1st Grade Teacher
Opening Statement
Swallowtail Waldorf School & Farm is seeking a dynamic, caring class teacher to lead our rising first grade class for the 2025-26 school year. Our class teachers ideally continue to guide their students on their journey through the eighth grade. At Swallowtail we are fortunate to have an exceptionally committed and supportive community of families and a close-knit collegial group who value working together in collaboration. Grades classes are well supported by subject offerings, and classes spend one day per week at our farm property where they work with our Agricultural Arts and full time Farmer to deepen their connection to the natural world and understanding of the land.
The 1st Grade Teacher is responsible for bringing developmentally appropriate curriculum in accordance with the principles and methods of Waldorf Education. In the forefront of our work will be warmth, rhythm, health, safety, professionalism, a reverence for nature and for one another. The 1st Grade Teacher is also responsible for forming and maintaining a healthy social life in their class and for incorporating the student families into the school life. They are an important member of the Grades team and are expected to work collaboratively with colleagues, share responsibilities for program delivery, and serve as a role model within the school community.
About
Swallowtail Waldorf School & Farm serves students from Preschool through 8th Grade. We are located in the heart of Washington County where forest and farmland meet the Portland suburbs. Our main campus is located on 6 acres of open field and mature trees and our school building features large, thoughtfully designed classrooms with ample storage. Our farm property includes sustainable agriculture plots as well as native forest, meadow, and variable wetland areas within the McKay Creek basin of Hillsboro, OR.
Essential Job Duties
Specific duties for the 1st Grade Position includes:
- Develop class curriculum incorporating:
- An anthroposophical understanding of the developmental needs of the students
- Our shared commitment to bringing greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to Waldorf Education
- Swallowtail grade-level benchmarks and recent assessments or observations, to build capacities and ensure academic growth
- Prepare a school-year schedule of subject blocks (block rotation) in the summer and daily written lesson plans throughout the year. Daily lessons should include movement, music, rhythm, story and imagery, review, and new instruction. Written plans should include learning goals and a space for reflection.
- Provide a consistent rhythm of the day, week, and year
- Dress in appropriate gear for the weather when outdoors, and uphold that expectation with students
- Ensure a beautiful and well-kept classroom
- Maintain a healthy classroom atmosphere of respect and attention by holding appropriate boundaries with children in a calm and centered manner
- Assess the growth and development of students in the program, communicating proactively with parents and Student Support Coordinator if a student is in need of extra support
Qualifications
Required Trainings/Attributes
- A dedication to Waldorf Education
- Waldorf Grades Teaching Certification
- At least one year of classroom teaching experience
- A love of children and a deep desire to support their growth
- Excellent classroom management skills
- Willingness to be part of a culture that values professional growth and ongoing positive and constructive feedback.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- The desire and ability to work collaboratively with all members of the school community
- The ability to adapt the curriculum to the skills and needs of a class or individual child
- Current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handlers (within 30 days of hire)
Employment Details
Swallowtail School is an associate member of AWSNA and WECAN. Salary is based on education and experience. Benefits include tuition remission for dependents and medical/dental/vision.
To Apply
To apply, please send a letter of intent, resume, and three references to Emma Graves egraves@SwallowtailSchool.org