LEAD EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER

Beginning 2026/27 School Year

Why Chicago Waldorf School?

At Chicago Waldorf School, we offer the unique opportunity to practice Waldorf education within a thriving, urban landscape. As one of the most established Waldorf schools in the United States, we provide a professional home where educators are empowered, celebrated, and supported.

Our Community by the Numbers:

• 100% of our faculty feel trusted to teach with autonomy and professional creativity.*

• 96% of our faculty would enthusiastically recommend CWS as a place to work.*

• 50 Years: Celebrating a half-century of educational excellence in Chicago.

• 46% of our students identify as BIPOC, reflecting our commitment to equity.

• 46 Zip Codes: Our community spans the entire Chicagoland area.

• 34 Countries & 22 Languages: A truly global community in one building.

• 9 Specialists: Robust support through our Social Work and Learning Support departments.

*Results from the 2025 and 2026 Climate and Equity Survey

Position Overview

We are seeking teachers who embrace the play-based and nature-based Waldorf Early Childhood curriculum with joy and warmth. The Lead Teacher position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, effective classroom management, and enthusiasm for developing a welcoming and inclusive classroom. It is our desire to hire qualified individuals with a demonstrated commitment to innovation, inspiration and healthy collegial work. Although located in an urban setting, we spend time out of doors in all weather, and celebrate the change of seasons.

This early childhood position requires a deep understanding and grounding in the foundations of Waldorf early childhood education, as well as the ability to:

• develop a program in support of each child, their parents, and the entire class

• design developmentally appropriate stories, songs and circle activities

• keep a calm and steady daily and weekly rhythm

• be able to communicate with parents/guardians about Waldorf educational principles via regular classroom newsletters and in parent evenings

• construct daily class content with an eye toward diversity and inclusion

• provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities and sensory activities

• build a healthy, joyful and inclusive classroom community

• participate in the life of the larger school community through committee work

Qualifications**

The ideal candidate will have

• at least an undergraduate degree and has completed or is in process of completing Waldorf teacher training and/or three years successful Waldorf teaching experience

• be well-rounded in the arts

• be open to mentoring and/or further training

• an enjoyment of nature and all the seasons

• an enthusiasm for creating an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment

• commitment to the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the Chicago Waldorf School

• Dedication to building a positive and collaborative workplace for all faculty

• an openness and enthusiasm for diverse students and families, our urban environment and a desire to develop open relationships with community organizations

**Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job post. We are most interested in finding the best candidate and future colleague. We woul d encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

Compensation & Amenities

The Chicago Waldorf School offers an excellent and competitive benefits package, including:

• Health & Dental Benefits

• Life Insurance

• 403B Pension Program

• Full Tuition Remission

• Funds for on-going Professional Development.

The salary is commensurate with experience beginning in the range of $50,000 and continuing upwards. We encourage you to forward this job opening to others who may be interested.

To apply please send your resume and letter of interest to: recruitment@chicagowaldorf.org .

More About the Chicago Waldorf School

Founded in 1974, CWS is an established Waldorf school offering a full curriculum that remains deeply committed to its urban roots. We explore and enrich the Waldorf curriculum through the arts, equity and inclusion, and the specific time and place in which we live.

For the past eight years we have been settled in our permanent home: the landmark Lyman Trumbull building in Andersonville. Our campus includes 49 classrooms and offices, a gym, an auditorium, and two outdoor parks. We maintain active partnerships with many businesses and organizations in the surrounding neighborhood, ensuring the school is a functional part of the local community.

Our faculty members come from around the world and represent all stages of life. We prioritize a supportive transition for new staff, including:

·       Mentorship: Every new teacher is assigned a mentor and provided with weekly mentoring meetings.

·       Professional Development: Faculty have regular access to PD funds and participate in weekly meetings to study Rudolph Steiner pedagogical insights, current educational perspectives and for artistic work

·       Ongoing Training: We provide training in first aid, sexual harassment prevention, and trans-inclusivity, alongside SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) seminars, and curriculum-based preparation.

In addition to core academic subjects, we teach music, German, Spanish, Eurythmy, gardening, parkour, and practical and fine arts. Our families are international and reflect diversity in many forms, united by a shared desire for a developmental curriculum that recognizes the whole child and celebrates individual differences.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Chicago Waldorf School does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and beyond that has a deep commitment to respect and celebrate the differences in students and staff from widely diverse social, economic, cultural, linguistic, intellectual, racial, educational, and religious backgrounds. There is a sustained effort to improve and clear recognition that our educational excellence and fulfillment of our school’s mission is dependent on embracing diversity in our school community. We seek to fully include and affirm faculty, staff, and students in all their identities. In everything we do, we work toward freedom, responsibility, and excellence. The Chicago Waldorf School provides its teachers, staff and families with ongoing opportunities to study and discuss aspects of diversity.

