Handwork Teacher

JRCS is looking for a handwork teacher for the 2023/2024 school year. The handwork teacher guides students to learn and develop skills in knitting, crocheting, embroidery and cross-stitch, felting, hand sewing, and machine sewing. Additional skills such as lucet, Viking wire weave, basket weaving, leatherworking, braiding, doll making, spinning, dyeing, and weaving, as well as other skills, may also be introduced. The teacher leads students in the completion of projects that develop these skills, within the framework of the Waldorf educational philosophy.

The Handwork Teacher has the responsibility to:

• Provide a developmentally appropriate handwork program for first through eighth grade students that also supports skills being developed in other classes
• Plan and lead all handwork classes for first through eighth grade students
• Adapt projects and expectations to meet the needs of individual students or situations
• Coordinate with class teachers as needed
• Maintain records of attendance, student observations, and assessments/report cards
• Inform Head of School of any support needed to carry out the responsibilities listed or any concerns and issues that may interfere with these responsibilities
• Maintain a safe, clean, orderly, and attractive classroom
• Arrange for assistance or substitutes as needed, including providing lesson plans.
• Manage equipment, materials, inventory of supplies, and ordering of supplies as needed.
• Engage families in a professional, articulate, and forthright manner
• Maintain communication with parents regarding student progress or concerns
• Schedule any meetings or conferences with students and/or parents as needed
• Attend parent evenings, conferences, and other school/community events, as required

Required:

• High School Diploma, Undergraduate degree or equivalent preferred
• Proven competence and proficiency of required handwork skills
• Ability to read and teach patterns as needed
• Effective classroom management skills
• The commitment and dedication to take up the work to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the school on an individual and collective basis.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development in Waldorf training, workshops, and other professional development opportunities
• To develop and work from an understanding of anthroposophy
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate with students, parents, colleagues, and visitors
• Flexibility, stamina, creativity, patience, and a sense of humor

Juniper Ridge Community School is a Public Charter School guided by the core principles of Public Waldorf education in Grand Junction, Colorado, and is part of the Mesa County Valley School District 51. The school opened in the fall of 2013 with grades K-6. Each year since it has grown in size and grades. It now has nearly 400 students and offers education in grades K-8.

If you would like to join our exceptional faculty, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to resume@juniperridgeschool.org.

Salary starts at $35,587.50/year and may increase based on education and experience.