Job description:
Grades Teacher
2026-2027 School Year
About Us
We are Tahoe Truckee Waldorf, a community-anchored, independent Waldorf program offering preschool (Little Gems) and elementary age (Wild River) programs. We strive to model independent thinking, creativity, and problem solving that serves as a firm foundation for creating a healthy social and natural world. Our program for children aged 3 months to age 14 strives to create opportunities that are WIDER, WILDER, and WONDER-FILLED.
We serve families seeking a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. Our heart is in educating the whole child, by providing wider opportunities, wilder experiences, and wonder-filled days. Wild River and Little Gems utilize Waldorf pedagogy, where we honor the child's natural phases of learning, encourage deep relationship building with peers and teachers, ignite and inspire imaginations, and strive to develop independent and ethical thinkers.
We offer the amazing benefit of being in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Truckee, CA. We are surrounded by the beautiful big bold outdoors with opportunities for backpacking, skiing, mountain biking, camping, swimming, and boating activities and beyond. Come and play in the wilderness with us!
The Opportunity
Wild River Waldorf School seeks a dedicated and creative Grades Teacher to guide young learners through the wonder-filled elementary years on our beautiful 40-acre forest campus. This is an exceptional opportunity for an educator who understands the developmental journey of childhood—when children grow from the dreamy world of early elementary into capable, thinking, and feeling individuals ready to meet the world with confidence, creativity, and compassion.
Imagine welcoming children each morning with circle time songs that connect them to the seasons and rhythms of our mountain environment, leading main lessons that weave stories and academics into an artistic whole, and watching children blossom into their full potential under your care. You'll bring deep respect for child development, artistic creativity, and the pedagogical understanding to meet each child where they are while guiding them forward on their unique developmental path.
This role is for someone who sees teaching not as delivering content, but as nurturing each child's unfolding relationship with learning and the world. Genuine interest in and commitment to Waldorf education principles is essential.
Position Overview
The Grades Teacher will serve as the primary classroom teacher for an elementary grade level, creating a nurturing learning environment rooted in Waldorf educational philosophy and adapted to our mountain setting. Working collaboratively with specialty teachers, support staff, and the Pedagogical Director, you will design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum that honors each child's stage of growth while building a strong, supportive classroom community. This position is based on our 40-acre forest campus and reports to the Pedagogical Director.
Primary ResponsibilitiesTeaching & Curriculum
- Design and teach daily main lesson blocks that integrate academic content with artistic activities, following Waldorf curriculum guidelines for your grade level
- Teach curriculum content appropriate to the developmental stage of your students, potentially including literacy, mathematics, sciences, social studies, history, and geography
- Lead morning circle time with songs, verses, movement, and seasonal activities that build community and rhythm
- Integrate arts (painting, drawing, music, handwork) throughout the curriculum as expressions of learning
- Utilize our 40-acre forest campus for outdoor learning, nature study, and seasonal observations
- Maintain daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms that provide security and predictability for children
- Collaborate with specialty teachers (music, handwork, movement, Spanish) to create a cohesive educational experience
- Create and maintain beautiful, nurturing classroom environment that reflects the seasons and supports learning
- Adapt curriculum to meet the specific needs of your students while maintaining Waldorf developmental principles
Child Development & Observation
- Observe each child's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development with care and attention
- Maintain detailed records and documentation of student progress and growth
- Adapt teaching approaches to meet individual learning styles and needs
- Recognize and support children through developmental transitions and challenges
- Create individualized support plans in collaboration with parents and Pedagogical Director when needed
Classroom Community & Management
- Foster a warm, inclusive classroom culture where all children feel safe, valued, and capable
- Establish clear, age-appropriate expectations and routines that support healthy child development
- Guide conflict resolution and social-emotional learning with patience and skill
- Celebrate individual and collective growth through authentic recognition
- Build strong peer relationships and collaborative learning community
Family Partnership & Communication
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with families through regular communication
- Conduct parent-teacher conferences twice yearly to share observations and celebrate growth
