First Grade Teacher, 2025-26
First Grade Teacher, 2025-26
Job Category: Lower School: Grades 1-5
Opening Statement
The Housatonic Valley Waldorf School is seeking a passionate and dedicated First Grade Teacher to join our close-knit community! This position will begin with the 2025-26 school year and ideally continue their educational journey with their 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.
About
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 Gym. 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.
Essential Job Duties
For a list of responsibilities, please see our website for the full job description. Waldorfct.org/employment.
Qualifications
- Waldorf Teacher Training certificate or willingness to invest & begin courses prior to the start of the new year.
- 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.
Employment Details
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.
To Apply
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 teachersearch@waldorfct.org 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.