Pedagogical Director
POSITION SUMMARY
The Pedagogical Director is a core leadership role within the school’s governance structure and holds primary responsibility for the integrity, vitality, and development of the school’s pedagogical life. Rooted in the principles of Waldorf education and collegial governance as articulated by AWSNA, this position safeguards pedagogical quality while fostering healthy collaboration among faculty, administration, parents, and the Board of Trustees.
The Pedagogical Director carries a clearly defined mandate to oversee pedagogical operations, support and evaluate teaching quality, and steward the school’s educational mission. The Director serves as the primary spokesperson for Waldorf pedagogy within the school community and as the principal pedagogical advisor to the Board of Trustees, participating as a non-voting member.
Through a model of servant leadership and mandate-based authority, the Pedagogical Director cultivates a culture of trust, initiative, accountability, and professional growth. The Director supports faculty in addressing matters essential to the educational mission and the long-term health of the school and is empowered to act on behalf of the school to ensure alignment with established policies, agreements, and AWSNA standards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The responsibilities of the Pedagogical Director are organized into four primary domains:
1. Pedagogical Leadership and Faculty Development
The Pedagogical Director supports and guides faculty in their professional striving and in the living practice of Waldorf pedagogy.
A. Pedagogical Policy and Curriculum Stewardship
Provide mandate-based leadership and direct oversight of the Educational Steering group (or equivalent collegial body).
Collaborate with this body to develop, review, and maintain pedagogical and curricular policies consistent with Waldorf principles and AWSNA expectations.
Ensure the coherent implementation of pedagogical policies across all sections of the school.
Safeguard curriculum continuity, developmental appropriateness, and pedagogical integrity from Early Childhood through the upper grades, as applicable.
Ensure faculty engagement in curriculum development and ongoing professional study.
B. Faculty Selection and Orientation
Collaborate with the Hiring Committee and Administrative Director to support faculty recruitment, hiring, and selection, ensuring alignment with the school’s pedagogical mission.
Oversee and coordinate comprehensive orientation processes for new faculty, including pedagogical expectations, collegial culture, and governance structures.
C. Professional Development, Mentoring, and Evaluation
Maintain awareness of current developments in Waldorf education and relevant educational research.
Support and coordinate professional development opportunities aligned with individual and school-wide pedagogical goals.
Oversee faculty mentoring, peer-support structures, self-evaluation, and formal evaluation processes in alignment with AWSNA standards.
D. Faculty Consultation and Student-Related Matters
Provide consultation and support to faculty regarding student, class, or family concerns, as appropriate.
Participate in admissions, retention, and dismissal processes in collaboration with class teachers, pedagogical bodies, and administration, honoring both pedagogical insight and administrative clarity.
2. Governance and Administrative Collaboration
Serve as the school’s pedagogical guardian, ensuring educational coherence, consistency, continuity, and quality.
Collaborate with the Administrative Director and Finance Committee to align pedagogical priorities with responsible budgeting and resource allocation.
Work within the school’s mandate and governance structure to develop, review, and refine policies and procedures affecting pedagogical life.
Partner with the Administrative Director in overseeing AWSNA accreditation and self-study processes.
Contribute pedagogical leadership to strategic planning initiatives and long-range visioning.
3. Parent and Community Relationships
Serve as a visible and trusted representative of the school’s pedagogical mission to parents and the wider community.
Foster proactive, transparent communication by:
Collaborating closely with the Parent Association.
Supporting parent education initiatives in partnership with faculty.
Assisting in the resolution of individual or class-wide concerns in coordination with class teachers, sponsors, and relevant pedagogical bodies, consistent with AWSNA best practices.
4. Board of Trustees Relationship
Serve as the primary pedagogical advisor to the Board of Trustees.
Participate as a non-voting Board member, bringing pedagogical insight to Board deliberations while respecting governance boundaries.
Support the Board’s understanding of Waldorf pedagogy, accreditation requirements, and long-term educational health.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND DISPOSITIONS
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
A deep understanding of Waldorf pedagogy, anthroposophical foundations, and AWSNA governance principles.
The ability to lead through mandate, collaboration, and moral authority rather than hierarchy.
Skill in supporting faculty through pedagogical, organizational, and cultural development.
The capacity to balance diverse stakeholder needs with clarity, diplomacy, warmth, and humor.
Strength in relationship-building, consensus development, and conflict resolution.
Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
The ability to translate pedagogical vision into effective structures, processes, and outcomes.
Proficiency with standard administrative and communication tools.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The successful candidate will:
Hold formal Waldorf teacher training and have classroom teaching experience, preferably across multiple school sections.
Demonstrate successful pedagogical leadership experience within a Waldorf school context.
Maintain an active and ongoing relationship with Anthroposophy.
Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to travel locally and interstate for meetings, conferences, and professional development.
POSITION DETAILS
Title: Pedagogical Director
Reports To: Board of Trustees (by mandate)
Classification: Exempt
Salary Grade: To be determined by HR
Payroll Status: Regular, Full-Time
Scheduled Hours: 40 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) Evening or weekend responsibilities may be required.
