Priority Listing First Grade Teacher

Overview

The Waldorf School of San Diego is seeking a full-time First Grade Teacher to join our dedicated and experienced team of teachers in sunny San Diego.

Under guidance from the Grades Chair and a designated mentor, the First Grade Teacher will plan, organize, and implement a developmentally appropriate instructional program that nurtures the innate capabilities of the students, according to the principles of Waldorf Education, and guides and encourages them to develop and fulfill their potential.

The ideal candidate will have a creative, loving, and playful nature and a warm and calming presence with the students. Flexibility, as well as the ability to maintain rhythms and routines, are essential qualities for this position. The First Grade Teacher position is well-suited for someone who: works collaboratively with others; has a commitment to excellence in teaching and professional and self-development;

has an interest in the ongoing practice and renewal of Waldorf Education; has an interest in/knowledge of the basics of anthroposophy; and, who has an interest in the ongoing practice and renewal of Waldorf Education.

The Waldorf School of San Diego (WSSD) offers Pre-K through 12th-grade Waldorf education across two campuses in the heart of an innovative city and beautiful landscape. Founded in 1981, WSSD has been serving San Diego and the greater community for over 40 years. We have families coming from as far as Oceanside to the north, Tijuana to the south, and the rural community of Alpine to the east.

Our campus provides a serene and natural environment conducive to learning and exploration. The 4-acre Lower School (Early Childhood through Grade
8) campus is located in a hillside neighborhood within the urban setting of City Heights. From the lushness of our schoolyard, students can see Mexico and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest and a panorama of mountains to the east. The school facilities include three major buildings, playing fields, and a beautiful garden classroom. We have a large auditorium where we hold eurythmy, musical, and theater performances and other assemblies throughout the year.

WSSD is a fully accredited member of AWSNA and WASC.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Waldorf teaching certificate (currently enrolled students will be considered)
• Preferred teaching experience in a Waldorf School or other elementary education
• Commitment to continued learning of Waldorf pedagogy and an anthroposophical understanding of child development
• Interest or some understanding of Waldorf classroom management, including Kim John Payne’s Three Care Streams process and other restorative discipline techniques
• Commitment to engaging in the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
• Close connection to nature with a commitment to the preservation and protection of our planet

We are looking for someone who can start on or around July 1, 2026.

• $63,000 - $75,000 Annual salary based on experience.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health insurance benefits include dental and vision coverage
• Participation in an employer-sponsored 401K plan
• Professional development opportunities
• A supportive and collaborative work environment
• Tuition remission for the children of the successful candidate
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives and our community

We invite interested candidates to submit their resume and a cover letter to hr with their name and “First Grade Teacher” in the subject line.

WSSD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.