Grade 1 Teacher

Swallowtail Waldorf School & Farm is seeking a dynamic, caring class teacher to lead our rising first grade class for the 2025-26 school year. Our class teachers ideally continue to guide their students on their journey through the eighth grade. At Swallowtail we are fortunate to have an exceptionally committed and supportive community of families and a close-knit collegial group who value working together in collaboration.

Grades classes are well supported by subject offerings, and classes spend one day per week at our farm property where they work with our Agricultural Arts and full time Farmer to deepen their connection to the natural world and understanding of the land.

The 1st Grade Teacher is responsible for bringing developmentally appropriate curriculum in accordance with the principles and methods of Waldorf Education. In the forefront of our work will be warmth, rhythm, health, safety, professionalism, a reverence for nature and for one another. The 1st Grade Teacher is also responsible for forming and maintaining a healthy social life in their class and for incorporating the student families into the school life.

They are an important member of the Grades team and are expected to work collaboratively with colleagues, share responsibilities for program delivery, and serve as a role model within the school community.

An anthroposophical understanding of the developmental needs of the students

Our shared commitment to bringing greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to Waldorf Education

Swallowtail grade-level benchmarks and recent assessments or observations, to build capacities and ensure academic growth

Prepare a school-year schedule of subject blocks (block rotation) in the summer and daily written lesson plans throughout the year. Daily lessons should include movement, music, rhythm, story and imagery, review, and new instruction. Written plans should include learning goals and a space for reflection.

Provide a consistent rhythm of the day, week, and year

Dress in appropriate gear for the weather when outdoors, and uphold that expectation with students

Ensure a beautiful and well-kept classroom

Maintain a healthy classroom atmosphere of respect and attention by holding appropriate boundaries with children in a calm and centered manner

Assess the growth and development of students in the program, communicating proactively with parents and the Student Support committee if a student is in need of extra support

Requirements

A dedication to Waldorf Education

Waldorf Grades Teaching Certification

At least one year of classroom teaching experience

A love of children and a deep desire to support their growth

Willingness to be part of a culture that values professional growth and ongoing positive and constructive feedback.

Strong written and verbal communication skills

The desire and ability to work collaboratively with all members of the school community

The ability to adapt the curriculum to the skills and needs of a class or individual child

Current CPR and First Aid (within 30 days of hire)

Location

Swallowtail School serves approximately 150 students from PreK through Grade 8. We are located at the intersection of rural Oregon farmland and the Portland suburbs, with a main campus in Cornelius and a farm property a few minutes away in Hillsboro. At Swallowtail we are fortunate to have an exceptionally committed and supportive community of families, and a close-knit collegial group who value working together in collaboration.

We have a thriving Early Childhood program with one preschool and two mixed-age kindergartens, and those classes are usually full with a wait list. Grades classes range from 12-18 students. They are well supported by subject offerings (Music, Handwork, Spanish, Movement, Agricultural Arts, Middle School Math, and Eurythmy in blocks). Grades and Early Childhood classes spend one day per week in the fall and spring at our farm property where they work with our Agricultural Arts Teacher and full-time Farmer to deepen their connection to and understanding of the land.