Part-Time Associate Teacher (Interim)
Part-Time Associate Teacher (Interim)
Job Category: Lower School: Grades 1-5 and Student Support
Opening Statement
Rudolf Steiner School seeks an Elementary Grades Associate Teacher to assist in providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally aligned classroom environment rooted in Waldorf pedagogy, while assisting in daily rhythms, transitions, and tasks assigned in support of the lesson content and other classes and responsibilities throughout the school.
About
Rudolf Steiner School, the first Waldorf School in North America, is an independent Nursery to Grade 12 school located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Rooted in the principles of Waldorf education, the school fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and a deep respect for cultural diversity. Through a curriculum that integrates academic excellence with the arts, experiential learning, and seasonal festivals, students develop a strong sense of purpose and community. Accredited by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and a member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN), the school holds a distinctive place among NYC’s independent schools.
Essential Job Duties
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Teaching and Student Support
• Supports Lead Teacher by being attentive to students that need academic, social, emotional, artistic or executive functioning guidance.
• Assists Lead Teacher in maintaining the students’ safety.
• Supports classroom set up and lesson preparation as guided or instructed by the Lead Teacher or Lower School Chair.
• Supports the Lead Teacher in all aspects of curricular preparation and implementation as directed.
• Monitors students throughout the day including during class time, transitions, recess, field trips, lunch, and park time.
• Supports cleaning classroom and storage spaces including at the end of the day.
• Record and report incidents to Lead Teacher and Lower School Chair as described in the Employee Handbook.
• Acts as Lead Teacher in the Lead Teacher’s absence.
• Ensures that the classroom environment meets the standards of the Lower School Waldorf Pedagogy.
• Keeps classroom, storage areas, and common areas neat and clutter free, and makes appropriate use of space, equipment, and material storage.
• Assumes responsibility of Lead Teacher as instructed by the Lead Teacher or Lower School Chair.
• Directs parents and caregivers to the Lead Teacher with questions about individual students or the program.
• Supports the Lead Teacher with parent/guardian communication when directed.
• Facilitates dismissal of students to caregivers in the Lead Teacher’s absence.
• Lead reading groups and supporting classroom teachers and other duties.
School Life and Professionalism
• Arrives punctually and maintains professional demeanor, attire, and communication.
• Attends weekly faculty meetings (All Colleagues and Area), professional development, and in-service days.
• Actively contributes to school festivals, events, and community traditions including but not limited to Fall Fair, May Day, and assemblies.
• Supports enrollment and outreach efforts, including tours, interviews, and student visiting days.
• Demonstrates flexibility, cooperation, and a commitment to the school’s mission and shared work.
• Practices clear, kind, and timely communication with colleagues and families.
• Honors confidentiality and adheres to all policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Demonstrates cultural competency and respect for diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives in all aspects of teaching, communication, and collaboration.
• Meets weekly with the Lead Teacher.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Commits to ongoing study and renewal of Waldorf pedagogy through personal study, workshops, and mentoring.
• Actively participates in Steiner’s Faculty Seminar as requested, mentoring, evaluations, and assigned trainings.
• Engages in professional learning in areas such as culturally responsive teaching, neurodiversity, and developmentally aligned instruction.
• Seeks and integrates feedback for personal and professional growth.
• Actively engages in All Colleagues Meetings, Area Meetings, and seeks to learn from experienced Steiner Colleagues.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Waldorf Teacher Certification from an AWSNA-recognized institute or equivalent experience required (or a clear path to certification) preferred.
• Special Education qualification and experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of and enthusiasm for Waldorf education.
• Commitment to professional growth and collaborative work.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and support for diverse learners.
• Prior classroom teaching experience.
• Must meet all background checks, fingerprinting, and NYC health and safety compliance standards.
• Must maintain current First Aid/CPR certification and be compliant with all licensing/training requirements.
Employment Details
Salary Range: $35,000 – $45,000, this will be a 75% role.
To Apply
To be considered for this position, please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references to our employment page. We will be accepting applications until the position is filled.
