Priority Listing Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Overview

Kindergarten Lead Teacher

It is a truly exciting time at the Santa Cruz Waldorf School (SCWS). With thriving enrollment, an experienced and collaborative faculty, a deeply supportive community, and a dedicated Board of Trustees, the school is full of possibilities.

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.

After more than 37 years of dedicated service, one of our beloved Kindergarten Lead Teachers will be retiring. As we honor his remarkable legacy, we are looking for a passionate and experienced Waldorf early childhood educator to carry forward the steadiness, depth, and warmth of our program.

• 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.
• Engage children in meaningful work and developmentally appropriate activities, guided by a deep understanding of imitation as the primary learning modality.
• Possess a strong capacity to support and engage the young child’s will.
• Collaborate seamlessly with an assistant, fostering a consistent and harmonious learning environment.
• Contribute to parent education in the Early Childhood program by engaging families in age-appropriate child development themes, pedagogical principles, and the rhythms of kindergarten life through meetings, talks, and ongoing dialogue.
• Support and mentor Early Childhood colleagues by walking alongside them in ways that strengthen individual practice and the collective life of the Early Childhood program.

This is an opportunity to join a school that is deeply committed to an inclusive and welcoming community. Our festival life reflects a universal approach to spirituality, celebrating the rhythm and joy of the seasons and festivals in ways that honor their essence without adherence to any specific religion.

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 based on 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 full 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.

If you are a dedicated Waldorf educator seeking to bring your warmth, skill, and creativity to a thriving early childhood program, we would love to hear from you.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).