Lead Teacher, Fall 2024

Summary

The Garland School is seeking a Lead Teacher with an interest in wilderness and play-centered education who will work with children ages 2-5 starting in the August 2024.  Set among 200 acres of forest and streams, our Waldorf-inspired school emphasizes year-round immersion in nature including trail walking, woods exploration, gardening, and seasonal Waldorf festivals. Teachers at Garland are welcomed into a community that prioritizes care and mutual aid. In addition to a competitive salary we offer seven weeks of paid vacation, paid personal and sick days, healthcare costs stipend, a supplemental insurance plan, professional development stipends, mentorship stipends, support for the TEACH grant, and local and organic breakfast and lunch served daily. 

Duties

Waldorf inspired and nature-based, our teachers are invited to design an environment that speaks to their interests, strengths and vision of early childhood education. Co-leading the classroom with the help of a co-teacher, with attention to the emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of each child. 

Other responsibilities include: 

• Holding a weekly rhythm of activities that encourage imaginative play and creative expression
• Creating and leading daily circle time with fingerplays, songs, and movement games
• Incorporate meaningful work (gardening, handwork, cleaning, cooking) into the rhythm of the day, in support of the Waldorf values of mirroring the home environment
• Communicating with parents about their child daily and writing a weekly summary
• Collaboratively organizing four seasonal festivals
• Serving home-cooked meals prepared by the school’s chef.
• Keeping the classroom clean and tidy and caring for materials and toys 

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• 5 years of prior experience with young children (including toddlers)
• 12 college credits in human development or education (can include Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals) or Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate
• 3 references from past work experience, including with young children
• Waldorf-related training or experience or interest in learning
• Experience sharing the outdoors with children or interest in learning
• Team player; enthusiastic about working with other adults and taking care of children and the school environment.

Nice To Haves

• 12 college credits with early childhood focus
• Interest in pursuing VT's early childhood professional pathway and/or VT educator licensing

Benefits

Salary and Benefits

• $1000 Sign-on bonus
• Paid school breaks and holidays
• Paid personal, sick, and bereavement leave
• Professional development stipends and mentorship stipends
• Supplemental insurance plan
• Healthcare costs stipend
• Support for the TEACH grant (100% tuition for Early Childcare Education college classes toward Early Childcare Education apprenticeship, a college degree, or licensure, plus additional financial benefits)
• Local and organic breakfast and lunch served daily