Outdoor Kindergarten Teacher for 2023-2024

Whidbey Island Waldorf School is seeking a full-time teacher for our Meadow Kindergarten mixed-age outdoor kindergarten program. The ideal candidate will have teaching experience and a Waldorf early childhood teaching certificate from a WECAN approved training center. The work includes the morning program lead teaching and supervisory responsibilities of two assistants, and two afternoon staff. This outdoor kindergarten program has a yurt for a shelter and an afternoon napping room. 

The Meadow Kindergarten uses the meadows and forest of the 100+ acres around our school as a moveable classroom, with places to explore, play, create, work, be challenged, cooperate, and find joy. Under the current teacher, children have been spending the first 90 minutes of the day at the Sunny Meadow, where the class has opportunities for nature crafts, imaginative play, climbing, balancing, cooking, caring for the land with real tools, and more. They then hike into and enjoy the treasures of the forest before sharing a warm snack—during which a teacher narrates a story—and play.

We seek a confident, warm, community-minded individual with a deep appreciation for the Waldorf approach to education and its anthroposophical foundations. A willingness to engage deeply in rethinking the Waldorf curriculum with an eye to diversity, equity and inclusion is also desired. 

With a toddler program, two preschools (one outdoors sharing the meadow and having its own yurt), two other kindergarten classes, and grades 1-8, the school campus features a purposely designed building, a three-classroom modular, and a community hall. All the classes have access to outdoor play spaces and the trails in the surrounding forest for walks and study. Our school’s depth of relationship to the seasonal festivals, high caliber teachers, engaged parent body and beautiful island location all combine to make us a “destination” school. Founded in 1985, the Whidbey Island Waldorf School is located on the south end of Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound within the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains.

Whidbey Island is a unique and idyllic place to live, especially for people with young children or people looking to semi-retire. It’s a peaceful, family-oriented atmosphere with farmers markets, beaches, trails, art galleries, music and restaurants. Even though the island offers a rural setting, bustling cultural life and opportunities in downtown Seattle are just an hour away via the nearby ferry. One of the restaurants has a tagline: So magical, a ferry takes you there.

Full-time salary range: $45,000-$66,000. Benefits: Health insurance, tuition remission and professional development funds.

Candidates are requested to submit the items below to

Lori Barian, Administrator

Whidbey Island Waldorf School,

6335 Old Pietila Rd, Clinton, WA. 98236

or administrator@wiws.org

https://wiws.org/

1. A letter of interest articulating why the candidate believes he or she is suited for the position.

2. A resume with 3 professional reference contacts.