Grade 1 Class Teacher (2026-27 school year)

Description

Seattle Waldorf School is seeking an engaging , competent, and compassionate classroom teacher to inspire and develop an engaged and eager class of students in their elementary school years. We are looking for someone who can work effectively as part of a team and independently. We need a leader who understands best practices in teaching, who is interested in collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches, and who is passionate about teaching elementary-aged students. We are looking for staff and faculty who share our belief that a culturally rich and inclusive school community provides students with the best possible environment for a quality education. Salary is competitive with independent schools. Seattle Waldorf School offers an excellent benefits package, opportunities for professional development, and an extraordinary work environment.

Who We Are: 

At Seattle Waldorf School, students become creative problem-solvers—imaginative thinkers who journey toward intellectual excellence, human compassion, and artistic skill. Our modern curriculum is rooted in tradition—for children 18 months to 14 years. We lead students on a joyful journey that fosters critical thinking, synthesis, and creativity. At Seattle Waldorf School, students become creative problem-solvers—imaginative thinkers who journey toward intellectual excellence, human compassion, and artistic skill. 

Our Mission: Daily we strive to inspire learning, courage, and joy in the developing human being.

Job Summary: Under minimal supervision, provides an excellent classroom experience for all students.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Teaches 20 - 22 periods per week
• Plans and leads appropriate field trips
• Keeps records and writes reports according to current school guidelines
• Recess and dismissal duties as assigned (approximately seven per week)
• Plans and facilitates parent meetings and conferences to support student learning and community development
• Maintains communication and collaboration with the entire SWS faculty 
• Attends weekly Department Meetings, Grade School Faculty Meetings, Full Faculty Meetings as scheduled, and In Service/Professional Development days
• Models a culture of flexible, continuous learning for students
• Establishes and cultivates community relations by maintaining open and candid dialogue with all of the school’s constituencies
• Is familiar and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
• Vigorously engages in professional development through teacher In-Service Days, Preview Days, Review Days, and conferences as determined in conversation with the Grade School Director 
• Because safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university required*
• Waldorf Teaching Certificate required* 
• 3+ years’ experience teaching in a classroom environment preferred 
• Advanced degree and State Teacher Certificate preferred
• Experience in a Waldorf school preferred
• Culturally Responsive Teaching experience preferred 

*Candidates who do not have a required degree/certificate may be considered with a commitment to complete them within a specified length of time from start of employment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Commitment to excellence in teaching, parent education and dialogue, self-development, and collegial cooperation
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a hands-on team environment
• Possessing a level of cultural competency necessary for working with a diverse population in an inclusive and equitable community
• We have a diverse student body, and we want all our teachers to have the skills necessary to ensure that their classrooms are safe, inclusive places for everyone
• We seek a teacher who is aware of the racial, socio-economic, gender, and other inequities present in education, and actively works to eliminate these in the classroom
• Ability to work efficiently in a Microsoft Windows or Mac environment using Office, Google Suite, common automated systems for record keeping, and confidently learn new technology 
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to work and communicate well with all levels of faculty and staff
• Ability to work and communicate well with students and their parents
• Flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• Ability to travel locally (field trips)

Summary

Salary Range: Please see the SWS 2025-26 Faculty Salary Scale as an example to see range based on education and years of experience. We'll update 2026-2027 salary scale soon.

Benefits: Please see our Benefits Summary which outlines the generous insurance, leave, and other benefits provided for SWS Faculty

To Apply: Interested candidates should go to the school website at:

Thank you for your interest in Seattle Waldorf School and this position. Position open until filled. No phone calls or drop-ins please.