[Priority Listing] Early Childhood Lead Teacher

LEAD EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER  

Beginning 2026/27 School Year  

Why Chicago Waldorf School? 

At Chicago Waldorf School, we offer the unique opportunity to practice Waldorf education within a thriving, urban landscape. As one of the most established Waldorf schools in the United States, we provide a professional home where educators are empowered, celebrated, and supported.  

Our Community by the Numbers:  

• 100% of our faculty feel trusted to teach with autonomy and professional creativity.* 
• 96% of our faculty would enthusiastically recommend CWS as a place to work.* 
• 50 Years: Celebrating a half-century of educational excellence in Chicago.  
• 46% of our students identify as BIPOC, reflecting our commitment to equity.  
• 46 Zip Codes: Our community spans the entire Chicagoland area.  
• 34 Countries & 22 Languages: A truly global community in one building.  
• 9 Specialists: Robust support through our Social Work and Learning Support departments. 

*Results from the 2025 and 2026 Climate and Equity Survey  

Position Overview  

We are seeking teachers who embrace the play-based and nature-based Waldorf Early Childhood curriculum with joy and warmth. The Lead Teacher position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, effective classroom management, and enthusiasm for developing a welcoming and inclusive classroom. It is our desire to hire qualified individuals with a demonstrated commitment to innovation, inspiration and healthy collegial work. Although located in an urban setting, we spend time out of doors in all weather, and celebrate the change of seasons.  

This early childhood position requires a deep understanding and grounding in the foundations of Waldorf early childhood education, as well as the ability to:  

• develop a program in support of each child, their parents, and the entire class  
• design developmentally appropriate stories, songs and circle activities  
• keep a calm and steady daily and weekly rhythm  
• be able to communicate with parents/guardians about Waldorf educational principles via regular classroom newsletters and in parent evenings  
• construct daily class content with an eye toward diversity and inclusion  
• provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities and sensory activities  
• build a healthy, joyful and inclusive classroom community  
• participate in the life of the larger school community through committee work  

Qualifications** 

The ideal candidate will have  

• at least an undergraduate degree and has completed or is in process of completing Waldorf teacher training and/or three years successful Waldorf teaching experience  
• be well-rounded in the arts  
• be open to mentoring and/or further training  
• an enjoyment of nature and all the seasons  
• an enthusiasm for creating an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment  
• commitment to the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the Chicago Waldorf School  
• Dedication to building a positive and collaborative workplace for all faculty  
• an openness and enthusiasm for diverse students and families, our urban environment and a desire to develop open relationships with community organizations  

** Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job post. We are most interested in finding the best candidate and future colleague. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

Compensation & Amenities  

The Chicago Waldorf School offers an excellent and competitive benefits package, including:  

• Health & Dental Benefits  
• Life Insurance  
• 403B Pension Program  
• Full Tuition Remission  
• Funds for on-going Professional Development.  

The salary is commensurate with experience beginning in the range of $50,000 and continuing upwards. We encourage you to forward this job opening to others who may be interested.  

To apply please send your resume and letter of interest to: View email address on jobs.waldorftoday.com .  

More About the Chicago Waldorf School   

Founded in 1974, CWS is an established Waldorf school offering a full curriculum that remains deeply committed to its urban roots. We explore and enrich the Waldorf curriculum through the arts, equity and inclusion, and the specific time and place in which we live.  

For the past eight years we have been settled in our permanent home: the landmark Lyman Trumbull building in Andersonville. Our campus includes 49 classrooms and offices, a gym, an auditorium, and two outdoor parks. We maintain active partnerships with many businesses and organizations in the surrounding neighborhood, ensuring the school is a functional part of the local community.  

Our faculty members come from around the world and represent all stages of life. We prioritize a supportive transition for new staff, including:  

• Mentorship: Every new teacher is assigned a mentor and provided with weekly mentoring meetings.  
• Professional Development: Faculty have regular access to PD funds and participate in weekly meetings to study Rudolph Steiner pedagogical insights, current educational perspectives and for artistic work  
• Ongoing Training: We provide training in first aid, sexual harassment prevention, and trans-inclusivity, alongside SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) seminars, and curriculum-based preparation  

In addition to core academic subjects, we teach music, German, Spanish, Eurythmy, gardening, parkour, and practical and fine arts. Our families are international and reflect diversity in many forms, united by a shared desire for a developmental curriculum that recognizes the whole child and celebrates individual differences.  

Equal Opportunity Employer  

The Chicago Waldorf School does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and beyond that has a deep commitment to respect and celebrate the differences in students and staff from widely diverse social, economic, cultural, linguistic, intellectual, racial, educational, and religious backgrounds. There is a sustained effort to improve and clear recognition that our educational excellence and fulfillment of our school’s mission is dependent on embracing diversity in our school community. We seek to fully include and affirm faculty, staff, and students in all their identities. In everything we do, we work toward freedom, responsibility, and excellence. The Chicago Waldorf School provides its teachers, staff and families with ongoing opportunities to study and discuss aspects of diversity.