Founding Class Teacher, Primary School

February 2023 | Gecko Garden Waldorf-inspired School | Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Gecko Garden School (GGS) is seeking a Class Teacher to shepherd our diverse, international population of children in an atmosphere that encourages active inquiry and fosters individual growth, and promotes respect for self, others, and the world in which they live. This position will begin July 2023.

GGS is an international school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia with 20+ years of history as a popular preschool. In 2018 the school adopted Waldorf education, and since then has been evolving its curriculum, structures, and practices to increasingly understand and deepen its relationship with anthroposophy and Waldorf education. In 2022 GGS established its first primary school class. The Class Teacher who accepts this position will be willing to contribute their compassion and creativity to the process of evolving and deepening the relationship of the entire school community with Waldorf education.

As an international school located in Cambodia, our student body is diverse and represents children and families from nearly every continent. The primary school is taught in the English language. The Class Teacher will find it an exciting challenge to create a curriculum that is rooted in our home in Cambodia, and celebrates the diverse backgrounds of all the children in the class. The Class Teacher will embrace the challenge of working collaboratively with other teachers, school administration, and parents to build a healthy anthroposophic foundation from which the program can grow.

The ideal candidate will hold a certificate to teach from an accredited Waldorf-Steiner organization and be motivated by curriculum inspired by the educational practices of Rudolf Steiner. Applicants that have completed their Waldorf Grades Teacher Training from a certified training facility and have had 3-5 years minimum of previous class teaching experience are highly preferred. They will also be required to complete training sponsored by the school in the Waldorf/Steiner Primary School curriculum upon joining the school community. 

Primary responsibilities for this position include lesson planning, teaching, and oversight of the children during lunch, play time, and rest time. Additional responsibilities include attendance at regular faculty meetings, committee work, participation in the planning and implementing of festivals, preparing written student reports, and building relationships with parents through meetings, etc. The successful candidate will have demonstrated strong classroom management skills, a deep grounding in the development of the child, will have the ability to build professional relationships with parents, faculty, and staff, have a love for the outdoors, be creative in how to integrate outdoor programming within the school day in the school’s urban setting, and will enthusiastically join the collaborative work of our school. Additionally this role includes mentorship of fellow teachers in Waldorf education, and compassionate support for our community as we adopt Waldorf education.

REQUIREMENTS

·    Willingness and ability to immediately engage in collaborative leadership and active mentorship of existing faculty at the school.

·    Deep understanding of the Waldorf/Steiner grade school curriculum.

·    Experience delivering the Waldorf/Steiner grade school curriculum.

·    Native English speaker or ability to teach in fluent, creative, correct, and clear English

·    3 - 5 years minimum of previous class teaching in a Waldorf Grades program.

·    Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

·    Hold or can obtain a teaching certification from an accredited organization.

·    A love for global cultural and interest in understanding the diverse backgrounds of the school community, and finding what is common and grounding for us all.

·    A commitment to collaborating with local teachers to evolve a truly international curriculum which embraces Khmer culture while integrating the diverse cultures of our students.

·    A commitment to live and work in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for a minimum of three years and preferably as long as a grades cycle.

·    Able to deliver Waldorf education without extensive in-country mentorship and support.

·    Able to help the school continue to evolve Waldorf-inspired faculty meetings and decision-making processes through participation in the College of Teachers.

·    Must be able to engage deeply and collaboratively with the parent body, helping to deepen the community’s relationship with Waldorf education.

·    Committed to working out of Anthroposophy and Social Justice.

·    Enjoys movement and dance, and is musical.

·    Able to lead some eurythmy.

·    Able to hold boundaries and expectations, and follow-through on commitments to the children.

·    Able and willing to lift up to 75lbs. 

PREFERRED

Completion of, or enrolment in, a credible Waldorf Grades Teacher Training program 

TO APPLY

Candidates interested in this full-time, salaried position should send:

·    Cover letter

·    Resume

·    Current applicable certifications/licenses

·    Three references 

to: administration@geckogardenschool.org, Attention: Dina Robbins

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY

Gecko Garden School (GGS) is a Waldorf/Steiner-inspired school. Our home is a jungle oasis in the heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Our school encourages active inquiry, fosters individual growth, and promotes respect for self, others, and the world in which the children live. GGS is an international school, with a diverse community of children and families representing nearly every continent, and a blend of international and Khmer teachers. The language of instruction is English. GGS was founded in 1998 as an expatriate playgroup and has grown into a preschool and kindergarten famous within Phnom Penh for its loving teachers and the devoted commitment of its parents. In 2018, on its 20^th anniversary, the school adopted Waldorf education. In 2022 the school launched its Grades program. Our teachers and community are proud of our progress, and continue to explore what it means to be an international Waldorf school located in Phnom Penh.