- Host parent evenings to educate families about Waldorf curriculum and child development
- Maintain open communication about classroom activities, upcoming events, and student progress
- Welcome parent questions and concerns with professionalism and partnership
- Invite appropriate parent participation in classroom activities and festivals
Community Participation
- Plan and facilitate seasonal festivals and celebrations that involve families and build community
- Participate in weekly faculty meetings, pedagogical study groups, and professional development
- Collaborate with colleagues to support whole-school initiatives and maintain Waldorf integrity
- Engage in ongoing study of anthroposophy and Waldorf pedagogy
- Contribute to the school's mission of creating WIDER, WILDER, and WONDER-FILLED experiences
Administrative Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate attendance records and required documentation
- Communicate with administration regarding classroom needs and student concerns
- Participate in school-wide planning and decision-making as appropriate
- Complete required reporting and comply with school policies and procedures
QualificationsRequired
- Genuine interest in and commitment to Waldorf educational philosophy and principles (Waldorf teacher training or willingness to engage in intensive study and training)
- Bachelor's degree in education or related field
- Valid teaching credential or ability to obtain one
- Experience teaching elementary-aged children
- Understanding of child development
- Strong classroom management skills
- Artistic abilities and willingness to integrate arts into daily teaching
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
- Flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving abilities
- Physical ability to work actively with children, including outdoor activities on our forest campus
- Background check clearance and commitment to child safety protocols
Strongly Preferred
- Waldorf teacher training certification (or enrolled in training program)
- Experience teaching in a Waldorf school
- Knowledge of child development through an anthroposophical lens
- Experience with outdoor education or nature-based learning
- Familiarity with storytelling and oral narrative traditions
- Handwork skills (knitting, crocheting, sewing)
- Musical abilities (singing, recorder, lyre)
- Spanish language skills
Essential Qualities
- Deep love and respect for childhood and young children
- Patience, warmth, and genuine delight in children's development
- Artistic sensibility and creative imagination
- Strong presence and ability to hold healthy authority with children
- Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
- Collaborative spirit and openness to feedback
- Enthusiasm for working in a mountain environment across all seasons
- Dedication to Waldorf pedagogy and anthroposophical principles
Physical Demands
- Frequent: Standing, walking, sitting on floor, bending, reaching, speaking, active engagement with children, outdoor activities across 40-acre campus
- Occasional: Lifting and carrying materials and equipment (up to 25 lbs.), work in varied weather conditions
- Ability to actively participate in children's activities, including circle time movements, outdoor play, and festivals
Why This Role is Extraordinary
This position offers the unique opportunity to:
- Shape young lives during critical developmental years: Guide children through transformative elementary years
- Teach on a 40-acre forest campus: Integrate nature as a daily teacher and bring children into rich relationship with the mountain environment
- Practice authentic Waldorf education: Teach with story, rhythm, arts, and movement at the heart of your practice
- Build lasting relationships: Develop deep connections with children and families
- Join a committed community: Work alongside passionate educators dedicated to honoring childhood and Waldorf principles
- Grow as a Waldorf teacher: Engage in ongoing pedagogical study and be supported in your development
- Live the mission: Create WIDER, WILDER, and WONDER-FILLED days for children during their formative years
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and education
- Professional development opportunities and support for Waldorf training
- Beautiful work environment on 40-acre forest campus in the Sierra Nevada
- Collaborative, mission-driven community
How to Apply
Please send the following to: [email protected]
- Letter of intent addressing:
- Your interest in Waldorf education and this role
- Your experience with children and understanding of their development
- Your vision for grades teaching in a Waldorf setting
- What excites you about teaching on a forest campus in a mountain environment
- Your artistic and creative strengths
- Resume
- Three professional references
- Teaching philosophy statement (optional but encouraged)
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. TTW does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, actual or perceived race, actual or perceived gender, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. TTW complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a disability.
Join us in nurturing the wonder and capacity of children during their formative years!
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
Pay: $63,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
