Interim Early Childhood Lead Teacher

About the role

The Interim Early Childhood Lead Teacher guides a class of young children through a nurturing, play-based Waldorf program, partnering with a Support Teacher to create a warm, rhythmic classroom environment. This teacher leads daily curriculum planning and delivery, communicates regularly with families, and helps carry forward BWS's mission of educating the whole child during this interim appointment.

Responsibilities

• Create an engaging, play-based Waldorf Early Childhood curriculum focused on nurturing the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, and physically—through a balance of structured activities and creative play
• Oversee daily classroom operations and guide and support the class Support Teacher
• Maintain accurate student records
• Prepare student end-of-year reports for parents in accordance with school policies
• Write bi-weekly newsletters updating parents on class activities
• Establish and maintain positive and professional relationships with students, parents, teachers, and other school personnel

Expectations

• Be available to parents for collaboration on student needs through Class Meetings, biannual parent-teacher conferences, and individual meetings
• Attend weekly faculty meetings and occasional special events, including open houses, festivals, and fairs
• Assist in school governance by serving on at least two committees relevant to grade, interest, and expertise after the first year, if applicable to the duration of the appointment
• Maintain an aesthetically pleasing and organized classroom space
• Comply with the established policies and procedures of the school as stated in the Faculty and Staff Handbook

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and experience as a teacher
• Waldorf experience highly preferred
• A love of children ages 2–6 and a deep desire to support their growth through observation and collaboration
• Previous Waldorf training and/or a willingness to take Waldorf courses within the first few years of employment; professional development funding is available to partially offset associated costs
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for significant periods of time, use staircases often, and lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to be outdoors with children in all seasons
• Musical and artistic ability
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and a warm demeanor
• A strong connection to and appreciation for nature
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to connect with children, parents, and colleagues
• Physical stamina and enthusiasm for spending significant time outdoors in various weather conditions and walking up to 2 miles
• Dedication to fostering a Waldorf pedagogy that moves beyond European-centric perspectives and prioritizes a diverse, multicultural curriculum

Benefits

• Full-time faculty, interim long-term substitute appointment for the 2026–2027 term
• Competitive salary, commensurate with relevant experience
• Medical and dental health insurance coverage
• Retirement, flexible spending, and MetroCards, where applicable
• Opportunities for professional development
• Reduced tuition for dependents
• Childcare during faculty meetings and parent-teacher conferences