Handwork Teacher

Exempt (Salaried)

A premier pre‑K‑12 independent day school, Emerson Waldorf School has a 54‑acre wooded campus located in Chapel Hill, NC. It offers outdoor, multisensory education with classrooms, studios, an outdoor amphitheater, athletic field, and a working farm. Accredited by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), the school maintains memberships with the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN) and the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS).

The Handwork Teacher at Emerson Waldorf School leads age‑appropriate handwork education for Grades 1‑8 students, including lessons in knitting, crochet, sewing, cross‑stitch, felting, and other fiber arts. They understand Waldorf pedagogy and have an anthroposophical understanding of child development. This role involves collaborating with colleagues to create an educational environment aligned with the school's program goals, mission, vision, and values.

• Plan and implement subject curriculum for the year aligned with Waldorf pedagogy and EWS curriculum guidelines.
• Develop written block, weekly, and/or daily lesson outlines in accordance with the subject curriculum.
• Present daily subject lessons reflecting Waldorf methodology principles.
• Assign age‑appropriate work that gives students ample opportunity to solidify lesson content and practice skills.
• Provide timely feedback on student work and allow opportunity for refinement and improvement.
• Complete interim and final progress reports.
• Maintain physical classroom space.
• Perform non‑teaching duties such as playground supervision, pick‑up and drop‑off supervision, and substitution duties as scheduled.
• Oversee subject budget annually, including purchasing and maintaining equipment and materials as needed.
• Manage classroom behavior and discipline.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support each child’s healthy development and well‑being.
• Assess evolving needs of each child, consult with the Educational Support Coordinator, make referrals as needed, and implement agreed‑upon support plans.
• Participate in student support plan meetings and implementation with the Student Support Team.
• Build healthy working relationships with parents to bridge school life and family culture.
• Offer parent‑teacher conferences twice a year.
• Facilitate professional, warm, and clear communication with parents and colleagues.
• Maintain regular communication with families through written updates.
• Attend all required meetings (Subject Teacher, Grades faculty, Full Colleague, In‑service days, and workweek).
• Participate in committee work as needed.
• Represent the program to parents, other professionals, and the public as needed.
• Work with a mentor or speaking partner regularly.
• Engage in professional development opportunities and reflective practice to continuously enhance teaching skills and knowledge of child development and remain current with evolving Waldorf grades education.
• Support Admissions with the enrollment process.
• Contribute to updating the school’s curriculum document and collaborate with faculty to develop the curriculum.
• Maintain CPR/First Aid certification and mandated reporter training.
• Represent EWS professionally and comply with all school policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Family Handbook.

• Deep interest in child development as seen through the lens of Rudolf Steiner and Waldorf education.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Patience, empathy, and ability to establish positive relationships with students, colleagues, and parents.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic educational environment.
• Self‑motivated, team‑player, strong personal responsibility.
• Experienced Waldorf Handwork teacher trained at an AWSNA‑affiliated institute.
• Solid, demonstrated classroom skills working with grade‑school students, including diverse learning needs.
• Strong understanding of Waldorf pedagogy and anthroposophy.
• College degree (post‑graduate studies preferred).
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and mobility to navigate wooded areas and uneven paths.
• Excellent visual and hearing capabilities for consistent supervision.
• Ability to work on‑site; position not eligible for remote/hybrid work.
• Successful completion of all background checks.
• Valid First Aid & CPR certification.

• $41,500 to $50,000

• 10 days of paid sick/personal leave
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Tuition Remission:
  • First child: 90%
  • Second child: 85%
  • Third child: 25%
• 403(b) retirement program
• Professional Development funds
• Employee Assistance Program