Rising First Grade Teacher

About the role

Join our beautiful school community on South Whidbey Island, just an hour north of Seattle and ten minutes from the seaside charm of Langley. Our campus is nestled within 100 acres of preserved forest, land, and trails, providing an enriching, nature-immersed environment where the beauty of the landscape and the richness of the ecosystem serve as a living classroom.

The Opportunity

We invite you to step into a pivotal role as our Rising First Grade Teacher, guiding a vibrant group of children as they transition from the dreamy wonder of early childhood into the formal learning journey of the grades. This particular role involves leading a younger group of children, with the intention that they will be combined with the next year’s rising first grade class to form a robust, multi-age cohort.

About

Our school is located on 100 acres of forest on South Whidbey Island, a truly special and magical place.

Essential Job Duties

• Introduce letters and numbers through the magic of imagination, storytelling, and artistic movement.
• Foster a classroom culture rooted in social inclusion and restorative practices, helping children develop the moral and creative strength to thrive as independent thinkers and compassionate world citizens.
• Include morning faculty verses and all-school circles under the forest canopy, with classes often walking and studying amidst the island’s fir and cedar trees.
• Develop deep, meaningful bonds with each student and a strong social organism within the classroom.
• Join a dedicated, non-dogmatic faculty supported by an engaged parent body and a school culture that celebrates seasonal festivals and the rhythms of the earth.

Qualifications

• Holds a deep reverence for Waldorf education and an intimate knowledge of child development.
• Possesses a warm, firm presence with strong classroom management skills.
• Is committed to diversity, equity, and belonging and excited to bring the curriculum to life in fresh, inclusive ways.
• Has earned a Bachelor’s degree and a recognized Waldorf teaching certificate (or is currently enrolled in a training program).

Employment Details

• Compensation & Benefits: Base Salary: in the range of $50,000-$60,000 with increments for Waldorf certification, previous teaching experience, and advanced degrees.
• Supportive Benefits: Including medical coverage for full-time employees, tuition remission for eligible dependents, and professional development funds to support your continued growth.

To Apply

Please submit a letter of interest, your resume, and three professional references to wiws-hiring@wiws.org. Visit our website at wiws.org or call us at 360-341-5686 to learn more about our school.