Component: To be determined by HR
Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000 ( based on credentials and experience)
Please submit your letter of interest and resume to hiring@sanderlingwaldorf.org
TK/Kindergarten Teacher
Sanderling Waldorf School
Sanderling Waldorf School is seeking a nurturing, experienced TK/Kindergarten Teacher to join our early childhood faculty. This role is ideal for an educator who is deeply committed to child-centered, developmentally appropriate education and who values rhythm, imagination, and relationship-based learning.
About Sanderling
Sanderling is a small, community-oriented Waldorf school dedicated to supporting the whole child—head, heart, and hands. We value collaboration, reflective practice, and strong partnerships with families.
Position Overview
The TK/Kindergarten Teacher is responsible for creating a warm, predictable, and inspiring classroom environment that supports young children’s social, emotional, and physical development. The teacher will plan and lead daily rhythms, storytelling, movement, outdoor play, and practical activities aligned with Waldorf early childhood principles.
Responsibilities
Create and maintain a nurturing, well-ordered classroom environment
Develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum grounded in Waldorf pedagogy
Lead daily rhythms including circle time, storytelling, arts, snack preparation, and outdoor play
Observe and support each child’s developmental needs
Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and caregivers
Collaborate with colleagues and participate in faculty meetings and professional development
Maintain required documentation and classroom organization
Qualifications
Experience working with TK and/or Kindergarten-aged children
Background or training in Waldorf education (or strong interest in pursuing Waldorf training)
Strong classroom management rooted in warmth, consistency, and respect
Ability to work collaboratively within a small school community
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
Required state licensing or credentials (as applicable)
Schedule & Compensation
This position is full-time. Compensation is commensurate with experience and training.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing your experience and interest in Waldorf early childhood education to hiring@sanderlingwaldorf.org.
Grade 1 Teacher
Join Our Welcoming Community at Sanderling Waldorf School in Southern California
Sanderling Waldorf School, nestled in the heart of sunny Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego, is excited to welcome applications for the position of Class Teacher for the 1st grade for the 2026-2027 school year. Our vibrant and engaged rising 1st-grade class is ready for a new teacher to guide them through their educational journey all the way to 8th grade.
We are an established and growing Waldorf school, celebrating 23 years of providing a holistic, nurturing education. As a member of AWSNA, we pride ourselves on offering a dynamic, collaborative, and supportive environment. Our faculty is diverse, energetic, and deeply committed to working together to meet the needs of each child. Our campus, lined with palm trees and just minutes from beautiful beaches, offers ample opportunities for outdoor exploration, field trips, and camping. We are fortunate to be located near the Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC), one of the leading Waldorf teacher training institutes in the region.
Essential Job Duties:
Teach Grade 1 Curriculum: Deliver developmentally appropriate lessons using Waldorf pedagogy to engage students creatively.
Classroom Management: Create a nurturing, orderly classroom environment that promotes social-emotional development and encourages cooperative learning.
Assess Student Progress: Monitor and track individual student growth through informal assessments and observations, providing feedback to parents.
Parent Communication: Maintain open communication with parents about student progress, offering regular updates and opportunities for collaboration.
Classroom Preparation: Organize and maintain an aesthetically pleasing and functional classroom, incorporating natural materials and hands-on learning tools.
Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training and faculty collaboration to enhance teaching practices and Waldorf education skills.
Support Holistic Development: Foster the head, heart, and hands of students through a balanced, creative curriculum.
What We’re Looking For:
The ideal candidate will have:
At least a Bachelor’s degree.
Experience in Waldorf education or Waldorf teacher training.
A deep love for children and a commitment to their development.
Strong collaboration skills and a desire to work closely with parents, colleagues, and our close-knit community.
An enthusiasm for integrating the Waldorf approach into a vibrant classroom environment.
What We Offer:
A welcoming, collegial work environment with a highly supportive faculty.
Tuition remission for your children at Sanderling Waldorf School (Early Childhood through 8th grade) and our sister school, the San Diego Waldorf School, which has a thriving high school program.
A generous compensation package, including health benefits, a competitive pay scale that recognizes your experience, training, and the realities of living in Southern California, and a matching 401(k) program.
Ample opportunities for professional development and growth within the Waldorf education framework.
If you are excited about this opportunity, please send a letter of interest and your resume to our hiring team at:
hiring@sanderlingwaldorf.org
We look forward to hearing from you!
www.sanderlingwaldorf.org
Sanderling Waldorf School is a thriving educational community serving nearly 125 students from TK/K through eighth grade in Vista, California. If you are looking to join a Waldorf school with a highly respected faculty and staff that enjoys the support of dedicated, loving families, please get to know us at an upcoming event!
Sanderling is located a few miles from the ocean, and about 20-30 minutes north of San Diego. The average temperature is 72 ºF (22.2 ºC) year-round. Our coastline offers 75 miles of beautiful beaches, hiking trails, botanical gardens, nearby mountains and deserts. The area offers a variety of natural foods markets, alternative healthcare practitioners, and organic farms, as well as a local branch of the Anthroposophical Society and the Waldorf Institute of Southern California (a Waldorf teacher training program).