Kindergarten Teacher

Mountain Sage Community School – Fort Collins, CO

Mountain Sage Community School, a Waldorf-inspired public charter school serving grades K–8, is excited to welcome a warm, creative, and dedicated Kindergarten Teacher to our early childhood team. If you are passionate about nurturing young children through play, imagination, rhythm, and meaningful relationships, we invite you to join our vibrant learning community.

At Mountain Sage, we honor the principles of Waldorf education by creating developmentally appropriate experiences that support the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth of our youngest learners. Kindergarten at Mountain Sage is a joyful, nurturing environment rooted in storytelling, movement, artistic expression, and reverence for childhood.

As a Kindergarten Teacher, you will play a foundational role in guiding childrens first experience of school, cultivating curiosity, wonder, and a lifelong love of learning.

The successful candidate will design and implement a developmentally appropriate, play-based kindergarten curriculum aligned with state standards and Waldorf early childhood principles. Instruction integrates storytelling, circle time, music, movement, handwork, nature exploration, and imaginative play to foster early literacy, numeracy, social skills, and self-regulation through experiential and rhythm-based learning rather than formal academic instruction.

Teachers differentiate instruction to meet the diverse developmental needs of young learners by observing each childs readiness, learning style, and individual strengths. This includes providing gentle support and enrichment through flexible grouping, sensory activities, individualized guidance, and collaboration with specialists and support staff to ensure all children are appropriately supported.

Assessment in kindergarten is grounded in careful observation, anecdotal records, portfolios, and developmental checklists. The Kindergarten Teacher monitors social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth and communicates clearly and thoughtfully with families about each childs progress and developmental milestones.

Classroom culture is central to the early childhood program. Teachers create and maintain a warm, orderly, and aesthetically nurturing classroom that supports a calm, rhythmic daily flow. Consistent routines and positive guidance promote independence, kindness, cooperation, emotional safety, and healthy conflict resolution.

Collaboration is an essential part of this role. The Kindergarten Teacher works closely with early childhood colleagues, grade-level teams, and support staff, participates in faculty meetings and child study discussions, and contributes to school festivals, seasonal celebrations, and community events that enrich the life of the school.

Strong family partnership is a cornerstone of our program. Teachers build respectful relationships with families, facilitate regular communication and conferences, share insights into classroom life and child development, and encourage family involvement in classroom activities and school events.

Professional growth is an ongoing expectation. Teachers engage in continuous professional development related to early childhood education and Waldorf methodology, attend required trainings and workshops, seek mentorship, reflect on practice, and remain open to feedback in order to grow as an educator.

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

• A deep appreciation for early childhood development and the rhythms of kindergarten-aged children.
• Experience or strong interest in Waldorf early childhood philosophy and play-based education.
• A warm, patient, and nurturing teaching style that fosters trust and emotional security.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to contributing to a supportive school community.
• A dedication to family partnership and parent education as an essential part of the kindergarten program.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in early childhood development, education, or a related field.
• Effective classroom management and communication skills
• Strong understanding of early childhood education concepts and developmentally appropriate practices
• 2+ years of teaching experience in early childhood or elementary education, preferably in a Waldorf or play-based 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)
• Waldorf early childhood training or certification, or a strong willingness to pursue Waldorf professional development.

Compensation and Hours

Onsite hours are 8am-4pm Monday through Friday during the academic school year. The starting wage is $46,900 but actual compensation is determined using the Mountain Sage Salary Schedule. We offer state retirement benefits (PERA), health benefits, and paid time off.

Outdoor Learning Environment

Mountain Sage values learning in all four seasons. Many positions include time outdoors through recess, nature walks, and experiential learning. Applicants should enjoy working outside and be comfortable supporting students in a variety of weather conditions.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you're excited about the opportunity to join our dynamic team and contribute to a loving and innovative learning environment, we invite you to apply! At Mountain Sage, you won't just teach; you'll inspire a generation of curious, creative thinkers in a community that values everyone. Come be part of our journey!

To Apply: Go to https://www.careers-page.com/mountainsage, select the position in which you're interested, and submit an online application.

You will need:

• Cover letter articulating your relationship to our mission and vision;
• Resume;
• Three professional references with phone numbers and email addresses.

No phone calls. We will accept applications until the positions are filled. You will be contacted by a member of the Hiring Committee if we are interested in pursuing your application.

Mountain Sage Community School is an equal opportunity employer.