Grades Teacher, 2025-26
GRADES TEACHER
The Housatonic Valley Waldorf School is seeking a passionate and dedicated Grades Teacher to join our community! This position will begin with the 2025-26 school year with our rising First Grade and ideally continue their educational journey with the class through their Eighth-Grade year. As a class teacher, your creativity and commitment to the principles of Waldorf education will inspire students and be instrumental in creating a warm, nurturing, and imaginative classroom environment that supports the holistic development of our students.
Required Qualifications
- Waldorf Teacher Training certificate or willingness to invest & begin courses prior to the start of the new year. Please see the list below to learn more about training opportunities.
- Experience Teaching in a Classroom Setting: Previous experience teaching in a classroom setting, ideally in a Waldorf or Waldorf inspired school.
- Creative Lesson Planning: Experience with or strongly inspired to develop imaginative lesson plans that incorporate storytelling, art, music, and movement.
- Skills to Support a Positive Learning Environment: Experience with classroom management strategies that promote positive interactions and engagement and willingness to align with Waldorf school principles.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Collaboration: Willingness to work collaboratively with fellow educators and staff to enhance the overall learning experience.
- Adaptability: Flexibility in adapting teaching methods to accommodate the unique needs and dynamics of the classroom.
- Passion for Waldorf Education: A deep commitment to the principles of Waldorf education and a genuine love for teaching young children.
Responsibilities
For a list of responsibilities, please see our website for the full job description. Waldorfct.org/employment.
Benefits
Our school prides itself on supporting all staff members in developing good interpersonal communication skills, through a combination of self-evaluations, goal setting, peer mentors, professional mentors and summer training courses. The Staff Development Committee supports professional training and workshops and provides support where needed.
We offer a competitive salary, tuition remission, medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability and the option to participate in a retirement plan.
Join Us!
If you are excited about fostering the creativity and imagination of first graders within a Waldorf framework, we invite you to join our team. Your dedication will have a profound impact on the lives of our students as they discover the joys of learning!
To Apply: Interested candidates should send their resume, cover letter and HVWS Application found at waldorfct.org/employment to [email protected] or mail to: Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 40 Dodgingtown Road, Newtown, CT 06470
Process: Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview and to teach a sample lesson. Time will be provided to observe classes and consult with current teacher beforehand.
About Our School
HVWS is a Pre-K through Eighth Grade school, with three Early Childhood classes, Parent-Child classes, and an active Summer Camp. Specialty classes for First through Eighth Grades include Spanish, German, Handwork, Eurythmy, Music, Strings and Spatial Dynamics. Our Educational Support Group offers therapeutic services to children as needed. After-School Enrichment activities can include woodwork, painting, circus arts and other classes. The school has a peaceful and joyful atmosphere, with professionally Lazure-painted classrooms and spacious playgrounds. Our vibrant and warm community sponsors Anthroposophical study groups, fairs, festivals, handwork groups, and parenting workshops.
HVWS was founded in 1989 and is accredited by AWSNA, NCPSA, WECAN, and CAIS. We are more than 25 years old and entering an exciting phase of our growth and development, with a collaborative faculty and a strong, supportive Board of Trustees.
HVWS is part of the Newtown community in the Housatonic River Valley, which is rich in history. With some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Northeast, there are many forests, nature preserves, farms, lakes and rivers for our students to explore and enjoy. We're close to New York City and the Berkshire Mountains with sophisticated cultural environments, as well as Anthroposophical communities in Spring Valley, NY; Harlemville, NY; and Great Barrington, MA.
About Waldorf Education
Waldorf education offers several benefits that are designed to foster holistic development in children. Here are some key advantages:
- Whole-Child Approach: Waldorf education emphasizes the intellectual, emotional, and physical development of the child, nurturing creativity and social skills alongside academic learning.
- Creative Learning: The curriculum incorporates art, music, and hands-on activities, which help children express themselves creatively and think outside the box.
- Developmentally Appropriate: The curriculum is structured to align with the developmental stages of children, ensuring that lessons are relevant and engaging.
- Strong Community Focus: Waldorf schools often promote a sense of community among students, parents, and teachers, fostering collaboration and support.
- Nature Connection: Outdoor activities and nature exploration are integral, helping children develop a respect for the environment and encouraging physical activity.
- Critical Thinking Skills: The emphasis on experiential learning and problem-solving encourages children to think critically and independently.
- Reduced Screen Time: Our classrooms are screen free and we encourage families to limit exposure at home, which can help children develop better social
- Lifelong Learning: The approach encourages a love of learning, helping students to develop a curiosity and enthusiasm that can last a lifetime.
These elements combine to create an educational environment that prioritizes well-rounded development and prepares students for a variety of life experiences.
Benefits of Waldorf Education
Waldorf education has been studied in various contexts, and while research specific to Waldorf schools can be limited, several proven results and observations have emerged from these studies and anecdotal evidence:
- Academic Performance: Some studies indicate that Waldorf students often perform well on standardized tests, showing proficiency in reading, math, and other subjects. They tend to score comparably or better than peers in traditional education settings.
- Creative Thinking: Research has shown that Waldorf students often excel in creative problem-solving and artistic skills. The emphasis on arts and imaginative play fosters innovation and original thinking.
- Social Skills: Waldorf students frequently demonstrate strong social competencies. The emphasis on collaborative learning and community helps them develop empathy, cooperation, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Emotional Well-Being: Many studies suggest that Waldorf education contributes to greater emotional resilience and self-regulation among students. The holistic approach helps children develop a strong sense of self and emotional intelligence.
- Lifelong Learning: Alumni of Waldorf schools often report a strong sense of curiosity and love for learning, contributing to ongoing educational and personal pursuits throughout their lives.
- Reduced Stress Levels: The lower emphasis on testing and competition in Waldorf schools can lead to a more relaxed learning environment, which may help reduce anxiety and stress in students.
- Connection to Nature: Studies indicate that the integration of outdoor learning experiences in Waldorf education can lead to increased environmental awareness and appreciation among students.
While individual experiences may vary, these observed outcomes highlight the potential effectiveness of the Waldorf educational approach in nurturing well-rounded, capable individuals.
Waldorf Teacher Training
