Waldorf Kindergarten Teacher - Maternity Leave Coverage

Waldorf Kindergarten Teacher - Maternity Leave Coverage (0.625 FTE)

The WISE Charter School (WISE) is a growing, publicly funded, tuition-free Waldorf school located in Edmonton. Serving students from Kindergarten to Grade 9 across the greater Edmonton area, WISE offers the Alberta curriculum through Waldorf pedagogy, integrating academics, arts, movement and hands-on learning to nurture the whole child - head, heart and hands, in a screen-free learning environment.

Our Waldorf Kindergarten provides a warm, nurturing, home-like setting where children learn and grow through imaginative play, meaningful work, artistic experiences, and time spent in nature. Guided by the rhythms of the day and the changing seasons, children experience a balance of creative free play, storytelling, songs, movement, practical activities, and outdoor exploration.

At the heart of Waldorf Kindergarten is an emphasis on relationships, imagination, and the healthy development of the whole child. Through a gentle and predictable daily rhythm, teachers cultivate a sense of belonging, security, reverence, gratitude, and wonder, allowing children the time and space to develop socially, emotionally, physically, and creatively.

We welcome teachers who are passionate about Waldorf education and/or enthusiastic about learning and implementing its principles. In-house mentoring is provided to support Waldorf-aligned teachers who are new to the pedagogy.

Responsibilities of the role

• Plan and deliver a developmentally appropriate Waldorf Kindergarten program, including lesson and annual class planning and ongoing pedagogical review.

• Create and maintain a beautiful classroom environment reflecting the Waldorf aesthetic of simple beauty, tidiness and calm that supports children's learning and development.

• Celebrate and facilitate class celebrations, field trips and curriculum-related activities, and participate in school festival events.

• Observe, assess and document students’ academic, social and emotional progress, including mid-year Grade One readiness assessments and end-of-year reports.

• Maintain regular communication with parents, respond promptly and professionally to concerns, and offer parent-teacher conferences as requested.

• Plan and provide Waldorf parent education opportunities over the course of the year.

• Collaborate with colleagues and Administration to support individual student needs.

• Contribute to ECE colleagueship and division planning as appropriate.

• Provide required documentation to support Alberta Education mandated assessments and Program of Studies delivery.

• Fulfill student supervision duties.

• Participate in ongoing Waldorf professional development as determined with Administration and adhere to the WISE Charter School employee calendar and school policies.

Qualifications required:

• Bachelor of Education degree.

• Alberta Teaching Certificate.

• Knowledge, certification or experience in Waldorf education is preferred.

• Experience teaching groups of children aged six and under is an asset.

S kills and attributes required:

• A warm, nurturing approach to teaching and working with children.

• Committed to ongoing personal and professional growth.

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities confidently.

• Proactive and responsive classroom management skills and the ability to teach in both large and small groups.

• Creativity and independence in lesson planning.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Artistic and/or musical interests are an asset.

• Enjoys being outdoors in nature.

Additional requirements

Successful candidates will be required to provide a satisfactory Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector check obtained within the last six months, in addition to Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C certification, prior to commencing employment.

Professional references will be requested from candidates advancing in the selection process.

Position details:

• Temporary maternity leave coverage beginning in early January and continuing through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of renewal.

• 0.625 FTE, full-day Kindergarten, Wednesday to Friday.

Salary & benefits:

• The annual salary for this 0.625 FTE position ranges from $43,031- $72,228, commensurate with experience and additional training in accordance with the Alberta Unified Teaching salary grid.

• Employee health benefits are available for positions greater than 0.5 FTE.

• Waldorf summer training subsidy for professional development.

In order to be considered for a position, please include the following with your application:

• Cover letter, outlining your interest in the position and in Waldorf education.

• Resume highlighting your education, teaching experience, relevant skills and special interests or talents (e.g. art, music, outdoor education, handwork)

• Confirmation of Alberta teaching certification.

• Practicum evaluations or reports, if available (particularly encouraged for recent graduates).

Thank you for your interest in joining the WISE community. We look forward to receiving your application! Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.