For August 2023, we are looking for a Waldorf trained and experienced 5th grade teacher to join our small but growing team on our beautiful 125 acre campus on the Nicoya Peninsula where the jungle meets the sea. The 5th grade is a bright and musical group of five students. They been well formed by our beloved 4th grade teacher who, after 30 years of Waldorf teaching, will be transitioning to a mentoring role. Please apply only if you have already taken a class through the middle school years.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications from teachers outside of Costa Rica will be considered if a full Waldorf teacher training has been completed. Applicants must also have experience as a lead teacher in a Waldorf grades classroom. We will consider applications from Costa Rican teachers who do not yet have Waldorf teacher training if they have completed a degree in primary education and have experience as a lead teacher in a grades classroom. 

A Grades Teacher’s responsibilities include:

- Developing age-appropriate curriculum for both the indoors and outdoors 

-Deliver developmentally appropriate instruction rich with music, movement, and art as well as skill development in academic areas

- A commitment to each child’s growth through inner work and the practical art of teaching

- Parent education and meetings

- Faculty meetings and school committees involvement 

The type of teacher we are looking for:

- Extremely flexible. The need for flexibility cannot be overstated. ​We are an evolving, developing program that relies on change and adaptation. 

- Self-starter and very resourceful. Opening a school in a remote location requires that teachers find creative solutions to problems as they arise rather than waiting for a solution to be provided.

- A sense of adventure. We are located in a remote and beautiful location, which requires an ability to adapt to environmental circumstances such as occasional power outages, poor road conditions, sharing a home with the creatures of the jungle, etc. 

- Strong cultural competency and confidence working with diverse family backgrounds 

- Inspired to be part of a groundbreaking and developing school in a remote and rural environment. We are still very much in the creation phase and are looking for teachers who take initiative to help build on the foundation of the school.

- Previous experience in a grades teaching environment, either as a lead or long-time assistant.

- Ability and desire to collaborate with other teachers.

- Confident in Waldorf curriculum and anthroposophy, enough to create a curriculum rather than simply following one from the past that may not serve the students’ needs for today.

- If new to Waldorf, then must come with a willingness to do continuing education in the Waldorf curriculum.

- Speaks Spanish fluently, preferred.

We look forward to hearing from all interested teachers from around the world.

Competitive salary, benefits, and immigration support available.

Please send a letter of interest and resume to hiring@gaiaschoolcr.org. Upon receipt of your application, we may schedule a phone call with a member of our Hiring Committee.