the opportunity to know their students deeply and to practice their craft with purpose and autonomy
Life in Jamestown offers a rare combination of natural beauty and quality of life. Yosemite National Park, mountain lakes, rivers, hiking trails, skiing, and outdoor recreation are all within easy reach, while the pace of life remains grounded and family-friendly. Many of our teachers are drawn not only to Waldorf education, but also to the opportunity to live and work in a community where connection, simplicity, and the natural world are part of daily life.
We welcome educators who are inspired by child-centered learning, eager to collaborate with colleagues, and excited to contribute to a vibrant school community dedicated to the healthy development of each child.
Essential Job Duties
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Teaching and Curriculum
Prepare and deliver main lesson blocks and subject teaching grounded in Waldorf pedagogy and child development
Work from a block rotation schedule aligned with the school’s curriculum framework and Waldorf educational goals
Integrate academic, artistic, and practical elements across the curriculum
Weave the seasonal and festival life of the school into classroom instruction as developmentally appropriate
Student Development and Assessment
Observe and support students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical development
Maintain narrative records and observations of student growth and learning
Prepare timely written progress reports and end-of-year reports using faculty-approved formats
Participate in parent-teacher conferences as opportunities for shared understanding and support of the child
Classroom Care and Safety
Maintain a safe, orderly, and welcoming classroom environment that supports learning and play
Hold responsibility for the care, cleanliness, and readiness of indoor and outdoor classroom spaces
Report maintenance and repair needs in a timely manner to appropriate staff
Parent Partnership
Build respectful, collaborative relationships with parents in support of the child’s development
Lead parent meetings that foster community and deepen understanding of Waldorf pedagogy
Communicate clearly and consistently with parents, responding to communications within two business days during the school year
Organize and lead class field trips
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Collegial and Community Responsibilities
Attend and participate actively in weekly faculty meetings
Serve on committees and fulfill shared governance responsibilities in a timely and professional manner
Practice direct, respectful communication and engage in collegial processes of facilitation or mediation when challenges arise
Perform supervisory duties (e.g., recess, yard, or parking lot supervision) as assigned
Enrollment Support
Follow all enrollment policies and procedures as outlined by the school
Collaborate as appropriate with colleagues and the Enrollment Director to support thoughtful class composition and grade readiness
Festivals, Outreach, and Inreach
Participate in the festival life of the school
Support school outreach and community events as part of shared faculty responsibility
Mentoring and Professional Development
Participate in mentoring, evaluation, and self-reflection processes
Engage in ongoing professional development in support of pedagogical growth and renewal
Care Program
Participate and support the Care process whenever it becomes necessary
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Committee assignments are determined upon hiring and may vary from year to year. All full-time teachers are expected to share equitably in committee and governance work, with assignments made in collaboration with mentors and faculty.
Qualifications
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
All required training and certifications must be current and on file, including but not limited to Mandated Reporter training and CPR/First Aid, in accordance with school policy and state law
Desired Education and Experience:
The ideal candidate has completed or is actively pursuing Waldorf teacher education and demonstrates an understanding of Anthroposophy as it informs Waldorf pedagogy. The candidate values collaboration, self-development, and shared responsibility within a faculty-led school.
Bachelor’s degree highly desirable
Waldorf teaching certificate or training highly desirable
Waldorf grades teaching experience highly desirable
Employment Details
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Schedule: Primarily Monday–Friday with occasional weekend responsibilities throughout the school year.
Availability is required for two weeks before and after the school year
Compensation & Benefits
Full annual salary range: $43,680–$68,850
Additional compensation for bachelor’s degree, completed Waldorf teacher training, and Waldorf teaching experience
Retirement plan
Student tuition remission
Professional development opportunities
To Apply
To apply, please submit an application, cover letter and resumé, and three references to hiring@sierrawaldorf.com. Copy of unofficial transcripts will be required before job offers are made.
