3rd Grade Teacher – Position Open Immediately
3rd Grade Teacher – Position Open Immediately
Job Category: Lower School: Grades 1-5
Opening Statement
Mountain Laurel Waldorf School is seeking a passionate and dedicated Third Grade Class Teacher. The ideal candidate will be a certified or nearly certified and caring grades teacher, committed to the ideals of Waldorf education and who wishes to be an active member of our community. Additional duties include attending faculty meetings, preparing student reports, serving on committees, and holding regular parent evenings.
This position is open immediately and our candidate will ideally continue the educational journey of this beautiful class of 15 children through their Eighth Grade year.
About
MLWS is a Nursery through Eighth Grade school, with 4 Early Childhood classes, Parent-Child classes, and a popular Summer Program.
Special Subject classes for First through Eighth Grades include Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Handwork, Sculpture, Eurhythmy, Vanaver Caravan World Dances, Games, Chorus and Orchestra. Our Care Streams Group mentored by Kim John Payne offers support in social inclusion, discipline and learning. Our Educational Support Teacher works individually or in a group setting with the students who need more support in literacy. Our After-School Activities include a chamber ensemble, high school ensemble, sculpture, fiber arts, African drumming, Chinese dancing and other classes.
MLWS is a full member of WECAN and an associate member of AWSNA.
MLWS was founded in 1983 by a group of parents searching for an educational alternative for their children. The school is housed in a charming Victorian mansion, circa 1876 with beautiful Lazure-painted classrooms. A separate Practical Arts building houses the Sculpture and Fiber Arts studios. Our children play on 3 age-appropriate playgrounds on campus and a large community playground.
Located in the beautiful Mid-Hudson Valley, New Paltz is approximately ninety miles from New York City. It is home to many active artists and ecological groups. In addition, two major centers of Anthroposophical endeavor, Spring Valley with Sunbridge Institute and Hawthorne Valley are closeby.
MLWS is within walking distance from the vibrant village center of New Paltz, Historic Huguenot Street (the oldest street in America), and the State University of New York (SUNY) campus.
New Paltz is rich in history and is a stone’s throw away from pristine nature preserves with lakes, water falls and many miles of hiking/biking/rock climbing/snowshoeing and cross country skiing trails. The Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park and the Empire State Rail Trail offer our students many opportunities to learn, explore and enjoy.
The school currently has a mandate group system of governance and a committed College. Our staff numbers nearly thirty-five, with an active and supportive Board of Trustees.
Benefits include a competitive salary, medical coverage including dental and vision, paid sick leave, tuition remission, 401k, and support for continuing education.
At Mountain Laurel, each student receives the instruction necessary to be prepared to meet the challenges of our world and the future–with clarity of thought, love of learning, a caring heart and confidence to initiate change. Our teachers provide a balanced, comprehensive curriculum that engages the child at every developmental age.
The hiring process includes, but is not limited to: classroom observations, one or more teaching demonstrations presented by the candidate, and a hiring interview with the College after a meeting with the Personnel Committee.
MLWS is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, language or any other legally protected class
Salary will be commensurate with experience, base salary is $46,000 plus $500 for every year of Waldorf experience.
Interested candidates should send their resume with a cover letter to personnel@mountainlaurel.org
Essential Job Duties
The grades class teacher is responsible for leading the class with warmth and understanding, possessing excellent classroom management skills, is organized, and can oversee the social health of the class. At MLWS we strive to have the class teachers continue with the class through grades 1 to 8, allowing the teacher to build a unique relationship with the class and getting to know each child’s strengths and challenges.
- Develop and present main lessons and other lessons as needed, in accordance with the understanding of the human being developed through Anthroposophy.
- Have awareness of how the class is progressing in every subject as a group and as individual children.
- Work collegially in the classroom and the community to support the mission of the school.
- Pursue formal training and personal study in order to understand more about the curriculum and child development.
- Keep accurate records of
- lesson plans and outcomes,
- the children’s physical, emotional and intellectual capacities, abilities and achievements.
- major incidents affecting children’s lives, i.e. major illness, changes to home environment, and possible responses to medical or remedial intervention.
- Take daily attendance and report to the office
- Communicate with parents at semiannual Parent-Teacher conferences, at three or more parent evenings per year, and more often as needed.
- Prepare individualized end-of-year progress reports by the designated deadline, and other reports regarding students.
- Communicate with special subject teachers as needed
- Communicate with the Educational Support Teacher regarding identification of and planned support for student learning needs.
- Prepare Child Study presentations.
- Conduct home visits for all students new to the class.
- Keep the classroom and other areas used by class clean and tidy, and create as attractive a classroom space as resources allow.
- Develop field trips in support of the curriculum. Become acquainted with local geography, resources, issues and developments.
- Record and submit classroom expenses, staying within the limits of the class budget.
- Submit supply order for the following school year by the designated deadline.
- Commit to community education by attending lectures, workshops, conferences and faculty study in order to deepen your understanding of Waldorf pedagogy
- Participate in all faculty professional development days
- Participate in regular peer meetings
- Attend workweek before and after the student school year.
- Supervise children when they are playing outside
- Substitute when needed
- Attend College Meetings including participation in the educational process of all students through child studies.
- Serve on Board and College Mandate Groups.
- Participate in the greater Waldorf community, finding ways to share activities with other schools; keep up with AWSNA news.
- Attend festivals, assemblies, fairs, other all-school events and open houses as scheduled.
- Organize and support school festivals, assemblies and outreach/enrollment efforts.
- Be available to support enrollment during the summer.
- Contribute regularly to school publications.
- Support initiatives related to diversity and belonging.
Qualifications
- A commitment to the core principles of Waldorf education and a love of teaching
- Waldorf Teacher Training Certificate or willingness to begin the training.
- Previous experience teaching in a classroom setting, ideally in a Waldorf School.
- Experience with classroom management strategies that foster a positive learning environment.
- Flexibility in adapting teaching methods to accommodate the unique needs of the children in the classroom
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience with developing imaginative lesson plans incorporating storytelling, art, music, and movement.
Employment Details
Salary is commensurate with experience: base salary starts at $46,000 plus $500 for every year of Waldorf teaching experience. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, HSA, employee assistance program, 401(k), professional development stipend, relocation assistance and 90% tuition remission.
To Apply
To apply, interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to personnel@mountainlaurel.org.
The hiring process includes, but is not limited to: classroom observations, one or more teaching demonstrations presented by the candidate, and a hiring interview with the College after a meeting with the Personnel Committee.