MIDDLE SCHOOL LEAD TEACHER (6TH–8TH GRADE LOOP AT A WALDORF-INSPIRED SCHOOL)
Full-Time | 2026–2027 School Year | Desert Star Community School | Sedona, AZ
Desert Star Community School (DSCS) seeks a warm, capable, and dedicated 8th Grade Lead Teacher. Nestled in the red rocks of the Verde Valley near Sedona, DSCS is a public charter school of approximately 150 students, proudly bringing Waldorf-inspired education into the public sphere as a member of the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education. This is a rare opportunity to walk alongside a class of students for their last year of adolescence on campus, building deep relationships and preparing them for high school years ahead - all within a small, close-knit school community surrounded by natural beauty.
ABOUT DESERT STAR COMMUNITY SCHOOL
- A K–8 public charter school serving approximately 150 students in the heart of the Verde Valley, minutes from Sedona.
- Now in our 20th year, DSCS is a premiere, highly regarded Waldorf-inspired public charter in Northern Arizona with an actively expanding program.
- Waldorf-inspired curriculum and pedagogy delivered within the public charter framework; tuition-free, open enrollment, and accessible to families across the region.
- Proud member of the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education, connecting our faculty to a national network of public Waldorf educators.
- A campus alive with ongoing new building projects, a working garden and chicken coop, a beautiful indoor performance stage, and direct desert hiking access right from campus.
- A small, mission-driven faculty and staff culture where teachers are known, supported, and empowered.
- Located in the stunning red-rock countryside of the Sedona area, a region known for its art and culture, quiet and peaceful pace of life, and world-class outdoor recreation, with easy access to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Prescott, Jerome, and Phoenix.
THE POSITION
This is an ongoing, full-time Middle School Lead Teacher position looping with a class of students across 6th, 7th, and 8th grade (though you start with finishing the loop with a graduating 8th grade). The position has come open due to a recent staff transition. The 8th Grade Lead Teacher serves as the primary class teacher, delivering core main lesson blocks and guiding students through the academic, social, and emotional milestones of adolescence. This includes a class play and capstone/graduation project.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan and deliver Waldorf main lesson blocks across core subjects (literature, history, science, math, and geography) appropriate to each grade level.
- Create a rhythmic, developmentally appropriate classroom environment that supports the social and emotional needs.
- Guide the class through educational milestones, culminating in graduation/capstone project.
- Grade work and host parent-teacher conferences.
- Communicate proactively and warmly with parents/guardians, including navigating sensitive family conversations with professionalism and care.
- Participate fully in faculty meetings, in-service days, and school festivals and community events.
- Support 8th grade students' transition planning to high school, including letters of recommendation and academic records.
- Maintain compliance with Arizona public charter school requirements, including state assessment administration, IEP/504 collaboration, and mandatory reporting.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated background in learning, love for learning, or education.
- Waldorf certified, or a genuine willingness to pursue Waldorf certification.
- Experience work with teenagers strongly preferred.
- Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card (or ability to obtain prior to start date).
- Understanding of adolescent development and a genuine love of working with this age group.
- Strong classroom management skills paired with warmth, humor, patience, and flexibility.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to navigate difficult parent conversations with clarity and grace.
- Willingness to engage fully in the life of a small school community, including festivals, fundraising, and shared duties beyond the classroom.
- Comfort working within a public charter accountability structure while upholding Waldorf pedagogical integrity.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Salary range: $40,000–$60,000, placed according to DSCS's salary placement chart based on education and experience.
- A generous signing bonus that can be negotiated.
- Generous annual bonus of approximately $5,000.
- $3,000 annual health stipend.
- 10 days PTO, cashable out.
- All child-related program expenses covered, including field trips and afterschool care.
- Paid continuing education, including Waldorf training and conference opportunities.
- The opportunity to live and work in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Southwest.
START DATE & TO APPLY
Start date: August 3, 2026. Please submit a resume, letter of interest describing your relationship to Waldorf education and your vision for looping with a middle school class (though starting with an 8th grade this year), and contact information for three professional references to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Desert Star Community School is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are committed to building a faculty that reflects the diversity of our community.
Pay: $40,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
