Grade 4/5 Lead Teacher
Opening Statement
Beginning: August 1, 2025 – until filled –
The Ithaca Waldorf School is seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic Grades Teacher for our combined 4/5th grade class. This class will be handed off after the 2025/26 school year to our middle school team.
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or higher or equivalent experience. Multiple years of successful grades teaching experience, preferably in a Waldorf School, are desired. Ideal candidates possess a Waldorf teaching certificate or are willing to obtain one.
About
Currently, the Ithaca Waldorf school offers a growing Grade One through Eight program, in addition to providing full-day programs in two Early Childhood classrooms, which are fully accredited by the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America.
In our grades program, our lower grades teachers travel with their students from grades 1 to 5 while our upper grades teachers (aka Middle School Team) take them over in grade 5 or 6 and lead the class to grade 8.
The Ithaca Waldorf School is nestled in the New York Finger Lakes on an 80-acre organic campus composed of fields, forest, and an emerging educational farm. Our Faculty, Administration, and Board enjoy a warm collegial relationship and work collaboratively to strengthen the school’s growth.
Essential Job Duties
Essential Job Duties
Lead our combined grade 4/5 class and get them ready for our rigorous upper grades curriculum the following year.
Classroom Responsibilities and Duties:
- All aspects of preparing and teaching lessons.
- Develop and maintain a safe, inclusive and harmonious environment that supports social-emotional development and learning.
- Document and record student progress and grades according to agreed upon standards.
- Conduct class parent meetings on a routine basis.
- Prepare a yearly class play or presentation as indicated by the curriculum.
- Create and maintain a grade-appropriate, aesthetically pleasing, and orderly classroom space.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Maintaining and striving for an openness to understand Waldorf Education and child development.
- Attendance and participation in weekly faculty meetings and in-service professional development days.
- Service on at least one (1) faculty committee. First year teachers may be exempt from this requirement.
- Attendance/assistance at major all-school activities.
- Attendance at all-school meetings as indicated by administration.
- Willingness to participate in the enrollment process of new students, particularly in discussions of student placement.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
- BA or BS required or equivalent life experience
- Waldorf Teaching Certificate preferred
- Waldorf teaching experience preferred
- Experience teaching grade school-age students
- Teaching, interpersonal, and class management skills
- Strong communication and organizational skills
Employment Details
Benefits include:
- Salary commensurate with experience (base = $41,200 with $500 increments added for applicable experience and credentials)
- Health benefits, including optional dental and vision plans
- Simple IRA Retirement Plan
- Tuition remission
- Professional development funds
To Apply
Applicants should email a letter of interest, resume, and three references including most recent school employer to the IWS Hiring Committee (office@ithacawaldorf.org).