Lead Early Childhood Teacher
Opening Statement
Waldorf School of Princeton is seeking an early childhood teacher to open our sixth Early Childhood classroom in January 2025. We welcome applications from teachers who prefer working with nursery-aged students (2-4 year old age group). If you have Waldorf certification, or experience working in a Waldorf early childhood setting, please consider joining this wonderful team.
About
Love where you work! The Waldorf School of Princeton sits on 20 acres of beautifully tended campus, including access to a creek, forest walks, and carefully tended gardens. The campus is within easy reach of the thriving village center of Hopewell and the college town of Princeton. Further afield, New York City, Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore provide endless entertainment at weekends.
A member of WECAN and an Associate Member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, the Waldorf School of Princeton is committed to providing a rich Waldorf education to all its students, from pre-K through 8th grade. Our Early Childhood serves over 70 students and acts as an entry point for families embarking on their journeys in Waldorf Education at our school.
We are excited to welcome new members of our team to help us on this journey toward growing Waldorf education through the grades in the Princeton area. We are committed to a program of investment in professional development for our faculty.
Joining the Waldorf School of Princeton, you will find yourself among kindred spirits. Our faculty and staff form a supportive group, working together for the children in our care, encouraging one another to do their best work, and extending grace when we struggle.
Essential Job Duties
Early Childhood Teacher Job Description and Specifications
Full-time position from January 2025. Pay range from $44k to $70k commensurate with experience. The upper range represents 20 years of lead classroom experience. Health-care and 3% pension contribution included.
Role and Responsibilities
Lead a classroom of 12 students (Toddler-aged) according to Waldorf principles.
Encourage the development and understanding of the value of Waldorf education among early childhood families.
Specific duties include but not necessarily limited to:
● Welcome new families to class, including making home visits
● Prepare room and materials before the start of the school year
● Maintain the play yard as an appropriate environment for children
● Maintain accurate attendance records
● Select and request ordering of materials used in the classroom
● Assume full responsibility for children during the school day
● Direct, train and support one or more classroom assistants
● Create and carry out a well-planned age-appropriate early childhood curriculum including circle, story, practical and artistic work, puppet shows, festivals and birthday celebrations
● Maintain close communication with parents, within appropriate boundaries ● Attend and contribute to outreach and marketing events
● Interview prospective children and parents and contribute to determinations on accepting students
● Host parent/teacher conferences two times/ year
● Work with parent representatives and the Parent Caregiver Association in support of the school
● Host at least three parent meetings per year
● Offer regular written parent communication
● Prepare festivals for the larger school community: Michaelmas, Lantern Walk,Winter Garden, etc.
● Attend weekly faculty and section meetings
● Complete tasks required by administration in relation to recordkeeping, policies, procedures
● Conduct developmental assessments of all eligible first-grade ready children
● Attend yearly EC conference
Working Conditions
We are committed to teaching outdoors in all weathers, so a willingness to work outside is essential.
The Early Childhood team works together to support one another and reports to the Head of School. Mentorship is provided for new teachers.
EC teachers supervise one or more classroom assistants.
We do not require toilet independence among our youngest students in the nursery classrooms, so diapering and bathroom care are part of the daily routines.
Minimum Experience and Education Requirements:
One year working as a class lead in a Waldorf school OR three years working as a classroom assistant in a Waldorf school OR three years working as a class lead in another early childhood setting
Committed to taking Waldorf teacher training
Preferred Experience and Education Requirements:
Three or more years working as a class lead in a Waldorf school
Complete Waldorf teacher training
Required Skills
Ability to follow a Waldorf early childhood curriculum. Fluent English.
Physical Requirements:
1. Lift 30lbs
2. Walk with students, move between indoors and outdoors
3. Ability to be outdoors, in all weather, for extended periods of time
Additional Notes
We particularly encourage applications from individuals with identities less well-represented in independent school settings.
To Apply
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Lorie Miller, Head of School, lmiller@princetonwaldorf.org