Kindergarten Teacher

Swallowtail School is seeking a warm, nurturing Kindergarten teacher to join our Early Childhood team. The Lead Kindergarten Teacher is responsible for bringing developmentally appropriate curriculum in accordance with the principles and methods of a Waldorf Early Childhood Education for children aged 4 to 6 years. In the forefront of our work will be warmth, rhythm, health, safety, professionalism, a reverence for nature and for one another. The Lead Kindergarten Teacher is also responsible for forming and maintaining a healthy social life in their class and for incorporating the student families into the school life. They are an important member of the Early Childhood team and are expected to work collaboratively with colleagues, share responsibilities for program delivery, and serve as a role model within the school community.

Specific duties for the Lead Kindergarten Teacher position include:

Regarding the Children and Families:

• Plan and lead classroom activities such as circle, story, movement, handwork, crafts, sensory experiences, snack, and indoor and outdoor free play in a calm and centered manner
• Develop class curriculum incorporating:

-An understanding of first grade readiness

-An anthroposophical understanding of the developmental needs of the students

-Our shared commitment to bringing greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to Waldorf Education

• Provide a consistent rhythm of the day, week, and year with an emphasis on the seasonal festivals and the rhythm of the earth
• Attentive supervision of students with an eye to safety at all times
• Gently guide children in healthy intellectual, physical, and social-emotional development
• Model appropriate behavior and work worthy of imitation
• Dress in appropriate gear for the weather when outdoors, and uphold that expectation students
• Ensure a beautiful and well-kept classroom
• Demonstrate warmth, compassion and love while holding appropriate boundaries with children
• Serve as a mentor for the Associate Teacher, guiding them in their tasks with warmth and kindness to maintain a healthy working relationship
• Assess the growth and development of students in the program, communicating proactively with parents and administration if a student is in need of extra support
• Interview prospective children and their families as part of the admissions process
• Offer at least one fall and one spring conference to each family in the class
• Help families understand the principles of Waldorf Education and the developmental needs of their children through weekly class emails, distributed readings or other resources, and by planning and conducting at least 3 Curriculum Evenings each year
• Write a comprehensive Year-End-Report for each student, due 3 weeks from the last day of school
• Jointly hold the Rising First Grade process with other Kindergarten teachers:

-Host family info evening in February

-Ensure completion of Rising First Grade assessments

-Schedule and lead presenting the rising First Grade children to the faculty

Regarding Collegial Work and Professional Development

• Attend morning verse each day
• Participate in weekly Early Childhood section meetings, working collaboratively in the areas of curriculum development, planning, student affairs, craft preparation, etc.
• Attend faculty meetings and in-services, including 3 days in June and August
• Complete a summer training each year (must be pre-approved by EC Chair)
• Serve on at least one school committee or leadership group (1st-year teachers exempt)
• Support and abide by decisions of the school leadership groups, including Leadership Council, the faculty, and the Board of Trustees
• Work with mentor as assigned, or with EC Chair or Pedagogical Chair
• Participate in annual self-evaluation and review with Director and Pedagogical Chair
• Work with an outside evaluator in the classroom, in the first year of teaching and every third year
• Submit Kindergarten calendar dates for coming year by summer deadline of given year
• Support the hiring process for EC teachers and especially for assistants/associate teachers in their classroom
• Participate in all festivals, fundraisers, and all-school meetings
• Participate in some outreach events, work parties, and school-wide family education evenings

Required Trainings/Attributes

• A dedication to Waldorf Education
• Waldorf Early Childhood Certification
• Current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handlers (within 30 days of hire)
• Maintain current enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry
• Annual completion of 15 hours of relevant training (must be pre approved, copy of completion certificate submitted to the Oregon Registry and School Director)
• Completion of Safety Set trainings from Early Learning Division (prior to first day in classroom)

To be considered, please send a letter of interest, resume, and three references to View email address on jobs.waldorftoday.com