Waldorf School of Lexington is currently accepting applications for a full-time Mandarin Chinese Teacher. This onsite position has a July 2024 start date and offers full benefits with a salary that is commensurate with experience.

All students at WSL study world languages from first through eighth grade. We currently offer Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Waldorf education uses world languages to develop a positive attitude toward people of other languages, cultures and countries and to encourage the development of human understanding. By exposing students to two different languages, with distinct tones and structures, beginning in first grade, students build foundational capacities for understanding language and recognizing and imitating intonations. Simultaneously, through singing, stories, projects, speech and eventually reading and writing, the children are introduced to diverse cultures and people.

Oral work is key to learning languages in the early grades, with songs, poems, rhymes, counting, games, short plays, and other engaging activities. In the later grades, written work is introduced, including grammar, poetry, and literature. After eight years of language instruction, most students test into second-year programs in high school.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Solid knowledge of the Mandarin Chinese language—native or near native accent and fluency in Mandarin
• Exemplary classroom management and discipline
• Desire and ability to work artistically, lead projects, crafts and festival celebrations
• Ability to collaborate with world language and other faculty on curriculum
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and parents/guardians
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral

Education and training requirements for this position include:

• Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred);
• Successful experience teaching different age groups.
• Commitment to Waldorf principles and philosophy.
• Commitment to advancing the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and belonging

Responsibilities:

• Teach Mandarin Chinese classes to grades 1-8
• Contribute to festivals and community events
• Attend weekly faculty meetings
• Collaborate with student support services and colleagues
• Communicate effectively with parents/guardians and colleagues

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references (written or provide contact information) in a single pdf to communications@thewaldorfschool.org.

Setting

WSL is sited 12 miles west ofBostonin historic Lexington, Massachusetts—an area rich with culture, historic significance, and natural beauty. Abutting our campus is a 185-acre nature preserve and features a sports field, several play gardens, a vegetable garden, and beehives.

Pedagogy and Program

WSL provides an arts-integrated academic education. We offer a curriculum rich in the humanities and sciences as well as practical and fine arts, grounded in the pedagogical principles and methods of Austrian philosopher and educator Rudolf Steiner. Cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and perseverance in our students, we strive to instill an enthusiasm for learning, skills in collaboration, and the confidence to engage in a changing world.

WSL serves nearly 200 students from preschool through grade 8. The school offers a challenging academic program, provided by faculty educated in the understanding of students' cognitive, emotional, and physical developmental stages. Our educational philosophy and culture instill in students respect for themselves, for each other, and for the living world around them. WSL prepares students for a lifetime of engaged, self-directed learning.

Diversity

Waldorf School of Lexington is committed to an ongoing process of learning, listening and deepening our understanding of equity, inclusion, and justice. With reverence, we strive to create, embrace and support a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just community where everyone feels respected, connected and valued. We welcome students, families, faculty, and staff of all races, ethnicities, cultural and religious heritages, socio-economic backgrounds, geographic origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, and family structures. We reject discrimination in all its forms, and embrace the principles of common humanity expressed by the founder of Waldorf education, Rudolf Steiner. WSL has adopted the position statement of theAssociation of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA).

Accreditation

The Waldorf School of Lexington is accredited by AWSNA and NEASC (the New England Association of Schools and Colleges), and are members of AISNE (Association of Independent Schools of New England), and NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools).

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive salary; tuition remission for dependent children accepted to the school; individual or family medical/dental, and retirement savings plan benefits. Please note that the costs associated with job relocations are not covered by WSL.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person