Priority Listing Fifth Grade Class Teacher

Fifth Grade Class Teacher – Immediate Start

It’s a truly exciting time at the Santa Cruz Waldorf School (SCWS). With thriving enrollment, a team of experienced, collaborative colleagues, a deeply supportive community, and a dedicated Board of Trustees, our school is brimming with possibility. As we continue to strengthen our programs this year and look ahead with intention, we remain committed to fostering diversity, growth, and meaningful renewal across our campus.

Guided by a thoughtful strategic plan, we feel inspired and energized by the opportunities before us to deepen our foundations and nurture the vibrant spirit of our school for years to come.

We are seeking a Fifth-Grade Class Teacher to join our dedicated faculty immediately, guiding this class through the remainder of the school year and beyond.

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 5th-grade class is someone who;

• Brings warmth, care, and a clear understanding of the unique challenges and joys of the middle school years.
• Supports and nurtures healthy social-emotional development as students transition into the “tween” years, a time of curiosity, self-discovery, and growth.
• Genuinely enjoys working with middle schoolers and connects with them through creativity, patience, and enthusiasm.
• Has experience with this age group or a natural affinity and joy for connecting with children at this developmental stage.
• Is confident in establishing and maintaining healthy, respectful boundaries with parents.
• Values deep, meaningful partnerships with families while communicating clearly and navigating complex dynamics that can arise around student development and classroom guidance with care and mutual respect.

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—$72K.

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).