Lead Kindergarten Teacher
Opening Statement
The Charlottesville Waldorf School is seeking a full-time, lead kindergarten teacher for the 2025-26 school year. Teachers with experience in Waldorf education are encouraged to apply. Waldorf teacher training/certification is welcome but is neither required for applying nor an expectation for continued employment at CWS. We provide in-house mentoring and instructional coaching, and fully fund annual professional development programs for our teachers.
About
Located in the heart of Charlottesville, with the University of Virginia as a close neighbor, CWS draws in a vibrant community of people who care deeply about Waldorf education. The school celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022. We are a faculty and staff of 35, including Early Childhood, Grades 1-8, and Specialty teachers, and an administrative staff of School Director, Program Director, Enrollment Coordinator, Accounts Manager, Operations Manager, Communications and Events Coordinator, and a Maintenance Technician.
The Charlottesville Waldorf School exists to offer education based on an anthroposophical understanding of the human being as developed by Rudolf Steiner and as nurtured through the active self-development and child observation of our faculty. We seek to provide each child with the physical environment and stimulation of the imagination needed at each stage of his or her growth in order to awaken the new capacities required to reach his or her full adult potential.
The school is committed to the following statement regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion: The Charlottesville Waldorf School values the humanity of all people in their individuality and embraces their race, ethnicity, nationality, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, culture, religion or spirituality, and socio-economic experience. We commit to actively engaging in the essential and ongoing process of accessing the intended potential and strength of the Waldorf Curriculum by moving beyond its European roots, fostering an environment of inclusivity, and holding each other accountable for growth. We are actively working together, while acknowledging the history of our location, to bring social responsibility to the forefront of our mission as a center for education.
Essential Job Duties
The Early Childhood (EC) Lead Teacher is responsible for creating and nurturing a warm, imaginative, and secure environment for young children. This role involves designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum based on Waldorf educational principles, which fosters the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth of each child. The Lead Teacher will guide the children through a predictable and harmonious daily rhythm that includes storytelling, singing, artistic activities, and free play, both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, the Lead Teacher will work collaboratively with their assistant teacher, parents, colleagues, and the broader school community to support each child’s holistic development and ensure a strong foundation for lifelong learning. This position requires a deep commitment to Waldorf education, strong leadership skills, and a compassionate, patient approach to early childhood education.
Qualifications
- Education and Certification:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field.
- Certification in Waldorf Education from an accredited institution.
- Valid teaching credential (preferred but not required).
- Experience:
- Previous teaching experience in a Waldorf school (preferred).
- Experience working with children in a classroom setting.
- Skills:
- Strong understanding of Waldorf educational philosophy and methods.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to create and maintain a positive and engaging learning environment.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to use software systems like Blackbaud.
- Creative and flexible approach to teaching and problem-solving.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and the school community.
- Personal Qualities:
- Passion for teaching and a deep commitment to student development.
- Patience, empathy, and a nurturing attitude.
- Enthusiasm for lifelong learning and self-improvement.
- Dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom community.
- Reliability and punctuality
- Willingness to work out of Anthroposophy
- Acknowledging the inherent eurocentric bias and the social justice intentions of the Waldorf curriculum, have the ability to work toward consciously decolonizing the curriculum
- Willingness to pursue further Waldorf training
Employment Details
- Base Salary: $34,500 annually plus applicable increments, based on certification, degrees and experience.
Tuition reduction: 50% for up to three children, with a 10% increase each year of employment up to 90% (incremental increases do not apply to Early Childhood students) - Benefits: $3,000 health care stipend per year
Leave/Sick Days: 10 days
To Apply
Interested candidates are invited to send a cover letter and resume to hiring@cwaldorf.org. A job description can be sent upon request. Salary information is based on each person’s educational and professional background and can also be sent once a resume is received. We invite you to learn more about our school and program on our website cwaldorf.org and through social media on Facebook and Instagram @cvillewaldorf.