Early Childhood Associate Teacher
Opening Statement
Swallowtail Waldorf School & Farm seeks an associate teacher to join our highly supportive and collaborative Early Childhood team. The EC Associate Teacher position allows experienced assistants to receive mentoring support as they grow into a lead teaching position. Ideally individuals in this role will have completed or will be concurrently involved in a Waldorf Teacher Training. The Associate Teacher supports the lead teacher in the mornings and continues on as the Lead Teacher during the afternoon portion of the program, providing a Waldorf Early Childhood education for children aged 3 to 6 years. In the forefront of their work will be warmth, rhythm, health, safety, professionalism, a reverence for nature and for one another.
About
Swallowtail School serves approximately 150 students from PreK through Grade 8. We are located at the intersection of rural Oregon farmland and the Portland suburbs, with a main campus in Cornelius and a farm property a few minutes away in Hillsboro. 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. We have a thriving Early Childhood program with one preschool and two mixed-age kindergartens, and those classes are usually full with a wait list. Grades classes range from 12-18 students. They are well supported by subject offerings (Music, Handwork, Spanish, Movement, Agricultural Arts, Middle School Math, and Eurythmy in blocks). Grades and Early Childhood classes spend one day per week in the fall and spring at our farm property where they work with our Agricultural Arts Teacher and full-time Farmer to deepen their connection to and understanding of the land.
Essential Job Duties
Specific duties for the Early Childhood Associate Teacher position include:
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During the morning portion of the day: Assisting the Lead Teacher in the daily rhythm of the classroom
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During the afternoon portion of the day: Leading the full day students in a healthy rhythm that includes rest, snack, and additional activity or play time
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Occasionally lead morning circle following plans made by the Lead Teacher, and once in the spring plan and lead a full block of morning circle work
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Assist with classroom prep and set-up in the mornings before class
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Participate in regular mentoring meetings with Lead Teacher, set professional growth goals and work towards them throughout the year
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Attentive supervision of students with an eye to safety at all times
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Modeling appropriate behavior and work worthy of imitation
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Demonstrating warmth, compassion and love while holding appropriate boundaries with children
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Preparing supplies for daily activities and working closely with the lead teacher to implement them
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Daily snack preparation
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Daily care to maintain a clean and orderly classroom
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Attending Early Childhood meetings as needed
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Other relevant tasks as needed
Qualifications
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A dedication to Waldorf Education
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Current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handlers (within 30 days of hire)
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Maintain current enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry
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Annual completion of 15 hours of relevant training (must be pre approved, copy of completion certificate submitted to the Oregon Registry and School Director)
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Completion of Safety Set trainings from Early Learning Division (prior to first day in classroom)
To Apply
To apply, please send a letter of intent, resume, and three references to hiring@swallowtailschool.org