Waldorf Middle School Teacher

Overview

Heartwood Charter is a growing independent study program serving students in Sonoma and Marin Counties. Our Bothin Waldorf Program is an in-person learning environment located at our serene campus in Fairfax, California. The Middle School Teacher guides students in the upper grades to excellent academic achievement.

Our initiative is sustained by innovative pioneers and warm-hearted, dedicated parents and teachers. We, the members of this educational community, are courageous, enthusiastic, bold, kind and a bit wild at heart. We believe there should be no limits on access to education. Education should be based in holistic child development and involve a living connection with both the arts and the natural world.

Description

Middle School teachers and assistants at Heartwood Charter School work on behalf of the entire school as they maintain the  relationship a family has with the school as their student progresses through the grades. Heartwood teachers are expected to create and maintain a professional program true to the ideals of Waldorf pedagogy. 

We are seeking candidates who are innovative, creative and flexible and ready to join us wholeheartedly in continuing to develop a unique Waldorf-based educational environment. Our ideal candidate will strive for excellence in teaching and be committed to dialogue with parents and colleagues. 

 Teacher Responsibilities 

• The Middle School Teacher should have a passion for Waldorf education, and the personal development and self-reflection to be able to work well in a collegial setting.

• Care for the physical and emotional well-being of the children

• Work with individual children who need guidance

• Be aware of creative play of children, redirect and inspire them as necessary

• Participate in domestic activities joyously

• Care for the physical environment which includes maintaining a beautiful classroom that is clean and orderly

Parent Relationships 

• The Lead Teacher is the point of contact for parental questions and concerns  

• The Teacher is to maintain a professional relationship with parents and observe strict confidentiality regarding all school, child and family matters 

• The Teacher is to practice direct communication with faculty peers and the Steering Committee in order to share their own knowledge and experience.

Teacher/Assistant Relationships 

•  The Lead Teacher will share the daily/weekly rhythms, preview activities, festivals and other special occasions, and instruct any Assistants in ways to support classroom activities.

Safe and Healthy Classroom Environment 

• Ensure that all equipment and materials are appropriate and in good repair 

• Ensure that children are in sight of a supervising adult at all times 

• Model and uphold safe standards of behavior 

• Ensure that cleaning compounds or other potentially harmful materials are kept out of reach of children 

• Regularly clean classroom materials and equipment

• Practice good health standards (i.e. Wash hands before food preparation, cover items stored in refrigerator, keep refrigerator no warmer than 40 degrees, sanitize dishes,) 

• Prepare food planned by Lead Teacher 

• Dress children appropriately for weather conditions

Additional Responsibilities 

• Work collaboratively with EC colleagues to carry out parent education

• Support vision of the Early Childhood Program 

• Attend Early Childhood Section meetings

State Licensing Requirements 

• Clear teaching credential preferred

• ECE credits and/or Waldorf Training preferred

• Middle school experience in a Waldorf setting preferred

Education and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field

• Current clear teaching credential preferred

• Waldorf training preferred

• Good communication 

• Calm, gentle manner 

• Works cooperatively with groups (and individuals)

• Musical ability, especially singing 

• Hold the rhythm and routine in the teacher’s absence with a paid or volunteer assistant 

• Manage small groups of children independently

• Must maintain confidentiality of children, families and school personnel

Schedule

The Teacher position begins mid- August and is completed mid- June.  Please refer to the current year school calendar for specific dates. 

Please note that we are currently hiring on an ongoing basis, so please apply throughout the year.

Weekly schedule during school year: 7:45am-3:00 pm  daily plus possible after school hours (at the discretion of the Director)
Section meeting: approximately 1 ½ hours weekly

Festivals and other events which require additional hours:
Lantern Walk – 2 hours
Spiral walk - 2 hours
Open Houses- 2 per year, 2 hours each