What are the responsibilities and job description for the Practical Arts Teacher position at AWSNA: Assoc. of Waldorf Schools of N. America?
Opening Statement
The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is seeking a full-time Practical Arts teacher to join our faculty in August 2026.
The Practical Arts Teacher at WSSS is a full member of our faculty, carrying the Practical Arts program as well as supporting and complementing the full pedagogy of the grades. Practical Arts includes wood, metal and stone work along with other materials, not including handwork, which is a separate program. The Practical Arts teacher guides students through a curriculum that evolves with the child’s inner development to transform these raw materials into beautiful, functional objects while integrating mathematical concepts and developing patience and perseverance.
About
The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs was founded in 1981 and currently serves approximately 125 children. We have an Absolute Charter from the New York State Education Department, are accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), and are full members of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). Our eclectic downtown campus is spread over two historic buildings which are within walking distance of each other in the small city of Saratoga Springs, NY, while our Forest campus is located on over 300 forested acres of state park land, 2 miles outside of town.
Our Early Childhood program houses parent-child, preschool, and mixed-aged kindergarten classes on two separate campuses – the Forest Campus and the Early Childhood Center in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Grades school serves students in grades 1 through 8 and offers a richness of experience through main lesson content and special subjects (woodwork, handwork, Spanish, music, movement, eurythmy, and spacial dynamics).
Saratoga Springs is a charming Victorian resort town nestled in the foothills of the Adirondacks with a population of approximately 30,000. We are three hours from Boston, New York City, and Montreal. Our location offers four delightful seasons, proximity to both wilderness and major cities, and a comfortable small-town feeling. Because of our popularity as a summer-time destination, Saratoga Springs offers many world class cultural events, such as hosting both the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. We have a thriving music and theater life, restaurants, shops and community events.
Essential Job Duties
Objectives: To deliver a developmentally appropriate curriculum; to cultivate healthy relationships and communication with students, parents, and colleagues; to pursue self and professional development; to hold Professional Boundaries, Codes of Conduct, and other policies according to the WSSS Employee Manual.
Typical duties include: Teaching, communication, community building, and summer responsibilities
TEACHING
Teach a practical arts curriculum focused on developmentally appropriate education based on the insights of Rudolf Steiner. Create, plan, and deliver lessons and activities that foster patience, perseverance, find motor skills and an appreciation for craftsmanship.
ACADEMICS
Clear communication with students, colleagues, and parents.
MEETINGS/ TRAININGS
Attend weekly All-School meetings, Branch meetings, and Committee Meetings.
Qualifications
Experience: Ideal candidates have a B.A. or B.S. degree and have completed a Waldorf teacher training approved by AWSNA and WSSS, have a working understanding of Anthroposophy, and teaching experience.
Skills: A deep knowledge of specific craft skills and Waldorf pedagogical principles; the ability to bring artistic, practical tasks to life in a way that engages children’s imagination; strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with colleagues; and the ability to mentor and guide children through the artistic process, encouraging individual expression.
Employment Details
Benefits include health insurance, remission, and a simple IRA with employer match.
To Apply
Please send resume or C.V. and cover letter to administration@waldorfsaratoga.org, to the attention of Nicole Van Zandt, Administrator.
The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is seeking a full-time Practical Arts teacher to join our faculty in August 2026.
The Practical Arts Teacher at WSSS is a full member of our faculty, carrying the Practical Arts program as well as supporting and complementing the full pedagogy of the grades. Practical Arts includes wood, metal and stone work along with other materials, not including handwork, which is a separate program. The Practical Arts teacher guides students through a curriculum that evolves with the child’s inner development to transform these raw materials into beautiful, functional objects while integrating mathematical concepts and developing patience and perseverance.
About
The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs was founded in 1981 and currently serves approximately 125 children. We have an Absolute Charter from the New York State Education Department, are accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), and are full members of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). Our eclectic downtown campus is spread over two historic buildings which are within walking distance of each other in the small city of Saratoga Springs, NY, while our Forest campus is located on over 300 forested acres of state park land, 2 miles outside of town.
Our Early Childhood program houses parent-child, preschool, and mixed-aged kindergarten classes on two separate campuses – the Forest Campus and the Early Childhood Center in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Grades school serves students in grades 1 through 8 and offers a richness of experience through main lesson content and special subjects (woodwork, handwork, Spanish, music, movement, eurythmy, and spacial dynamics).
Saratoga Springs is a charming Victorian resort town nestled in the foothills of the Adirondacks with a population of approximately 30,000. We are three hours from Boston, New York City, and Montreal. Our location offers four delightful seasons, proximity to both wilderness and major cities, and a comfortable small-town feeling. Because of our popularity as a summer-time destination, Saratoga Springs offers many world class cultural events, such as hosting both the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. We have a thriving music and theater life, restaurants, shops and community events.
