Position Overview.

The Waldorf Class Teacher is a central figure in the life of the school and the primary guide for a class of students through multiple years of their elementary education. Rooted in the principles of Anthroposophy and Waldorf education the class teacher nurtures the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth of each child. This role combines academic instruction with artistic, social and moral education tailored to the developmental stages of the students. The teacher is also a bridge between the students, their families and the broader faculty, helping to build a cohesive and supportive learning community.

Key Responsibilities

Develop Appropriate Curriculum Delivery

• Class teachers are expected to strive to understand the model of child development that underlies the Waldorf curriculum, and coupling this with study of the curriculum itself, the curriculum standards of the school and an awareness of the class and community attributes, plan lessons for the grade level of their students.
• Main lessons and special classes be planned and taught such that attention is following these attributes;
• Balance of thinking, feeling and willing activities
• The conveyance of enthusiasm for the subject and for learning
• A balance of directed and independent work
• Presenting the children with challenging, age appropriate work
• In addition to main lessons, class teachers are responsible for planning and teaching form drawing, music, painting, drawing , modeling and skills or practice periods in which the main lesson learning is practiced and reinforced. Class teachers are also responsible for handwork or craft lessons.
• Ensure written plans are prepared each year which include the order of main lesson blocks, goals for the students, development of academic, artistic, physical and social skills and daily and weekly class schedules.

Engagement and Participation

• Provide a conscious model of responsible behavior that together with loving authority and discipline, conveys to them a living sense of reverence and gratitude.
• Develop the ability to work with the class as a whole, while concurrently being aware of individual needs.
• Observations are to be made of the class as a whole and of individual children, the children are to be taken into the teacher’s meditative life.
• Ensure full attendance of weekly faculty meetings, section meetings and in service days as scheduled.

Assessment & Reporting

• Class teachers are expected to interact with parents with honesty, courtesy, warmth and professionalism, working with them to promote awareness and understanding of their child’s school experience, as well as to foster the parents development as a supporting and protecting calyx around the development of the class as a whole.
• Ensure to actively employ good communication skills in working with parents and conduct parent teacher conferences according to school’s schedule at which they strive to form a shared vision of the child with the parents, discuss all aspects of the child’s progress in school, mutually share concerns and discuss means of working with concerns.

Professional Development & Contribution to School Life

• Working together with faculty colleagues sharing observations, questions and insights to support each other’s professional and personal development.
• Contribute to the development and review of departmental resources to ensure the department meets the evolving needs of students and the school.
• Ensure the physical environment of their classrooms is creating a place that is inspiring for learning by giving care to the beauty, artistic aspects, cleanliness and order of the room and for the shared school building and grounds.

Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment

• Encourage group work and collaborative projects where students can share ideas, learn from one another and develop teamwork skills.
• Facilitate peer reviews and cooperative learning activities where students can reflect on each other’s work and learn through feedback and interaction.

Desired Qualifications & Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education.
• Must be registered with TSC.

Experience:

• Familiarity with current teaching methodologies.
• Experience and training in teaching children

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Classroom Management: Effective strategies for managing diverse classrooms and ensuring all students engage in the learning process.
• Technological Competency: Proficiency in using educational technology tools to support language instruction and student assessment.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust teaching strategies to accommodate the needs of different learners, including those at different language proficiency levels.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Deep understanding of the cultural nuances of both English- and French-speaking regions and the ability to incorporate these into lessons.
• Collaboration: Strong team player with the ability to collaborate with other educators, parents, and the broader school community.

Working Conditions:

• The position is based at the Karen campus.
• Teaching hours are typically from Monday to Friday, with occasional extra-curricular or evening commitments for cultural or language events.
• Competitive salary package based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications and preferred skills.

• Bachelor’s Degree and prior teaching experience.
• Waldorf training and or a willingness to pursue training within the first few years of employment.
• Knowledge and understanding of anthroposophy and the picture of child development it presents.
• Understanding of the Waldorf curriculum and pedagogy.
• 5. Experience and /training in teaching children.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in an organized and timely manner.
• Ability to work artistically and creatively with the education.
• Interest in self development of skills that support the curriculum and good working relations.