GERMAN LANGUAGE TEACHER POSITION 2026-27  (Full Time or Part Time)

The German language teacher in our school will work with other colleagues in the world language department to provide well-rounded, innovative, rigorous instruction in the German language to a variety of classes in grade school and high school. These lessons are developed in accordance with the principles of Waldorf pedagogy and in light of the needs of the class and individual students. Waldorf schools worldwide favor experiential learning over instruction on screens, and we value human connection in our classrooms and in our larger school community.  

Our language instruction is varied and developmental in approach featuring games, stories and songs with younger students, progressing to reading, writing and discussion in the high school. Teachers share cultural experiences of holidays, food and music to enhance our students’ knowledge. The school currently teaches both German and German beginning in first grade and continuing through twelfth grade. Our world language program supports our active international exchange program, with many of our high school students participating.  

Candidates should possess strong classroom management skills, excellent communication, and an ability to collaborate with colleagues. We seek to integrate our academic subjects and arts curriculum to deepen our students' experience with the material presented. We ask all of our faculty to engage with the larger community through events and committee work. 

This position, if part-time could be combined with additional teaching or administrative work to create a full-time position.  

Qualifications** 

The ideal candidate will be someone who:  

• Is a native speaker, or who has excellent German language skills 

• An enthusiasm for German language and culture 

• A feeling that teaching is an art  

• at least an undergraduate degree and has  

• completion of or interest in pursuing Waldorf teacher training and/or three years successful Waldorf teaching experience 

• experience teaching range of students of different ages, and from different backgrounds  

• be open to mentoring and/or further training 

**Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job post. We are most interested in finding the best candidate and future colleague. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.  

Compensation & Amenities 

The salary is commensurate with experience beginning in the range of $45,000 and continuing upwards. The Chicago Waldorf School offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including health, dental, and life insurance, 403(b) pension program, full tuition remission, and funds for ongoing professional development. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience.  

We encourage you to forward this job opening to others who may be interested. To apply please send your resume and letter of interest to:  recruitment@chicagowaldorf.org 

About the Chicago Waldorf School 

CWS, founded in 1974, is one of the most established Waldorf Schools in the United States, offering a full curriculum in grades 1 through 12, and which from its inception committed to remaining in the City of Chicago’s vibrant urban setting. We seek to explore and enrich the Waldorf curriculum through the arts, equity and inclusion, human relationships and the time in which we live. Our work stems from the core values of Waldorf Education.  

We have been in our permanent home for seven years, the landmark Lyman Trumbull building, which includes 49 classrooms and offices, a gym and an auditorium. Our 100,000 square feet make us the largest Waldorf school in the United States. We are proud to partner with many businesses and organizations in the surrounding Andersonville neighborhood.  

Our faculty come from around the world and all stages of life. For new teachers we have excellent mentoring opportunities, and access to professional development funds. In additional to core academic subjects we teach music, German, German, Eurythmy, gardening, parkour, and practical and fine arts. Our families are also international and reflect diversity in all its aspects, but are united in their desire for a developmental curriculum that recognizes the whole child and celebrates difference.  

Equal Opportunity Employer 

The Chicago Waldorf School does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and beyond that has a deep commitment to respect and celebrate the differences in students and staff from widely diverse social, economic, cultural, linguistic, intellectual, racial, educational, and religious backgrounds. There is a sustained effort and clear recognition that our educational excellence and fulfillment of our school’s mission is dependent on embracing diversity in our school community. We seek to fully include and affirm faculty, staff, and students in all of their identities. In everything we do, we work toward freedom, responsibility, and excellence. The Chicago Waldorf School provides its teachers, staff and families ongoing opportunities to study and discuss aspects of diversity. 

The Chicago Waldorf School is searching for a Cross Country Coach.  

Starting late August and ending in October, the coach will oversee practices, and attend all meets with the team.  

Coaches should have an excellent knowledge of the fundamentals of running, and experience coaching/and or playing at least at the high school level. Coaches must have the ability to structure practices to increase the skill and knowledge for the players. Coaches should be able to demonstrate skills and excellent sportsmanship. Our players are hungry for competition and are highly motivated. 

Coaches will be supported in their efforts by an Athletic Director. This is an excellent opportunity for the right person, with growth potential as our athletic program grows.  

Care of Physical Space Each coach handles the set up and daily maintenance of the gym and the equipment.  

Qualifications & Compensation** The ideal candidate will enjoy introducing and developing fundamental running skills, and an enthusiasm for the progress each player and the team makes during the season. 

