Job description

The Early Childhood Teacher plays a crucial role in maintaining a nurturing environment for young children. This involves creating a warm atmosphere and taking care of both the physical space of the classroom and the outdoor play yard, in accordance with Waldorf Early Childhood Education methods and practices.

The EC teacher's primary responsibility is to establish and sustain a Waldorf Early Childhood classroom. They are responsible for organizing and supervising various kindergarten activities, which include circle time, storytelling, occasional puppet shows, free play, baking, painting, and craft activities. The teacher collaborates with an Assistant to ensure the smooth execution and cleanup of these activities.

In addition to managing the classroom, the Early Childhood Teacher also guides individual children towards achieving harmony within the class. They promote a positive and harmonious atmosphere by addressing conflicts and fostering a sense of unity among the students.

The kindergarten teacher assumes the role of overseeing the class assistant and maintains regular communication with the faculty, staff, and parents of the class. This ensures effective coordination and keeps all relevant parties informed about the progress and well-being of the children.

Overall, the Early Childhood Teacher not only creates an enriching learning environment but also actively supports the holistic development and well-being of each child under their care.

Qualifications: The candidate is a fully trained Waldorf teacher (ideally with 1-2 years of experience) dedicated to the Waldorf approach to education and its anthroposophical foundations. Potential teachers must express a strong interest in Lakota culture and language. We are also open to teachers who are willing to take Waldorf training.

The Lakota Waldorf School (LWS) is an expanding K-8 grade school situated in the scenic southwestern region of South Dakota. Nestled within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near Kyle, SD, it is surrounded by vast plains and awe-inspiring badlands. The school's location places it at the heart of the reservation, with the closest city being Rapid City, approximately 80 miles northwest.

Established in 1993 by dedicated parents and educators from the community, LWS holds the distinction of being the sole Waldorf School in North America situated on an Indian Reservation. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive education that combines the principles of Waldorf with a Lakota language and culture program, specifically designed to serve children residing in one of the nation's most economically disadvantaged Indian Reservations.

At LWS, we strive to equip our students with the academic, social, and practical skills necessary to navigate the challenges of the modern world. Simultaneously, our educational programs aim to foster a strong sense of cultural identity and promote fluency in the Lakota language. It is crucial to note that the Lakota language, a dialect of Sioux, is currently classified as vulnerable to extinction by UNESCO. Therefore, by integrating Waldorf philosophy and methods, we align with historical indigenous learning approaches, which revolved around the rhythms of nature, song, storytelling, dramatic plays, and community celebrations. Of utmost importance, our approach strongly supports oral language acquisition, serving as the bedrock for preserving the culture and identity of indigenous people.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $42,000.00 - $47,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

COVID-19 considerations:
We are following the CDC guidelines.

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Teaching Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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