Grades Teacher

Position Description:

DVWS Class Teachers carry the year-long program for their class of students. Classes may be single-grade or combined as determined by the Faculty. The Class teacher will collaborate with the Subject Teachers to coordinate the experience for the students.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Understand and develop lesson plans according to the Waldorf curriculum and developmental guidelines appropriate to the level of students they are teaching. 
  • Lesson plans will cover block studies in three or four week rhythms as well as ongoing skills lessons in language arts and mathematics. 
  • Arrange and support the students in performing a class play for parents and wider community.
  • Prepare grade appropriate activities, field trips.
  • Contribute to planning festival activities for the grade school. 
  • Monitoring both the academic and developmental growth of the students. 
  • Actively create a social environment in the classroom in which students are encouraged to be responsible for their actions as well as their work and behavior.
  • Provide a curriculum overview for parent orientation at the beginning of the school year. 
  • Prepare student block reports, conduct parent/teacher conferences once per year (or more when needed) and a final end of year report. 
  • Prepare and hold class meetings at least 3 times per school.
  • Cultivate and maintain parent communication with the class parents. 

Expectations of All Employees:

  • Provide support to parents and treat them with courtesy and respect. Foster growth of the community. Provide parents with opportunities to learn more about the Waldorf philosophy.
  • Work collegially with coworkers. Treat them with courtesy and respect. Be willing to work through conflicts when they arise.
  • Be able to hold sensitive information as confidential when identified as such in meetings by either the faculty, administration, or board.
  • Continue to work on self and professional development.
  • Be a worthy representative of DVWS and Waldorf education.
  • Be punctual.
  • Dress professionally and appropriately to stand before the students.
  • Be an adult worthy of imitation.
  • Work with each child as an individual, worthy of the deepest reverence. Treat children with courtesy, love and respect, especially when discipline is needed.
  • Strive for an inner understanding of the year's seasons and festivals in order to support the teacher in bringing this to the children in an appropriate fashion. 
  • Yearly attendance at Waldorf early childhood conferences or training is encouraged.

Organizational Responsibilities:

  • Participation in level and faculty meetings as scheduled or requested.
  • Participation in mentoring meetings (if suggested in your employment letter).
  • Participation in Faculty in-service meetings in advance of, during, and after the school year.
  • Committee work following the first year of teaching.
  • Supporting when needed the coverage of other duties (curb, bus, recess duty).
  • Willingness to step in for a colleague when needed.
  • Participation in the community building activities of the school.
  • Keeping up-to-date on announcements sent via email, the DVWS news or postings.
  • Reading the Employee Handbook annually and completing required safety training and compliance paperwork.
  • Familiarizing oneself with the policies and procedures printed in the Parent Handbook.
  • Timely submission of paperwork as requested.
  • Submission of receipts for any supplies purchased on behalf of the program in a timely manner.

Skills & Qualifications

  • Time management and planning for weekly, block and annual rhythms.
  • Professional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work well with colleagues.
  • A creative and open approach to living in the world.
  • Love and respect for the developing child.
  • Interest in an understanding of child development from the Anthroposophic view.
  • Experience teaching elementary grade level/s.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Work Hours:

  • During the Posted School Year (35-36 weeks): Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 3:45 pm
  • Evening and/or weekend events during the school year may be required. 
  • One week before and after the school year for meetings, collaborative work and preparation.
  • In-Service opportunities as scheduled
  • Planning and Prep Hours during June, July and August.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Class Teachers are Full Time EXEMPT employees.
  • Specific salary may be adjusted  based on training and experience.
  • Tuition remission for all legal children per the current employment policy based on FTE equivalency. 
  • Paid holidays based on the school calendar.
  • Annual training and enrichment benefit based on budget allocations.
  • PTO hours based on FTE equivalency (40 = full time).
  • Workers Compensation, Social Security, unemployment insurance benefits per the State of Illinois.

Application: 

Please send a letter of interest, resume, and a list of references to Info@Davinciwaldorf.Org.

Morgan Branson
Morgan Branson
Articles: 1697