Lower School Learning Support Teacher

Title: Lower School Learning Support Teacher

Status: Full Time

Start Date: August, 2026

Salary

$55,000 - $95,000

General objective

The Lower School Learning Support Teacher holds the caseload for the Learning Support Program for Grades 1- 6, helping families navigate educational evaluations and evaluating IESPs. Responsibilities include working directly with individual students and small groups to support academic work across a wide range of subjects and by bringing subject content in alignment with the developmental stages of the students, in harmony with the values and practices of Waldorf education, as well as offering resources for teachers, conducting classroom observations, and acting as a liaison between teachers, parents/guardians, and outside providers.

• Reports to
• Lower School Chair
• College of Teachers

Hours worked

Full-time; exempt. Regular hours are 7

30 am to 3:30 pm, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; and 8:00 am – 4:00 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, with additional hours for faculty and parent meetings, school festivals, class trips, and community events.

Teachers are expected to be on campus two weeks before the start of the school year and two weeks after its conclusion. Lesson preparation beyond the regular workday is expected. Teachers are also asked to remain reasonably reachable during school breaks and summer recess for school planning and communication.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teaching and Student Support
• Designs and delivers lessons informed by Waldorf methodology, with an emphasis on storytelling, rhythm, imagination, movement, and artistry.
• Creates developmentally appropriate, engaging, and well-sequenced lessons that support the academic, artistic, and emotional life of students with a variety of learning needs.
• Support the academic progress of Lower School students through small group, individual, and in-classroom assistance
• Teach and guide students in Academic Lab in the Lower School on Mondays and Wednesdays
• Conduct Student Assessments in grades 1- 6 in alignment with the Lower School Chair
• Differentiate instruction to support diverse learning styles and individual student needs
• Incorporate culturally responsive pedagogy and inclusive practices into lesson planning and classroom interaction
• Collaborate with Class Teachers, Subject Teachers, and Learning Support Team to ensure the well-being and success of students
• Maintain a compassionate, respectful, and orderly classroom atmosphere aligned with Rudolf Steiner School’s values and the Principles of Waldorf Education
• Regularly assess student work and provide timely, meaningful feedback to students, teachers, and parents
• Support class transitions, morning greetings, and end-of-day rituals where applicable
• Maintain substitute plans and documentation of lesson plans as needed
• May accompany overnight class trips and outings when subject expertise or participation is appropriate or needed

• Classroom Environment and Materials
• Create and maintain a classroom or teaching space that is inviting, intentional, and reflects the beauty, rhythm, and integrity of Waldorf education
• Ensure lesson content is seasonal, curriculum-related, and includes active student work
• Maintain teaching materials aligned with Waldorf pedagogy and manage resources and supplies
• Prepare the teaching environment at the start of the school year and ensure proper closure and organization at year’s end.

• Parent Communication and Community Building
• Maintain consistent and proactive communication with parents/guardians regarding curriculum and student progress
• Participate in back-to-school nights, parent evenings, and conferences in coordination with Class Teachers
• Send a welcome message to families prior to the school year and share curriculum overviews as appropriate
• Engage in class and school festivals and supports community life
• Collaborate with Class and Subject Teachers to foster a positive class culture and strengthen school-home relationships

• Documentation, Assessment, and Reports
• Develop summaries of student IESPs or other evaluations to create Personalized Education Plans (PEPs)
• Work as the liaison between the DOE, parents, and teachers
• Keep accurate and reflective records of student progress and participation
• Complete narrative reports for students in their caseload
• Use assessments for each class as assigned by grade level and subject area.
• Share materials, caseloads, and curriculum plan with the Lower School Chair and mentor (if applicable) prior to the school year
• Apply thoughtful, inclusive approaches to assessment that consider developmental readiness, learning differences, and cultural context
• Conduct student reviews and support planning with the Learning Support Team and College of Teachers

• Leadership and Supervision
• Chair the Lower School Learning Support Meetings, sending agendas and keeping minutes
• Guide teachers and classroom assistants, interns, or support teachers as it applies to techniques or instructional methods to support learning differences in the classroom
• Provide resources, educational opportunities, and techniques for faculty and parents regarding learning differences
• Participate in hiring and scheduling processes as needed
• Delegate responsibilities appropriately to foster a collegial and respectful working environment
• Ensures student safety and supervision throughout all instructional periods.

• School Life and Professionalism
• Arrive punctually and maintain professional demeanor, attire, and communication
• Attend weekly faculty meetings (All Colleagues and Area), professional development, and in-service days
• Actively contribute to school festivals, events, and community traditions including but not limited to Fall Fair, May Day, and assemblies
• Supports enrollment and outreach efforts, including tours, interviews, and student visiting days
• Demonstrate flexibility, cooperation, and a commitment to the school’s mission and shared work
• Practice clear, kind, and timely communication with colleagues and families
• Honor confidentiality and adhere to all policies outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Demonstrates cultural competency and respect for diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives in all aspects of teaching, communication, and collaboration.

• Professional development
• Commit to ongoing study and renewal of Waldorf pedagogy and new research regarding students with learning differences through personal study, workshops, and mentoring
• Actively participate in Faculty Seminar as requested, mentoring, evaluations, and assigned trainings
• Engage in professional learning in areas such as culturally responsive teaching, neurodiversity, and developmentally aligned instruction
• Seek and integrate feedback for personal and professional growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Waldorf Teacher Certification from an AWSNA-recognized institute or equivalent experience required (or a clear path to certification).
• Expertise in Special Education and understanding ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and other learning differences, etc.
• Experience in an educational setting, working with students who have diverse learning needs, special education, accommodations, coordinating IESPs/504 plans, direct student support, assessment work, etc.
• Good documentation, data-tracking, and associated administrative skills.
• Strong understanding of and enthusiasm for Waldorf education.
• Commitment to professional growth and collaborative work.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and support for diverse learners.
• Must meet all background checks, fingerprinting, and NYC health and safety compliance standards.
• Must maintain current First Aid/CPR certification and be compliant with all licensing/training requirements

SALARY

The salary range for this position is $55,000-$95,000. Steiner provides exceptional benefits, including robust healthcare, professional development, and the opportunity for flexible work during school breaks.

To be considered for this position, please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references to our employment page.

Rudolf Steiner School, Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization incorporated under the laws of New York State and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, creed, gender, religion, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity, gender expression, predisposing genetic characteristics, disability, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.