Compensation is commensurate with experience, beginning in the range of $2,000 to $2,500.  

**Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job post. We are most interested in finding the best candidate and future colleague. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. 

Please send a letter/resume asap to:  acowan@chicagowaldorf.org  

About the Chicago Waldorf School 

CWS, founded in 1974, is one of the most established Waldorf Schools in the United States, offering a full curriculum in grades 1 through 12, and which from its inception 

committed to remaining in the City of Chicago’s vibrant urban setting. We seek to explore and enrich the Waldorf curriculum through the arts, equity and inclusion, human relationships, and the time in which we live. Our work stems from the core values of Waldorf Education. 

We have been in our permanent home for three years, the landmark Lyman Trumbull building, which includes 49 classrooms and offices, a gym and an auditorium. Our 100,000 square feet make us the largest Waldorf school in the United States. We are proud to partner with many businesses and organizations in the surrounding Andersonville neighborhood. 

Our faculty come from around the world and all stages of life. For new teachers we have excellent mentoring opportunities, and access to professional development funds. Each year our whole faculty receive training in first aid, sexual harassment, trans-inclusivity and 94% of our faculty and staff have participated in year-long SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) seminars. The faculty also study the pedagogical insights of Rudolf Steiner in weekly faculty meetings. In additional to core academic subjects we teach music, German, Spanish, Eurythmy, gardening, parkour, and practical and fine arts. Our families are also international and reflect diversity in all its aspects, but are united in their desire for a developmental curriculum that recognizes the whole child and celebrates difference.  

Equal Opportunity Employer 

The Chicago Waldorf School not only does not discriminate in its hiring practices, but beyond that has a deep commitment to respect and celebrate the differences in students and staff from widely diverse social, economic, cultural, linguistic, intellectual, racial, educational, and religious backgrounds. There is a sustained effort and clear recognition that our educational excellence and fulfillment of our school’s mission is dependent on embracing diversity in our school community. We seek to fully include and affirm faculty, staff, and students in all their identities.

In everything we do we work toward freedom, responsibility, and excellence. The Chicago Waldorf School provides its teachers, staff, and families with ongoing opportunities to study and discuss aspects of diversity. 

 LOWER SCHOOL EURYTHMY TEACHER 

The right candidate for the Lower School Eurythmy teacher position in our school believes that teaching is an art, that relationships are important and building an inclusive and welcoming class community is imperative.  

The Chicago Waldorf School offers our students a full EC through 12th grade Eurythmy Program. The Lower School Eurythmy Teacher is responsible for planning and delivering weekly Eurythmy lessons to the Lower School working in collaboration with the curriculum and pedagogical gestures brought by each class teacher.  Additionally, the Lower School Eurythmy teacher will work to ensure the seamless arc of scope and sequence of Eurythmy throughout the whole school in collaboration with the Upper School Eurythmy Teacher.  At CWS, we have two beautiful Eurythmy rooms, furnished with pianos as well as an auditorium space for performances. Accompanying each class, we have an excellent pianist and the opportunity to collaborate with other musicians and instrumentalists from the Music Department Faculty.  A bountiful supply of shoes, copper rods and a growing costume closet round off our resources.  

Candidates should possess strong classroom management skills, excellent communication, and an ability to collaborate with colleagues. We ask all our faculty to engage with the larger community through events and committee work. Although we are in an urban environment, our teachers spend ample time out of doors in all weather, and we embrace nature and the changes of season. 

Qualifications** 

The ideal candidate will:  

• have completed, or be in the process of completing an Artistic and Pedagogical Eurythmy Diploma recognized by the Goetheanum, Switzerland; 

• three years successful Waldorf teaching experience; 

• have at least an undergraduate degree;  

• be well-rounded in the arts;  

• be open to mentoring and/or further training;  

• have knowledge of and commitment to Waldorf Education;  

• and have a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

**Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job post. We are most interested in finding the best candidate and future colleague. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.  

Compensation & Amenities 

The salary is commensurate with experience beginning in the range of $45,000 and continuing upwards. The Chicago Waldorf School offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including health, dental, and life insurance, 403(b) pension program, full tuition remission, and funds for ongoing professional development. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience.  

We encourage you to forward this job opening to others who may be interested.  

To apply please send your resume and letter of interest to:  recruitment@chicagowaldorf.org 

About the Chicago Waldorf School 

CWS, founded in 1974, is one of the most established Waldorf Schools in the United States, offering a full curriculum in grades 1 through 12, and which from its inception committed to remaining in the City of Chicago’s vibrant urban setting. We seek to explore and enrich the Waldorf curriculum through the arts, equity and inclusion, human relationships and the time in which we live. Our work stems from the core values of Waldorf Education.  

