27 Grade Fourth Class Teacher

Job Category:
Lower School:
Grades 1-5 and Middle School:
Grades 6-8

Swallowtail School is seeking an energetic and engaging class teacher to lead our rising fourth grade class for the 2026-27 school year, and continue to carry them through the eighth grade.

Our Grades teachers are responsible for bringing developmentally appropriate curriculum in accordance with the principles and methods of Waldorf Education. In the forefront of our work will be warmth, rhythm, health, safety, professionalism, a reverence for nature and for one another. The Class Teacher is also responsible for forming and maintaining a healthy social life in their class and for incorporating the student families into the school life.

They are an important member of the Grades team and are expected to work collaboratively with colleagues, share responsibilities for program delivery, and serve as a role model within the school community.

Swallowtail School serves approximately 150 students from PreK through Grade 8. We are located at the intersection of rural Oregon farmland and the Portland suburbs, with a main campus in Cornelius and a farm property a few minutes away in Hillsboro.

At Swallowtail, we are fortunate to have an exceptionally committed and supportive community of families, and a close-knit collegial group that value working together in collaboration. We have a thriving Early Childhood program with one preschool and two mixed-age kindergartens, and those classes are usually full with a wait list. Grades classes range from 12-18 students. They are well supported by subject offerings (Music, Handwork, Spanish, Movement, Agricultural Arts, Middle School Math, and Eurythmy in blocks).

Grades and Early Childhood classes spend one day per week in the fall and spring at our 26-acre farm property, where they work with our Agricultural Arts Teacher and full-time Farmer to deepen their connection to and understanding of the land.

Specific duties for the 4th Grade Position include:

An anthroposophical understanding of the developmental needs of the students

Our shared commitment to bringing greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to Waldorf Education

Swallowtail grade-level benchmarks and recent assessments or observations, to build capacities and ensure academic growth

Prepare a school-year schedule of subject blocks (block rotation) in the summer and daily written lesson plans throughout the year. Daily lessons should include movement, music, rhythm, story and imagery, review, and new instruction. Written plans should include learning goals and a space for reflection.

Provide a consistent rhythm of the day, week, and year

Dress in appropriate gear for the weather when outdoors, and uphold that expectation with students

Ensure a beautiful and well-kept classroom

Maintain a healthy classroom atmosphere of respect and attention by holding appropriate boundaries with children in a calm and centered manner

Assess the growth and development of students in the program, communicating proactively with parents and Student Support Coordinator if a student is in need of extra support

Interview prospective children and their families as part of the admissions process

Offer at least one fall and one spring conference to each family in the class, including a written progress report for the family and the student file

Help families understand the principles of Waldorf Education and the developmental needs of their children through weekly class emails, distributed readings or other resources, and by planning and conducting at least 3 Curriculum Evenings each year

Write a comprehensive Year-End-Report for each student, due 3 weeks from the last day of school

Evaluate daily work and provide ongoing feedback and guidance to students

In 5th grade and above – complete written block reports at the termination of each block

Regarding Collegial Work and Professional Development

We encourage all teachers to attend morning verse

Participate in Grades section meetings, working collaboratively in the areas of curriculum development, planning, student affairs, etc.

Attend collegial meetings and in-services, including 3 days in June and August

Complete a summer training each year (must be pre-approved by Pedagogical Chair)

Serve on at least one school committee or leadership group (1st year teachers exempt)

Support and abide by decisions of the school leadership groups, including Leadership Council, the Faculty, and the Board of Trustees

Work with mentor if assigned and with Pedagogical Chair

Participate in annual self-evaluation and review with Director and Pedagogical Chair

Work with an outside evaluator in the classroom, in the first year of teaching and every odd year

Submit class calendar dates for coming year by summer deadline of given year

Participate in all festivals, fundraisers, and all-school meetings

Participate in some outreach events, work parties, and school-wide family education evenings

Required Trainings/Attributes

• A dedication to Waldorf…