Shining Star Waldorf School is hiring several people for the position of Friday Nature Immersion Education Guide.

Nature Immersion is a special and unique one day a week program run out of our small Waldorf school, which strives to connect children deeply with nature and the magic of the natural world. Our school has a combined curriculum of four days a week in the classroom and one day a week in the wilderness and nature areas around Portland. Nature Immersion guides lead groups of 8-10 elementary school aged children in an all outdoor explorative, imaginative, play based learning experience to connect them with nature in a meaningful way. This is not a survival skills program, it is an appreciation based program, focused on the human relationship with the land.

A Nature Immersion Guide would be responsible for

-managing a small group of children ages 6-12 outdoors in all season and weather conditions

-teaching children about plants, animals, seasons and climate as well as skills like fire building, making salve, burn bowls, carving and weaving.

-playing with the children; building shelters, telling stories, working on land stewardship projects.

-demonstrating reverence and respect for the natural world

-joining in the songs, verses and movements of the morning circle in the Waldorf tradition

-Minor first aid when needed on site

-communicating with your coordinator

-transporting yourself to site on time every Friday morning

Hours and Compensation

Hours for Nature Immersion Guides are Fridays from September- June 8:30am- 3:30pm except school holidays. Salary is $140/day ($20/hour) paid monthly.

Qualifications

Experience working with children

Experience working outdoors in all weather conditions

Committed to a full year

Able to pass a background check

Basic first aid

Strong communication skills

Ability to tell stories, play and sing songs with children- talent not required, just willingness to learn.

An ideal candidate would be familiar with Waldorf Education as well

Reliable transportation

Shining Star Waldorf School in Portland, Oregon is hiring a long term substitute grades teacher for 4-6 month duration beginning in January 2024.

Shining Star is a wonderful quirky K-8 Waldorf school with small class sizes ranging from just 12-20 students. The school is a full member of WECAN and an associate member of AWSNA. We are located at 4227 N Lombard street Portland, across the street from beautiful 30 acre Columbia Park! Students attend class Monday through Thursday on campus and attend a special all outdoors Nature Immersion Program in parks around the metro area on Fridays.

Job Offered

Long term (4-6 months) Grades teacher Sub.

Work with a class of 14 amazing students using provided curriculum and support from the teacher on leave. Hours are Monday- Thursday from 8:30am- 3:30 pm, with occasional evening and weekend commitments for meetings and festivals. Friday is off for Main Lesson teachers.

You would be responsible for teaching main lesson, storytelling, singing songs, giving math and language arts instruction and performing all the normal duties of a full Grades teacher. Lesson plans and mentorship are provided.

Qualifications

We are seeking a passionate educator who can hold this class with love while their teacher is away. An ideal candidate will have classroom teaching experience, Waldorf training or experience, strong art and music skills, good storytelling capabilities, and a friendly welcoming nature.

They will have excellent communication skills, as they will be expected to work closely with the main teacher, students and parents, as well as their colleagues at the school.

The class is a grade 3/4 split, but the fourth grade has a separate main lesson teacher, so you would be primarily teaching third grade curriculum to 3rd grade students and then doing subject lessons with the combined class.

This is an excellent position for someone who has just completed their teacher training, is just moving to Portland, or wants to transition into Waldorf education from another field. You will be highly supported and have a wonderful group of kids and families!

Compensation

Teachers at Shining Star make at salary of $37,500 for 4 days a week, and across holiday periods. You make the full salary monthly paychecks for the duration of the teacher’s leave.

Grades Teacher 2024/25

Shining Star Waldorf School is a loving and joyful community seeking our next class teacher to meet our rising first graders in the 2024-2025 school year. We are proud to provide an accessible Waldorf education that develops imagination, creative thinking, and meaningful relationships. Practical and artistic capacities are integrated with traditional academic skills. Our integrative approach attends carefully to the developmental needs of children at their respective ages. Reach out if this inspires you!

Four day academic week

Small classes (average of 12 students)

Full program with band, orchestra, handwork, folk dance, foreign language, etc.

Positive and relaxed school culture

On Fridays we offer a Nature Immersion program taught by a dedicated outdoor staff. Class teachers use Fridays for preparation, rest, and family time, or may apply to teach in our Nature Immersion program as well.

Ideal applicants will have experience in Waldorf education, or teaching experience and an enthusiasm for pursuing such training and mentoring.

YEARLY RHYTHM

First grade teaching hours are 9:00 am - 1:30 pm (Monday-Thursday)

Teaching hours in grades two through eight are 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (Monday-Thursday)

Teachers meet briefly at 8:30 a.m.

Faculty meeting once per week after school (e.g. Monday 3-5 p.m.).

Occasional weekend participation for school festivals and open houses

BENEFITS

Annual salary of $37,000

Retirement contribution

Health insurance contribution

Continuing education stipend

Full tuition remission for children

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure that curriculum and daily rhythms meet the standards of Waldorf pedagogy.

Plan and teach developmentally appropriate blocks of study and daily lessons.

Form and maintain a healthy social life in the classroom.

Keep track of student progress and communicate warmly with parents

Join in teacher in-service, faculty meetings, and school festivals throughout the year

SUMMER WORK AND ACCESSIBILITY

Begin forming relationships with rising first grade families (class playdate, home visits)

Prepare curriculum and classroom during summer months.

Attend in-service week in August and June, and grade-specific training if needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Has completed Waldorf Teacher training, continues working towards completion of their training, or has equivalent experience.

Must have a commitment to self-development.

Must pass a criminal background check.

Provide a letter of interest and resume as well as two to three professional references to office@shiningstarschool.com.