Employment

 Employment Opportunities

  • Emerson Waldorf School seeks a visionary and dedicated Director of Education to lead our school in pedagogical and academic excellence. As the only direct report to the Board of Directors, the Director of Education will serve as the school's pedagogical voice, providing strategic leadership, ensuring the operational integrity of our educational programs, and fostering a thriving school community aligned with Waldorf education principles.

    Specific opportunities for the school identified by the current leadership and the Board are to further the implementation of an integrated strategic plan, establish a comprehensive campus plan to reflect strategic priorities, launch a capital campaign to expand resources, enhance faculty and staff support and professional development, continue to improve compensation for faculty and staff in the context of a balanced financial plan, continue our efforts to promote greater diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to continue exploring opportunities and strategies to grow mission-appropriate enrollment.

    Position Summary:

    The Director of Education at Emerson Waldorf School leads the pedagogical vision and ensures academic excellence across all grade levels, from early childhood through high school. This role involves strategic leadership in curriculum development, faculty support, and community engagement, all while upholding the school’s commitment to Waldorf educational principles. The Director will work closely with the Board of Directors and the College of Teachers to advance the school’s holistic education, social justice, and sustainability mission, fostering a vibrant and inclusive school community.

    The Director of Education, along with the Director of Administration, oversees the school’s human resources and employment life cycle. 

    The position is salaried with compensation commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include health and life insurance, tuition remission, three weeks of paid vacation, and ten days of sick leave.

    Key Responsibilities

    Pedagogical Leadership:

    • Act as the primary pedagogical voice of the school.

    • Provide strategic leadership to the faculty, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission, vision, and values.

    • Collaborate with the College of Teachers in managing faculty, including hiring, mentoring, professional development, annual reviews and performance feedback.

    • Oversee the review and update of curriculum and programming, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of our students.

    • Support the intentional alignment of EWS pedagogy with the school mission, including initiatives promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

    Organizational Leadership:

    • Oversee the development and implementation of the school’s vision and strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors and the College of Teachers.

    • Work closely with the Director of Administration to address stakeholder concerns, particularly regarding pedagogical matters.

    • Manage direct reports, including the Director of Administration, College Chair, Section Chairs, Grades Coordinator, High School Coordinator, Educational Support Coordinator, and Middle School/High School Counselor.

    • Serve as a member of the College of Teachers and the Board of Directors, attending key meetings and committees as needed.

    Community Leadership:

    • Represent Emerson Waldorf School to the broader community, including families, external educational communities, media, and potential partnerships.

    • Lead efforts to promote greater Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity, as well as ecological and sustainability goals outlined in the school’s Strategic Plan.

    • Engage actively in the school community's academic, social, and spiritual life.

    Qualifications:

    • A strong background in Waldorf teaching and pedagogical administration.

    • Experience in school administration and familiarity with Anthroposophical principles and practices.

    • Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage faculty and staff.

    • Commitment to holistic education, social justice, and collaborative relationships.

    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively represent the school and engage with all stakeholders.

    Nondiscrimination Policy:

    The Emerson Waldorf School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or national origin in its employment policies, educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-related programs.

    How to Apply:

    Please email the following documents with attention to the Hiring Committee at

    hiringcommittee@emersonwaldorf.org:

    • Letter of introduction

    • Current resume

    • Contact information for a minimum of three professional references with your relationship to the reference, e.g., subordinate, colleague, supervisor, etc. Note: the references will be contacted at the finalists' stage of the hiring process after contacting the applicants directly.

    This job requires US work authorization. If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.

  • We are seeking a Spanish teacher to join our high school faculty. This is a 100% full-time position. 

    Once hired, the candidate will further develop and implement the high school Spanish curriculum. Our current model includes year-long skill-building classes for grades 9-11, and electives for grades 9-12.  This candidate should expect to develop their classroom curriculum in collaboration with the other colleagues in the high school.  

    We welcome all applications, but our ideal candidate is a trained Spanish teacher who has experience working in the classroom with high school students, and an understanding of  Waldorf pedagogy. The candidate must be able to work with diverse learning needs. A college degree is necessary,

    Salary and Benefits: This is a salaried, year-round position. The salary range is commensurate with experience. The benefits package includes medical insurance and tuition remission. 

