Main Lesson Teacher at Nairobi Waldorf School

Job Summary: The Upper grade teacher will be part of a team of teachers working in the school. The teacher will teach a group of up to 25 children and is expected to stay with the class through to grade 8.

The upper grade teacher takes primary responsibility for teaching the class, supported where appropriate by specialist subject teachers, and is the first port of call for pastoral matters in the class.

This role involves preparation of Main lessons, skills lessons, children’s report cards, and various school events (i.e. mentoring, festivals, committee, administration, parents, and faculty).

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Meeting the needs of the children

The Main Lesson teacher is responsible for following the Waldorf curriculum, developing and tailoring it to suit the needs of the students, and presenting it in accordance with the principles, methodology and philosophy of Waldorf Education.

This includes the following:

• Participate in the scheduling of dates for class meetings, plays, trips, outings and general school events.
• Preparing teaching content thoroughly ensuring that it is balanced and that it meets the needs of the children
• Preparing a year plan which should reflect leitmotiv of the developmental phase of that class, the Main Lesson blocks in order of how they will be taught throughout the coming year, brief synopsis of each block with explanation on how it meets the child at that phase.
• Preparing a daily lesson plan which should reflect clear aims and objectives, coherent structure of the three fold nature of a Main Lesson (willing, feeling and thinking), clear and effective learning tasks to be given, appropriate assessment strategies and reflection.
• Guiding age appropriate student activities and providing on-going support.
• Ensuring that aesthetics and healthy learning environment are optimized
• Assessing prospective students and interviewing their parents to determine the appropriateness of waldorf education before admission is concluded.
• Writing qualitative and comprehensive annual report for each student, meeting the expected standards as required by the school.

2. Meeting the needs of the families

The Main Lesson teacher is responsible for incorporating the students’ families into the school life.

This includes the following:

• Educating parents about middle childhood development in accordance with Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy and waldorf principles, with emphasis on specific phase of any given class.
• Gathering and making available, articles and study materials that support and elaborate waldorf principles, Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy, Anthroposophy and/or middle childhood development.
• Addressing parents’ questions and enquiries regarding parenting, child development and behavioral concerns.
• Planning and conducting at least three parent meetings within the school year, during when relevant study is presented, important information is shared, class events are addressed and areas of concern are discussed.
• Maintaining a healthy classroom community through class social events held each term.

3. Meeting the needs of the community

The Main Lesson teacher is involved and participates in the activities of the school community in the following ways:

• Coordinating and participating in all school festivals and events
• Giving input to the relevant staff for the purpose of developing marketing and enrolment materials.
• Providing reports, photos and communication ideas to update the school website and social media sites

4. Meeting the needs of the faculty

The Main Lesson teacher is involved and participates in the management of the affairs of the school in the following ways:

• Attending general faculty meetings and primary faculty meetings to address pedagogical, curriculum and school management issues
• Working closely with subject teachers and meeting with them at least twice a term to address any concerns that may arise as well as ensure consistency in teaching and classroom management methodology
• Serving efficiently in faculty management positions when nominated
• Serving efficiently on school committees when nominated
• Contributing to administrative and management tasks
• Preparing procurement plans for teaching material, class repair or other improvements needed

Skills and Qualifications

• At least a Diploma in Waldorf/Steiner Teaching (Compulsory)
• Degree in Education (Desirable)
• Experience in classroom teaching in a Waldorf/Steiner School
• Ability to play keyboard/recorder, paint and teach music and art will be an added advantage.
• Volunteers / part time teachers are also welcomed to apply.
• Retired waldorf teachers can also apply.
• Minimum two years continuous experience in an accredited school
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• A creative, resourceful and committed teacher who is able to relate to and inspire children.

Submitting your application
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