We have been in our permanent home for seven years, the landmark Lyman Trumbull building, which includes 49 classrooms and offices, a gym and an auditorium. Our 100,000 square feet make us the largest Waldorf school in the United States. We are proud to partner with many businesses and organizations in the surrounding Andersonville neighborhood.  

Our faculty come from around the world and all stages of life. For new teachers we have excellent mentoring opportunities, and access to professional development funds. In additional to core academic subjects we teach music, German, German, Eurythmy, gardening, parkour, and practical and fine arts. Our families are also international and reflect diversity in all its aspects, but are united in their desire for a developmental curriculum that recognizes the whole child and celebrates difference.  

Equal Opportunity Employer 

The Chicago Waldorf School does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and beyond that has a deep commitment to respect and celebrate the differences in students and staff from widely diverse social, economic, cultural, linguistic, intellectual, racial, educational, and religious backgrounds. There is a sustained effort and clear recognition that our educational excellence and fulfillment of our school’s mission is dependent on embracing diversity in our school community. We seek to fully include and affirm faculty, staff, and students in all of their identities. In everything we do, we work toward freedom, responsibility, and excellence. The Chicago Waldorf School provides its teachers, staff and families ongoing opportunities to study and discuss aspects of diversity. 

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Middle School Co-ed Flag Football Coach

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The Chicago Waldorf School is searching for a Middle School Flag Football Coach.

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Starting mid-August and ending in October, the coach will oversee practices, and attend all games with the team. The expectation is to practice 2 times a week for 1/ ½ to 2 hours and be present for all games.

‍ ‍

Coaches should have a good knowledge of the fundamentals of flag football, and experience coaching and/or playing. Coaches must have the ability to structure practices to increase the skill and knowledge for the players. Coaches should be able to demonstrate skills and excellent sportsmanship. Our players are hungry for competition and are highly motivated.

‍ ‍

Coaches will be supported in their efforts by an Athletic Director. This is an excellent opportunity for the right person, with growth potential as our athletic program grows.

‍ ‍

Care of Physical Space

‍ ‍

Each coach handles the set up and daily maintenance of the gym and the equipment.

‍ ‍

Qualifications and Payment:

‍ ‍

The ideal candidate will enjoy introducing and developing fundamental soccer skills, and an enthusiasm for the progress each player and the team makes during the season.

‍ ‍

Compensation range is $2,200-2,600.

‍ ‍

Please send a letter/resume asap to:

‍ ‍

acowan@chicagowaldorf.org

‍ ‍

About the Chicago Waldorf School

‍ ‍

CWS, founded in 1974, is one of the most established Waldorf Schools in the United States, offering a full curriculum in grades 1 through 12, and which from its inception

‍ ‍

committed to remaining in the City of Chicago’s vibrant urban setting. We seek to explore and enrich the Waldorf curriculum through the arts, equity and inclusion, human relationships, and the time in which we live. Our work stems from the core values of Waldorf Education.

‍ ‍

We have been in our permanent home for three years, the landmark Lyman Trumbull building, which includes 49 classrooms and offices, a gym and an auditorium. Our 100,000 square feet make us the largest Waldorf school in the United States. We are proud to partner with many businesses and organizations in the surrounding Andersonville neighborhood.

‍ ‍

Our faculty come from around the world and all stages of life. For new teachers we have excellent mentoring opportunities, and access to professional development funds. Each year our whole faculty receive training in first aid, sexual harassment, trans-inclusivity and 94% of our faculty and staff have participated in year-long SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) seminars. The faculty also study the pedagogical insights of Rudolf Steiner in weekly faculty meetings. In additional to core academic subjects we teach music, German, Spanish, Eurythmy, gardening, parkour, and practical and fine arts. Our families are also international and reflect diversity in all its aspects, but are united in their desire for a developmental curriculum that recognizes the whole child and celebrates difference.

‍ ‍

Equal Opportunity Employer

‍ ‍

The Chicago Waldorf School not only does not discriminate in its hiring practices, but beyond that has a deep commitment to respect and celebrate the differences in students and staff from widely diverse social, economic, cultural, linguistic, intellectual, racial, educational, and religious backgrounds. There is a sustained effort and clear recognition that our educational excellence and fulfillment of our school’s mission is dependent on embracing diversity in our school community. We seek to fully include and affirm faculty, staff, and students in all their identities. In everything we do we work toward freedom, responsibility, and excellence. The Chicago Waldorf School provides its teachers, staff, and families with ongoing opportunities to study and discuss aspects of diversity.

‍ ‍