The Housatonic Valley Waldorf School is seeking a Seventh Grade teacher for the 2023-24 school year.

Preferred candidates would have:

• completed Waldorf Teacher Training and experience teaching in a Waldorf school;
• a deep commitment to Waldorf principles;
• a love of working with students and their parents;
• enthusiasm;
• energy;
• good interpersonal/communication skills;
• the willingness to cultivate effective parent-teacher communication and parent education; and the ability to participate in our active community life. 

Overall Objective:

To develop and present your own main lessons and other lessons as needed, in accordance with the understanding of the human being developed through Anthroposophy. 

Pedagogically the Class Teacher assumes responsibilities for “carrying” the class, which includes awareness of how the class is progressing in every subject as a group and as individual children. The class teacher works collegially in the classroom and the community to support the mission of the school.

A. Classroom Responsibilities:

The class teacher is responsible for the following:

1. Have a “research attitude” toward the profession, with ongoing inward striving through both formal training and personal study in order to understand more about the curriculum and child development. The aim is to develop an inner source of strength through a meditation practice as a foundation out of which the pedagogical work may be done.
2. Achieve a balance between maintaining your individual integrity and acknowledging the needs of the community.
3. Address conflicts and interpersonal problems in accordance with the HVWS Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy.
4. Keep accurate records of lesson plans and outcomes, student’s physical, emotional and intellectual capacities, abilities and achievements, Any major incidents affecting children’s lives, i.e. major illness, changes to home environment, and possible responses to medical or remedial intervention.
5. Take daily attendance and report to the office, using provided forms.
6. Communicate with parents at semiannual Parent-Teacher conferences, at three or more parent evenings per year, and more often as needed.
7. Prepare individualized end-of-year progress reports by the designated deadline, and other reports regarding students as decided by Faculty.
8. Communicate with specialty teachers as needed, including distribution of weekly schedule and yearly block rotation.
9. Communicate with Educational Support Group (ESG) regarding identification of and planned support for student learning needs.
10. Prepare Child Study presentations for Faculty when needed.
11. Returning teachers will conduct home visits for all students new to the class. New teachers will visit all students enrolled in their class.
12. Keep classroom and other areas used by class clean and tidy, and create as attractive a classroom space as resources allow.
13. Develop field trips in support of the curriculum. Become acquainted with local geography, resources, issues and developments.
14. Communicate with other schools to or from which students are transferring.
15. Record and submit classroom expenses, staying within the limits of the class budget.
16. Submit supply order for the following school year by the designated deadline.

B. School/ Community Responsibilities: 

1. Commit to community education by attending lectures, workshops, conferences and faculty study in order to deepen your understanding of Waldorf pedagogy
2. Participate in all faculty professional development days
3. Participate in peer review, observations, regular peer meetings and self-evaluations as outlined in Staff Development Guidelines.
4. Attend workdays before and after the student school year, as required.
5. Supervise children when they are playing outside, according to posted sign-up schedule. Find a replacement for yourself when you are unable to fulfill this duty.
6. Substitute when needed and as schedule allows.
7. Attend Faculty Meetings and Grade School Meetings, including participation in the educational process of all students through child studies.
8. Serve on Board and Faculty committees. First-year teachers are excused from this responsibility. It is understood that beginning in the second year of employment, the teacher will become progressively more involved in committee work. The College will recommend committees for staff members to join.
9. Participate in committee work that develops and maintains policies and procedures.
10. Participate in the greater Waldorf community, finding ways to share activities with other schools; keep up with AWSNA news.
11. Attend festivals, assemblies, fairs, other all-school events and open houses as scheduled.
12. Organize and support school festivals, assemblies and outreach/enrollment efforts.
13. Be available as per previously set-up schedule to support enrollment during the summer.
14. Contribute regularly to school publications.
15. Uphold the Long-Range Plan.
16. Priority will be given to candidates with a strong interest or background in expanding and supporting initiatives related to diversity and equity.

Time Involvement:

This is a full-time position. It follows the established school calendar. Time required on school premises: 8 am to 3:15 pm.

Hiring and Termination:

By the College of Teachers and HVWS Board of Trustees, as outlined in the Teacher Search Guidelines for hiring and the Staff Development Guidelines for termination.

Preference in hiring for this position will be given to candidates who have completed the Waldorf Teacher Training for Grades 1-8.

Supervision and Evaluation:

Conducted as outlined in the Staff Development Guidelines.

To Apply:

We offer a competitive salary, tuition remission, a health plan, life insurance, LTD and opportunity to contribute to a retirement plan.

You can learn more about our school at www.waldorfct.org.

Interested candidates should send their resume, cover letter, a brief biographical sketch, and three letters of reference to teachersearch@waldorfct.org or mail to:

Housatonic Valley Waldorf School

40 Dodgingtown Road

Newtown, CT 06470

About Our School:

Housatonic Valley Waldorf School is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on religion, national origin, color, race, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or physical disability in our programs and activities or in our hiring, admissions, financial aid, or scholarship practices and policies.    Our school prides itself on supporting all staff members in developing good interpersonal communication skills, to conduct self-evaluations, and to set goals for the year. The Staff Development Committee supports professional training and workshops and provides support where needed.

HVWS is a Pre-K through Eighth Grade school, with three Early Childhood classes, Parent-Child classes, and an active Summer Camp. Specialty classes for First through Eighth Grades include Spanish, German, Handwork, Eurythmy, Music, Strings, Folk Dance, Spatial Dynamics, Recorder Ensemble, and Clay. Our Educational Support Group offers therapeutic services to children as needed. After-School Enrichment provides woodwork, painting, circus arts and other classes. The school has a peaceful and joyful atmosphere, with professionally Lazure-painted classrooms and spacious playgrounds. Our vibrant and warm community sponsors Anthroposophical study groups, fairs, festivals, handwork groups, and parenting workshops.

HVWS was founded in 1989 and is accredited by AWSNA, NCPSA, WECAN, and CAIS. We are more than 25 years old and entering an exciting phase of our growth and development, with a collaborative faculty and a strong, supportive Board of Trustees. 

HVWS is part of the Newtown community in the Housatonic River Valley, which is rich in history. With some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Northeast, there are many forests, nature preserves, farms, lakes and rivers for our students to explore and enjoy. We're close to New York City and the Berkshire Mountains with their sophisticated cultural environments, as well as Anthroposophical communities in Spring Valley, NY; Harlemville, NY; and Great Barrington, MA.