Join Our Inspiring Team as a 1st/2nd Grade Teacher at Mountain Sage Community School!

Mountain Sage Community School, a Waldorf-inspired, public charter school serving grades K-8, is excited to welcome a passionate and dedicated 1st/2nd Grade Teacher to our talented faculty. If you're committed to fostering creativity and a love of learning in young children, we want to hear from you!

At MSCS, we embrace the principles of Waldorf education, creating enriching experiences that nurture the physical, emotional, and intellectual growth of our students. Our lead teachers have the unique opportunity to loop with their classes for multiple years, fostering strong, lasting relationships and deepening their understanding of each student's individual learning journey. As a 1st/2nd Grade Teacher, you'll play a critical role in shaping a joyful, imaginative classroom environment that encourages exploration and discovery.

Key Responsibilities:

Curriculum Delivery:

• Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that adhere to state standards and align with the Waldorf curriculum, incorporating storytelling, artistic activities, and movement to facilitate learning.
• Teach foundational concepts through hands-on activities, interactive games, and creative approaches that resonate with first graders' developmental stages.

Differentiation:

• Tailor instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of your students, using varied teaching methods such as visual aids, manipulatives, and sensory experiences to support different learning styles and abilities.
• Provide personalized support and enrichment for students who may require additional assistance or challenge.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Assess student performance through ongoing observations, informal assessments, and interactive activities that reflect their understanding rather than traditional testing.
• Track student progress through anecdotal notes and regular communication, providing timely feedback to students and parents regarding academic and developmental growth.

Classroom Management:

• Establish and maintain a warm, safe, and respectful classroom environment that promotes a love of learning and encourages cooperation and kindness among students.
• Implement positive classroom management strategies that promote engagement, respect, and enthusiasm for school while allowing for self-directed learning.

Collaboration:

• Work collaboratively with other teachers, specialists, and staff to enhance the educational experience and share best practices that reflect the principles of Waldorf education.
• Participate in regular meetings with colleagues to discuss student progress, plan thematic units, and coordinate resources that support interdisciplinary learning.

Parental Communication:

• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to share insights into student progress, classroom activities, and any concerns that may arise.
• Encourage and facilitate parental involvement in the educational process, including participation in classroom activities, festivals, and parent evenings.

Professional Development:

• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood education and Waldorf methodologies.
• Attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions as required by the school to enhance teaching practices and foster a growth mindset.
• Proactively seek and be open to feedback, direction, and suggestions from mentors and colleagues to improve instructional strategies and classroom effectiveness.

Who You Are: In addition to the required qualifications (below), the ideal candidate will bring:

• Waldorf training or a strong understanding of arts-integrated education.

• A commitment to fostering a positive, nurturing classroom culture.

• A collaborative spirit, ready to engage with colleagues and support our educational philosophy.

• A dedication to ongoing professional development and parent education to strengthen our community ties and educational program.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in childhood development, education, or a related field.

• Praxis certification.

• Effective classroom management and communication skills

• Strong understanding of early childhood education concepts and differentiation strategies.

• 2+ years of teaching experience in early childhood or elementary education, preferably in a Waldorf setting.

• Technology proficiency and knowledge of curriculum standards

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's degree in early childhood, education, or a related field.

• A valid Colorado teaching license with a elementary school endorsement (or appropriate subject area certification)

• Experience or certification in Waldorf education.

Compensation and Hours

Hours are 8am-4pm Monday through Friday during the academic school year. The starting wage is $42,640 but actual compensation is determined using the Mountain Sage Salary Schedule. We offer state retirement benefits (PERA), health benefits, and paid time off.

Please visit our school website prior to applying.

To Apply:

To complete and submit your online job application, you will need:

• Job and educational history
• Applicable licenses or certifications
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Teaching positions require a statement describing your educational philosophy
• Three professional references and email addresses.

No phone calls. We will accept applications via our our online job application only, until the position(s) are filled. You will be contacted by a member of the Hiring Committee if we are interested in pursuing your application.

Mountain Sage is an Equal Opportunity Employer.