Priority Listing First Grade Class Teacher

First Grade Class Teacher

It’s a truly exciting time at the Santa Cruz Waldorf School (SCWS). With a thriving enrollment, a team of experienced and collaborative colleagues, a deeply supportive community, and a dedicated Board of Trustees, our school is brimming with possibility. As we look forward to the 2026/2027 academic year, we remain committed to fostering diversity, growth, and meaningful campus renewal. Guided by a thoughtful strategic plan, we feel inspired and energized by the opportunities ahead to strengthen our foundation and nurture the vibrant spirit of our school for years to come.

We are seeking a First Grade Teacher to join our dedicated faculty at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year.

Our new colleague will be warm, energetic, and Waldorf-trained with a strong commitment to personal and professional development and an enthusiasm for collegial work. A commitment to working out of Anthroposophy and Social Justice is required. The best-fit teacher for this class will be kind and patient, as well as clear and confident about boundaries and expectations; follow‑through is essential. A sense of humor goes a long way with this upcoming 1st Grade, and the ability to offer hands‑on, creative activities is a must.

The teacher should be skilled in a variety of crafts and adept at navigating the big feelings that naturally arise in young children. This teacher will have an interest in connecting deeply with the parent body, as some families are longstanding and some are brand new to Waldorf education. An interest in each student’s developmental uniqueness and a willingness to explore creative support that paves the way for meaningful innovation in addressing the diverse needs of our students will be important in forming the class and in serving their needs over the coming years.

Inclusivity and diversity are core values at SCWS, and we celebrate them by encouraging diverse candidates and those underrepresented in our community to apply. We are committed to the active practice of diversity, equity, and inclusivity principles in our curriculum, enrollment, community, and festival life. We are actively anti‑racist in our approach to pedagogy, policies, decisions, and structure. We believe that diversity enriches our learning and work environments by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand the world, identify challenges, and discover and deliver solutions – thereby allowing our entire community to thrive.

SCWS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in admissions, hiring, or employment practices on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, or other statuses protected by law.

This is a full‑time position with full benefits, including medical, dental, flexible spending plans, retirement plan, and tuition remission for eligible dependents in our Preschool‑Grade 8 program (Staff fees apply). The annual salary range is $70K—$75K.

Founded in 1976, SCWS is nestled on a beautiful, forested campus in the Santa Cruz Mountains, providing a nurturing and inspiring environment for 160 students from preschool through 8th grade. SCWS honors students’ individual development and capacities and nurtures a love of learning through our rich, AWSNA‑accredited curriculum, inspired by Rudolf Steiner. Our community, led by creative Waldorf‑trained teachers, encourages the protection of childhood and respect for all life.

An hour and a half south of San Francisco by car, Santa Cruz is located at the northern end of Monterey Bay. It is known for its moderate climate, natural environment, coastline, redwood forests, and the presence of the University of California. Approximately 65,000 residents enjoy an active, progressive, and engaged community that maintains a small‑town style.

A comprehensive position description and information regarding compensation for this full‑time salaried position are available upon request. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).