A.M. Winn Public Waldorf’s handwork instructional aide is a part-time position, 16-18 hours per week. The aide will be on campus Monday-Friday between the hours of 9 a.m.-3 p.m., working approximately 3.5 hours per day. Specific schedule to be determined upon hiring.

The instructional aide will provide support to handwork instructor and/or classroom teachers as they implement handwork projects with their students each week. Projects will be planned by handwork instructor and/or classroom teachers and an aide will be present for lessons to provide assistance to students and teacher alike.

SKILLS

Ideal candidates will have experience with handwork and/or Waldorf education, with knowledge of knitting, sewing, crochet, embroidery, etc. Ideal candidate will also possess:

• Excellent communication skills with both children and adults
• A passion for Waldorf education, collaboration and growth
• Flexibility and ability to work with a variety of communication styles
• An interest in working with children of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• A dedication to gentle discipline and calm demeanor

EXPERIENCE

Preferred background includes:

• High school diploma  
• Prior experience teaching, leading or educating students
• Familiarity with Waldorf pedagogy and methods as it relates to handwork (as a student, parent, teacher/instructor, etc.)

COMPENSATION

$16-20 per hour depending on experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Fingerprinting and TB clearance required through SCUSD prior to start date. Candidate must comply with SCUSD rules related to Covid-19 vaccination and testing.

HANDWORK PROGRAM

Each class in first through eighth grades has 1-2 weekly opportunities to experience handwork class with an instructor present. The children look forward to this specialty class each week, as it is a unique pillar of their Waldorf education.

Students at AMW begin handwork class in first grade, continuing through the grades. The below subjects are typical projects for which students and teachers will expect support:

• First grade: Learning to crochet
• Second grade: Learning to knit
• Third grade: Continuation of crochet and knit with more advanced projects
• Fourth grade: Crochet, cross-stitch and embroidery
• Fifth grade: Sewing and cross-stitching
• Sixth grade: Applique and advanced sewing projects
• Seventh grade: Quilting and marionettes 
• Eighth grade: Mending
• Special day class grades 1-3: Weaving, braiding, origami
• Special day class grades 4-6: Sewing, origami

AMW has a dedicated handwork room to store supplies and hold classes (a handwork instructor visits the younger grade classrooms for lessons, while older students’ lessons take place in the handwork room). Materials are funded by the AMW Community Guild.

Due to insufficient District funding, the handwork program is funded mostly by the AMW Community Guild, a parent-teacher organization deeply committed to fostering both Waldorf education ideals, as well as diversity and inclusion throughout the community. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and references to winncommunityguild@gmail.com by August 20, 2023 with the subject “Handwork Aide” in the subject line.