Combined-Class Lead Teacher for 2026-27

Prairie Moon Waldorf School; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional Employer Organization (PEO) access to health plans

401(k) retirement plan for full-time employees

Tuition Remission—up to 80% for full-time employees

Job summary

A progressive Waldorf education institution in Lawrence, Kansas, seeks a Lead Grade Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. The role involves delivering Waldorf grades curriculum in a lively manner, creating engaging lessons, and working in collaboration with a supportive team. Candidates should have Waldorf teacher training, relevant experience, and a bachelor's or master's degree. The position comes with a range of benefits including tuition remission and professional development support.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching in a Waldorf Grades Program is essential.
• Candidates must have a minimum of ten hours of continuing education yearly.
• Ability to pass a KBI check for criminal background.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Waldorf grades curriculum in an age-appropriate manner.
• Create engaging technology-free lessons for students.
• Participate in collaborative planning with other teachers.

Skills

Waldorf teacher training

Experience in Waldorf Grades Program

Strong passion for Waldorf education

Ability to work well with others

Enthusiasm for building Waldorf education

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Plairie Moon Waldorf School is looking for a Lead Grade Teacher for a combined class for the school year 2026-2027, who will continue on through to 8th grade. The Lead Teacher delivers the Waldorf grades curriculum in a lively, age-appropriate manner.

Plairie Moon Waldorf School is committed to a combined classroom model. We are searching for an experienced teacher who delights in nurturing the sense of wonder and curiosity in young children, works in harmony with families, and is eager to be an integral part of our supportive and collaborative team. The ideal candidate will bring prior experience in Waldorf grades teaching, a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and Waldorf teacher training.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Use Waldorf teaching methods and pedagogy; create age‑appropriate lessons for fourth and fifth grade, applying our technology‑free approach and making lessons accessible and enjoyable for this grade class.
• Schedule and attend home visits in August before the beginning of each school year.
• Host one Parent Association evening per year lecturing on a Waldorf or Steiner subject to educate parents and attending PMWS community.
• Work in collaboration with other teachers to create the daily school schedule during in‑service days (see in‑service days below), follow that schedule, and hold space for students to adjust to a set rhythm of the year.
• Attend open houses, student concerts, and seasonal festivals throughout the school year.
• Participate in at least one committee of choice throughout the school year (meetings are usually held once a month). Committees include Finance, Professional Development, Fundraising, Facilities & Maintenance, Outreach, Parent Association, and Policy & Planning.
• Participate in the planning of 1–2 festivals or events per year. As the festivals are cyclical, the setup is streamlined and usually requires 1–2 people who take the lead on assigned tasks. Each teacher can sign up for the events of their choosing, in collaboration with other teachers, at teacher in‑service.
• Attend teacher in‑service sessions, lasting 1–3 days, 2–3 times per year.
• Attend weekly Faculty meetings and participate in faculty‑led book study; create the calendar for the school year in collaboration with other faculty and administration, as well as a weekly dept meeting with fellow grades teachers.
• Require a mentor and communicate with the mentor throughout the year.
• Must have at least ten hours of continuing education a year. May do additional training in the summer (expected to use PD Funds).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Ideal candidates will have Waldorf teacher training, experience teaching in a Waldorf Grades Program, and a strong passion for Waldorf education.
• Candidates who have a serious interest in Waldorf education, are experienced educators, and have a willingness to attend teacher training will be considered.
• We seek a teacher who works well with others, as well as independently, and possesses a pioneering spirit and enthusiasm for building Waldorf education.
• Our candidates will also have a bachelor’s degree at minimum—master’s degree preferred.
• The applicant that is hired must be able to pass a KBI check, meaning that the candidate has not been convicted of a felony or of any crime against persons.
• Priority will be given to candidates who wish to commit to an eight‑year cycle.

Preferred

• Waldorf education is the principal expression of Anthroposophical thinking in this area; however there is also significant interest in Biodynamic agriculture on the PMWS campus.

Additional Benefits

• Professional Employer Organization (PEO) access to dental, vision, and health plan choices utilizing Aetna's network; life insurance, disability (long & short term), accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity; 401(k) retirement plan for all full‑time employees.
• Tuition Remission—up to 80% for full‑time employees.
• Funds and support for both in‑house and external mentorship.
• Financial support for Waldorf Teacher Training and approved professional development workshops, classes and materials.

The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and Waldorf teacher training.

Plairie Moon Waldorf School does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sexual orientation, religion, or ethnic background in the admission of students or the hiring of personnel.