Essential Job Duties
Objectives: To deliver a developmentally appropriate curriculum; to cultivate healthy relationships and communication with students, parents, and colleagues; to pursue self and professional development; to hold Professional Boundaries, Codes of Conduct, and other policies according to the WSSS Employee Manual.
Typical duties include: Teaching, communication, community building, and summer responsibilities
TEACHING
Teach a practical arts curriculum focused on developmentally appropriate education based on the insights of Rudolf Steiner. Create, plan, and deliver lessons and activities that foster patience, perseverance, find motor skills and an appreciation for craftsmanship.
ACADEMICS
- Design and teach lessons in crafts based on Waldorf pedagogy, including woodwork, metalwork and other mediums.
- Provide a balanced curriculum at a pace suitable to the children’s age and development, based on an understanding of Waldorf pedagogy/child development.
- Give particular regard to imbuing the academic work with artistic presentation and experience.
- Work closely with class teachers to support, reinforce and integrate practical arts with academic subjects.
- Observe, document and assess student progress, providing written narratives for end-of-year grade reports.
- ‘See’ the students, seek to understand them, and work creatively to nurture the healthy development of their physical, social, emotional and cognitive capacities, understanding their individual development.
- Lead and inspire the students, maintain good discipline and hold boundaries, develop students’ confidence, and ensure that effective learning can take place in the class.
- Undertake appropriate preparation, study and training as necessary both for the effective delivery of the curriculum and to advance the school’s mission, principles, and objectives; to engage in personal reflection, spiritual and self-development; and to commit to deepening the understanding of Anthroposophy and the curriculum.
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to teaching start time.
- Maintain the workshop/classroom to a high standard of cleanliness and aesthetics, suitable to the tasks to be undertaken, modeling care for one’s environment and involving the students appropriately.
- Organize and purchase materials for class use, filling out appropriate paperwork for reimbursement, giving receipts to the Business Office for any purchases that use the school’s credit card.
- Cover for absent colleagues as requested and able.
- Share responsibility for supervision of all students during non-class hours within the school day.
- Cover snack and lunch duties.
- Take on administrative tasks as needed for your class, your branch, or the whole school. Examples include organizing field trips, festivals, plays, letter writing, etc.
- Participate in the care for the whole campus space – indoors and outdoors.
Clear communication with students, colleagues, and parents.
MEETINGS/ TRAININGS
Attend weekly All-School meetings, Branch meetings, and Committee Meetings.
- Engage in pedagogical study/discussion and child observation with colleagues and take a proactive and compassionate approach to addressing areas of concern/need.
- Attend regular staff meetings (All School/ Branch/ Committee)
- Attend meetings and events during evenings and weekends when necessary.
- Attend inservice and training days, as required.
- Familiarize yourself with and adhere to the School’s policies and procedures, and support their implementation.
- Respond to email communication within 24 business hours.
- Communicate regularly with class parents to inform them of class happenings.
- Prepare a summer letter to the class that includes supplies.
- Complete all mandated training (CPR, Mandated Reporting, etc.) as per the Employee Manual.
- Meet and communicate with class teachers and the branch chair to facilitate support when needed.
- Receive assistance, when appropriate, from a more experienced colleague or a specialist teacher in those areas in which you are less qualified/experienced.
- Work during the first year with a mentor appointed by the Teacher Development Committee.
- Monitor and keep within agreed spending lines and work with the Business Office or other spending line owners.
- Complete all mandated trainings (CPR, Mandated Reporting, etc.) as per the Employee Manual.
- Help to prepare the class for festivals, assemblies, and class plays and support class teachers with this as needed.
- Participate in school events during school holidays or weekends, as required.
- Be familiar with Parent and Employee Handbooks and adhere to all policies and practices including following Grievance Procedures.
- Class preparation
- Campus prep
- Ordering of supplies
- Attend meetings on as-needed-basis for branch, committee, or other
- Collegium meeting, if applicable
- Communicating to colleagues via email
- Check emails every 48 hours unless a vacation responder is on for a maximum of 2 consecutive weeks
- Inform Branch Chair of time away if unable to check emails
Qualifications
Experience: Ideal candidates have a B.A. or B.S. degree and have completed a Waldorf teacher training approved by AWSNA and WSSS, have a working understanding of Anthroposophy, and teaching experience.
Skills: A deep knowledge of specific craft skills and Waldorf pedagogical principles; the ability to bring artistic, practical tasks to life in a way that engages children’s imagination; strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with colleagues; and the ability to mentor and guide children through the artistic process, encouraging individual expression.
Employment Details
Benefits include health insurance, remission, and a simple IRA with employer match.
To Apply
Please send resume or C.V. and cover letter to administration@waldorfsaratoga.org, to the attention of Nicole Van Zandt, Administrator.