**Immediate Opening** Lower Grades Class Teacher
**Immediate Opening** Lower Grades Class Teacher
Job Category: Lower School: Grades 1-5
Opening Statement
The Chicago Waldorf School is seeking a passionate and experienced grade school class teacher to fill an immediate opening in the lower grades.
At Chicago Waldorf School we are proud to deliver Waldorf Education from Early Childhood through grade 12 in a vibrant urban setting. Here is a picture of our school “by the numbers:”
- 100% of our faculty report feeling trusted to teach in the way they see fit*
- 96% of our faculty said they would recommend working here to a friend*
- 94% of our families said their students felt a strong sense of belonging*
- 45 is the number of languages spoken in our school community
- 46% of our students identify as BIPOC*
- 50 is the number of years since our founding
- 9 is the number of staff in our Social Work and Learning Support departments
- 100% of our grade school class teachers are Waldorf certified
*Results are from 2024 AWSNA Climate and Equity Survey of School Community
About
More About the Chicago Waldorf School
CWS, founded in 1974, is one of the most established Waldorf Schools in the United States, offering a full curriculum in grades 1 through 12, and which from its inception committed to remaining in the City of Chicago’s vibrant urban setting. We seek to explore and enrich the Waldorf curriculum through the arts, equity and inclusion, human relationships and the time in which we live. Our work stems from the core values of Waldorf Education.
We have been in our permanent home for five years, the landmark Lyman Trumbull building, which includes 49 classrooms and offices, a gym, auditorium and two outdoor parks. Our 100,000 square feet make us the largest Waldorf school in the United States. We are proud to partner with many businesses and organizations in the surrounding Andersonville neighborhood.
Our faculty come from around the world and from all stages of life. Every new teacher is assigned a mentor and given weekly mentoring meetings. Faculty have access to professional development funds. Our faculty receive training in first aid, sexual harassment, trans-inclusivity and we regularly offer SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) seminars. The faculty also study the pedagogical insights of Rudolf Steiner in weekly faculty meetings. In additional to core academic subjects we teach music, German, Spanish, Eurythmy, gardening, parkour, and practical and fine arts. Our families are international and reflect diversity in all its aspects but families are united in their desire for a developmental curriculum that recognizes the whole child and celebrates difference.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Chicago Waldorf School does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and beyond that has a deep commitment to respect and celebrate the differences in students and staff from widely diverse social, economic, cultural, linguistic, intellectual, racial, educational, and religious backgrounds. There is a sustained effort to improve and clear recognition that our educational excellence and fulfillment of our school’s mission is dependent on embracing diversity in our school community. We seek to fully include and affirm faculty, staff, and students in all of their identities. In everything we do we work toward freedom, responsibility and excellence. The Chicago Waldorf School provides its teachers, staff and families ongoing opportunities to study and discuss aspects of diversity.
Essential Job Duties
Class Teacher Duties and Responsibilities
The grades class teacher is responsible for planning and delivering the daily, weekly and block rhythm lessons for the year. These plans are developed in accordance with the principles of Waldorf pedagogy and in light of the needs of the class and individual students. The grades class teacher is also responsible for deepening his/her understanding of Anthroposophy, but also using other resources to create a balanced and equitable classroom and curriculum.
Class teachers will also design, lead and manage projects such as class trips and plays. Along with the Social Work department, the class teacher supports group and individual social emotional wellness. Class teachers partner with the Learning Support department to address learning challenges. In addition to presenting academic subjects in Morning Lesson blocks, teachers may do seasonal projects, singing, movement, recitation and other physical work to enliven the curriculum.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Candidates should possess strong classroom management skills, excellent communication and an ability to collaborate with colleagues. We ask all of our faculty to engage with the larger community through events and committee work. Although we are in an urban environment, we spend ample time out of doors in all weather, and we embrace the changes of season.
The ideal candidate will
- have at least an undergraduate degree
- have completed or be in the process of completing Waldorf teacher training and/or three years successful Waldorf teaching experience
- be well-rounded in the arts
- be open to mentoring and/or further training
Employment Details
Compensation & Amenities
The Chicago Waldorf School offers an excellent and competitive benefits package, including health, dental and life insurance, 403B pension program, full tuition remission, and funds for on-going professional development. The salary is commensurate with experience in the range of $45,000-$65,000.
To Apply
We encourage you to forward this job opening to others who may be interested. To apply please send your resume and letter of interest to: recruitment@chicagowaldorf.org.