1st Grade Lead Teacher

Job Title 

1st Grade Lead Grade Teacher 

Maple Village Waldorf School in Long Beach, California, is seeking a dedicated and developmentally attuned Lead Grade Teacher to guide a Grade 1 class, beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. This position offers the opportunity to carry a class forward through the elementary grades and to work collaboratively within a collegial, mission-driven Waldorf school community. 

The Grade Teacher is responsible for creating a warm, structured, and imaginative learning environment that supports the academic, social, and emotional development of each child in accordance with Waldorf pedagogy and child development. The candidate should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, effective classroom management, joy, warmth, flexibility, and enthusiasm.

Primary Responsibilities 

The Lead Grade Teacher is responsible for guiding students academically, socially, and emotionally through the elementary and middle school years in alignment with Waldorf pedagogy and child development. Beginning with Grade 1, the teacher designs and delivers a rich, developmentally appropriate curriculum that evolves with the growing capacities of the children as the class progresses through the grades. 

The teacher plans and teaches main lesson blocks and subject instruction in core academic areas, integrating storytelling, movement, music, rhythm, and the arts to support deep understanding and joyful learning. Instruction reflects a strong awareness of developmental stages and the changing needs of students from early childhood through early adolescence. Ongoing observation and assessment of students inform instructional planning, classroom management, and individualized support. 

As the primary guide for the class, the teacher cultivates a warm, orderly, and respectful classroom environment that supports healthy social dynamics, clear expectations, and a strong sense of community. The teacher works thoughtfully with individual students and the class as a whole, addressing academic progress, social relationships, and emotional well-being with care and professionalism. 

The Lead Grade Teacher maintains regular and meaningful communication with parents, prepares written student reports, and participates in parent-teacher conferences and class meetings. Clear communication and partnership with families are essential to supporting students’ long-term development and success. 

The teacher collaborates closely with specialty teachers, support staff, and school leadership to ensure coherence across the curriculum and continuity of care for students. Active participation in faculty meetings, pedagogical discussions, professional development, and school events is an integral part of the role. The teacher is expected to engage in ongoing self-reflection, professional growth, and contribution to the broader life of the school community. 

Qualifications 

Required or Strongly Preferred 

● Waldorf teacher training or enrollment in an AWSNA-recognized teacher education program 

● Experience teaching in an elementary or primary classroom setting 

● Strong understanding of child development, particularly the lower grades 

● Commitment to Waldorf education and its pedagogical principles 

● Excellent communication, organizational, and classroom management skills 

Additional Assets 

● Experience carrying a class or teaching early grades 

● Background in the arts (music, movement, handwork, visual arts) 

● Experience working collaboratively in a faculty-led or shared-leadership environment 

● Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respect for human dignity 

Essential Job Functions 

● Plan, prepare, and deliver developmentally appropriate instruction in accordance with Waldorf pedagogy and the school’s educational program. 

● Teach core academic subjects and design main lesson blocks that integrate artistic, practical, and experiential elements appropriate to each developmental stage. 

● Establish and maintain a safe, respectful, and well-organized classroom environment that supports student learning, social development, and emotional well-being. 

● Observe, assess, and document student progress academically, socially, and emotionally, and use these observations to inform instruction and classroom practice. 

● Prepare written student evaluations and participate in parent-teacher conferences and other family meetings as required. 

● Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and guardians regarding student progress, classroom life, and school expectations. 

● Support healthy class social dynamics and address behavioral or developmental concerns in a timely, thoughtful, and developmentally appropriate manner. 

● Collaborate with specialty teachers, support staff, and school leadership to ensure continuity of curriculum and student support. 

● Participate actively in faculty meetings, pedagogical discussions, professional development activities, and school-wide events. 

● Uphold and model the school’s mission, values, policies, and professional standards at all times. 

● Maintain accurate records related to attendance, student progress, and required documentation. 

● Engage in ongoing professional growth, including self-reflection, mentoring, and continued study of Waldorf education and child development. 

● Perform other duties reasonably related to the position as assigned by the school. 

Skills, Knowledge, and/or Abilities Required 

Skills: 

● Exemplary classroom management and discipline. 

● Strong fiscal and administrative responsibilities, listening, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication. 

Knowledge: 

● Knowledge of instruction for elementary and middle school students. 

● Knowledge of Waldorf education. 

Compensation 

MVWS offers a competitive salary starting at $49,000 per year with incremental increases for Waldorf certification and teaching experience. Benefits include tuition remission, medical insurance, and professional development. 

Our School 

Maple Village Waldorf School is a progressive suburban school housed in a historical church building in the quiet neighborhood of Belmont Heights. Our relationship with Long Beach Parks and Recreation allows us to utilize four parks within walking distance for partial school days. Our school is one of a small number of select private schools in the country to be named a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School for environmental sustainability, health and wellness, and STEM. We are located minutes from the beach, 1.5 hours to the desert, 2 hours to the mountains, and 30 minutes from a Waldorf high school. We have a diverse population, and we are focused on equitability and inclusion for people of all religions, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities/expressions. Our Village has a lot of heart, strong parent participation, and is centered on families, community, parent education, collaboration, and mutual respect. 

MVWS is an Associate Member of AWSNA and a Developing Member of WECAN. 

Teaching Culture 

Our school is going into our 19th year and programs include Parent/Baby, Parent/Toddler, 3 Preschools, 2 Kindergartens, and Grades 1 – 8. We have an experienced faculty, strong peer mentoring program, and together we study, listen, counsel, laugh, eat, and celebrate. 

Our specialty subjects include Handwork, Woodwork, Spanish, Japanese, Games, Strings, Chorus, and Gardening. We also have a strong Early Childhood and Grades Extended Care program. 

Hiring Process 

We invite you to complete our job application on our website (available at and submit it, along with a cover letter, resume, and letters of reference to MVWS Director of School Life Lisa J. McCarthy at [email protected]. Eligible applicants will be contacted for a phone interview, references will be contacted, and qualified applicants will be invited to an interview with our Hiring Committee, followed up with demonstration lessons. 

MVWS is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where every staff member feels heard, supported, valued, and can share their authentic brilliance to move the MVWS mission forward. MVWS is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Folx who are queer, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, people of color, parents, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply. We are committed to addressing issues of racism and inequity internally and externally. 

To learn more about our school, please visit our website, Facebook, and Instagram pages at: