Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Emerson Waldorf School; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 41,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking an Early Childhood Lead Teacher who embodies the principles of Waldorf pedagogy. This role focuses on fostering a nurturing and creative environment for young children, promoting their social-emotional growth through engaging activities and supportive relationships. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative setting, working closely with colleagues and families to enhance the educational experience. With a commitment to outdoor learning and holistic child development, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children. Join a vibrant community dedicated to innovative teaching and lifelong learning.

Benefits

Paid Sick/Personal Leave

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Tuition Remission

403(b) Retirement Program

Professional Development Funds

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Deep interest in child development through Waldorf education.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Experience in a Waldorf Early Childhood classroom is essential.

Responsibilities

• Implement developmentally appropriate activities aligned with Waldorf pedagogy.
• Create a nurturing environment supporting children's healthy development.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support each child's well-being.

Skills

Child Development

Communication Skills

Patience

Empathy

Flexibility

Team Player

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training

Lead Teaching Experience

Job description

Emerson Waldorf School

Position Title: Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Responsible To: Early Childhood Chair

Hours/week: 40 hours per week

Employment Classification: Exempt (Salaried)

Summary

The Early Childhood Lead Teacher understands Waldorf pedagogy and has an anthroposophical understanding of child development. They are committed to collaborating with innovative and engaged colleagues to create an educational environment aligned with Emerson Waldorf School’s program goals, mission, vision, and values. An enthusiasm for outdoor learning is essential.

The Early Childhood Lead Teacher creates a nurturing environment to support the young child’s healthy development, carrying out classroom and program activities, communicating and partnering with parents, and attending faculty meetings.

Job Responsibilities

CLASSROOM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement developmentally appropriate activities and practical tasks aligned with Waldorf pedagogy and EWS curriculum guidelines.
• Create a warm, inviting classroom environment that fosters a sense of security, creativity, and wonder.
• Create a daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythm in collaboration with the Early Childhood faculty to provide a unified program.
• Develop and implement a play-based, age-appropriate curriculum with circle time, story, song, and artistic and practical activities.
• Support the social-emotional development of the young child through nurturing relationships, respectful interactions, and modeling behavior.
• Create a supportive environment that allows for each child’s growing independence.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support each child’s healthy development and well-being.
• Assess the evolving needs of each child in the class. Consult with the Educational Support Director, make referrals as needed and implement agreed-upon support plans.
• Train and oversee the work of Assistant Teachers.
• Support Assistant Teachers with regular meetings and modeling the Waldorf developmental approach.
• Build a healthy working relationship with parents to bridge school life and family culture.
• Facilitate professional, warm, and clear communication with parents and colleagues.
• Foster a sense of community and respect among students, parents, and colleagues.
• Communicate regularly with families through daily interactions at drop-off or pick-up and through email.
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan and participate in school festivals, community events, and parent education programs.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and aesthetically pleasing environment in the classrooms and shared spaces.
• Demonstrate a calm, welcoming, and inclusive presence—model kindness, warmth, and compassion.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend weekly Early Childhood faculty meetings.
• Schedule check-in meetings with Assistant Teachers weekly and as needed.
• Attend monthly full colleague meetings and all in-service days.
• Attend faculty orientation week and the end-of-year workweek.
• Represent the Early Childhood at EWS fairs, workshops, and school events as required.
• Participate in committee work as needed.
• Conduct Parent-Teacher Conferences 2x/year.
• Conduct parent meetings 4x/year.
• Work with a mentor or speaking partner regularly.
• Maintain excellent collegial relations.
• Acquire materials and supplies as needed for the classroom, working within your yearly budget.
• Engage in professional development opportunities and reflective practice to continuously enhance teaching skills and knowledge of child development and stay current with Waldorf early childhood education as it evolves.
• Support Admissions with the enrollment process.
• Document all accidents and incidents.
• Arrange for a substitute in your absence. Request any absences, excluding illnesses, in advance with the Early Childhood Chair.
• Undertake playground and other supervision duties as required.
• Maintain CPR/First Aid Certification and Mandated Reporter Training.
• Maintain confidentiality about a child or family situation with discretion and tact.
• Represent EWS professionally and comply with school policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Family Handbook.

Skills & Qualifications

Core Competencies:

• A deep interest in child development as seen through the lens of the work of Rudolf Steiner, founder of Waldorf education.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to establish positive relationships with students, colleagues, and parents.
• Enthusiasm for outdoor learning.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic educational environment.
• Self-motivated, willingness to be a team player, and has a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
• Completion of a Waldorf Early Childhood teacher training program.
• Lead Teaching Experience in a Waldorf Early Childhood classroom.

Other:

• Able to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Have mobility required to ensure safety of children and to navigate wooded areas and uneven dirt paths.
• Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Have visual and hearing capabilities that allow consistent supervision of children.
• Ability to work on-site; position is not eligible for remote/hybrid work.
• Ability to successfully pass and maintain all background checks.
• Ability to successfully attend training for and maintain First Aid & CPR certification.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary between $41,000-$54,000 based on experience.
• 10 days of paid sick/personal leave.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Tuition Remission.
• 403(b) Retirement Program.
• Professional Development Funds.
• Employee Assistance Program.

To apply:

Submit cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Patricia Cornell: [e-mail]