Do you love the outdoors? We have an opening for a full-time kindergarten teacher to be outdoors with 10 to 12 children in Nature year-round in Portland Oregon. This is the fifth year of our outdoor kindergarten program and we have a strong school base and community. The school is 20 years old and thriving.

Shining Star Waldorf School, a vibrant and innovative urban Waldorf school, is excited to announce an opening for the position of Forest Kindergarten Teacher for the upcoming 2023/24 academic year. At Shining Star, we prioritize outdoor education and embrace the transformative power of nature in children's learning and development. We are seeking a passionate and experienced educator who can lead our Forest Kindergarten program with enthusiasm and creativity.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Shape and guide the educational experiences of young children in an immersive outdoor setting.

Foster a deep connection between children and the natural world, encouraging curiosity, exploration, and a sense of wonder.

Create a nurturing and engaging environment that supports holistic development.

Freely engage children in imaginative play, help them learn practical skills, and develop a profound connection with nature.

Ensure that curriculum meets the standards of Waldorf pedagogy.

Plan and evaluate daily activities that are developmentally appropriate.

Cultivate a healthy social atmosphere in the classroom.

Participate in the planning and execution of puppet stories for large public festivals.

Model appropriate behavior, dress professionally, and maintain healthy hygiene.

Arrange for substitute coverage or seek support from faculty in case of personal absence.

Maintain a neat and clutter-free teaching space that aligns with Waldorf pedagogy.

Ensure the class is supplied with all necessary materials and resources.

Use space, equipment, and material storage appropriately.

Manage expenses within the yearly budget.

QUALIFICATIONS

Deep understanding of Waldorf education principles.

Passion for outdoor learning and experience working with young children.

Excellent communication skills and a nurturing, empathetic nature.

Ability to create engaging and developmentally appropriate activities in an outdoor setting.

Waldorf Early Childhood Teaching Certification preferred, but relevant experience and a strong commitment to Waldorf pedagogy will also be considered.

Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team.

Commitment to self-development and ongoing professional growth.

Must pass a criminal background check.

HOURS AND BENEFITS

Full-time position (1.0 FTE) with usual hours from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm, Monday through Thursday.

Occasional weekends for festivals and one bi-weekly faculty meeting on Mondays from 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm.

Academic year begins July 1st and ends June 30th.

Kindergarten teaching hours are from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Benefits include a full lead annual salary of $36,000, retirement contribution, health insurance contribution, continuing education stipend, and full tuition remission for children.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please provide a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references to office@shiningstarschool.com. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

We appreciate your interest in joining our vibrant community at Shining Star Waldorf School. Together, we can nurture a lifelong love of learning and foster a deep connection to the natural world in our students.