Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Cedarwood Waldorf School; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedarwood Waldorf School seeks a warm, dedicated Early Childhood Lead Teacher for the 2025-26 school year in Portland, Oregon. This full-time role involves leading a mixed-age classroom while honoring Waldorf education principles in a nurturing environment. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and Waldorf certification.

Benefits

Health insurance

Tuition remission

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of classroom experience in an early childhood setting, Waldorf experience strongly preferred.
• Deep love and respect for young children and their unfolding development.

Responsibilities

• Lead a mixed-age early childhood classroom in alignment with Waldorf pedagogy.
• Create a nurturing, predictable, and rhythmic environment that supports healthy child development.
• Engage children through storytelling, song, seasonal festivals, practical activities, and creative play.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Commitment to Learning

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Waldorf Early Childhood certification

Job description

Cedarwood Waldorf School is seeking a warm, dedicated, and experienced Early Childhood Lead Teacher to join our vibrant school community for the 2025-26 school year. This is a full-time position working with young children in a learning environment grounded in the principles of Waldorf education.

Cedarwood Waldorf School offers a rich, holistic, developmentally designed Waldorf education for children and youth from preschool through 8th grade. Located in the heart of Portland, Oregon, we are a community that values creativity, connection, and the cultivation of the whole child—head, heart, and hands. Our Early Childhood programs provide a nurturing bridge between home and school life, honoring the rhythms of nature, storytelling, imaginative play, and purposeful work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a mixed-age early childhood classroom in alignment with Waldorf pedagogy
• Create a nurturing, predictable, and rhythmic environment that supports healthy child development
• Engage children through storytelling, song, seasonal festivals, practical activities, and creative play
• Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and parents/guardians to support the needs of the child and the greater community
• Participate in ongoing professional development, faculty meetings, festivals, and school-wide events

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree
• Waldorf Early Childhood certification
• Minimum of 2 years of classroom experience in an early childhood setting, Waldorf experience strongly preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A deep love and respect for young children and their unfolding development
• Commitment to collaborative work and continuous learning

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full time, salaried, exempt position with a competitive wage based on experience and qualifications. Cedarwood offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, tuition remission, and professional development support.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references to Dr. Joseph Doucette, Head of School, Cedarwood Waldorf School at [e-mail].

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Cedarwood Waldorf School is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.