    About the Emerson Waldorf School: Emerson Waldorf is a dual-accredited, well-established school with a rich program. We are located on a 54-acre wooded campus and farm set on the outskirts of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in the vibrant Research Triangle area. Within this diverse region, our campus is in a small rural and residential area adjacent to the 700-acre Duke Forest nature preserve. Our setting provides a rural atmosphere with the cultural advantages of a city. We serve students from preschool through high school and, in our working together, we actively promote a professional culture of communication, collaboration, and professional and personal development.

    Emerson Waldorf School has a deep commitment to creating an inclusive community that values diversity and multiculturalism, and we seek candidates who have this same commitment.  If you would like to join our exceptional faculty and staff, please email a resume and cover letter, and three references to: 

    Catherine Reyes, High School co-chair:  creyes@emersonwaldorf.org.

    This job requires US work authorization. If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.

  • Emerson Waldorf School is seeking an Early Childhood Coordinator. This is a half-time, salaried position with growth potential.

    The Early Childhood Coordinator is integral to the school’s collaborative leadership structure, representing the Early Childhood faculty and program. Guided by our school’s core mission, vision, and values, the Coordinator supports the EC faculty in their day-to-day work and guides the overall goals of our Early Childhood program. As part of school Leadership, the Coordinator works within our collaborative leadership model and serves on the Administrative and Leadership Teams.

    The ideal candidate has:
    • Waldorf Teacher or Administrative Training

    • A Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is preferred
    • Waldorf teaching and leadership experience
    • A demonstrated understanding and commitment to Waldorf Education and Anthroposophy.

    • Commitment to the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of the Emerson Waldorf School
    • An openness and enthusiasm for fostering a diverse school community and developing open relationships with community organizations
    • An interest in supporting curriculum innovation to advance Waldorf Education
    • Excellent communication skills and proficiency with Google applications, Microsoft Office, ParentSquare, Zoom, and other operating systems to support administrative work

    Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and two references to: Patricia Cornell at pcornell@emersonwaldorf.org

    This job requires US work authorization. If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.

  • The Emerson Waldorf School has an immediate opening for an Early Childhood Teacher’s Assistant to join our early childhood faculty.

    The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in Waldorf education and a desire to work with a team of experienced early childhood educators. Our mixed-age classes serve children ages 3 - 6. The teacher's assistant participates in all aspects of the work to meet the needs of the children and the program at the direction of the lead teacher. Some responsibilities include assisting in the care of the children, assisting in maintaining a clean and orderly learning environment, snack preparation, and attending some faculty meetings. This candidate is organized and self-motivated, connects easily with young children, and has a love for outdoor education.

    This is a part-time, hourly position. The job is 5 days/week, 8:00 am—2:00 pm. Additional hours may include meetings and training.

    To Apply, send a letter of interest, resume, and two professional reference contacts to:

    Patricia Cornell

    pcornell@emersonwaldorf.org

  • The Emerson Waldorf School seeks an Early Childhood Aftercare Provider to join our early childhood faculty.

    The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in Waldorf education and a desire to work with a team of experienced early childhood educators. Our mixed-aged classes serve children ages 3 - 6. The Aftercare Provider cares for the children who attend school in the afternoons. This candidate has experience and enthusiasm for working with young children and must be able to work independently. The lead Early Childhood teachers will guide and oversee the Aftercare Provider’s work with the children in the classroom and outdoor space. Some responsibilities include creating a warm and welcoming environment for the children to rest, assisting the children with self-care, and overseeing outdoor play.

    This is a part-time, hourly position from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, from mid-August through mid-June. Additional hours may include meetings and training.

    To apply, send a letter of interest, resume, and two professional reference contacts to: Patricia Cornell at pcornell@emersonwaldorf.org

    This job requires US work authorization. If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.

  • EWS is seeking to rebuild its K-12th grade eurythmy program. We have a dedicated eurythmy room with a sprung floor, a vibrant student body, supportive colleagues, and a culture where eurythmy is well-respected.

    Performance opportunities are available.

    We are seeking an experienced eurythmy teacher who has demonstrated success in teaching a variety of grade levels and is interested in joining the Emerson Waldorf School in our efforts toward school innovation in the areas of diversity and equity, ready to help reimagine our Waldorf school to create a more inclusive and equitable school program and environment. Such individuals will model artistry, dynamism, groundedness, flexibility, empathy, initiative, and great collaborative skills. The candidate should demonstrate proficiency and comfort with classroom management as well as the imagination and artistry necessary for eurythmic work.

    Full-time responsibilities include (note: responsibilities for guest eurythmy teachers would be decided on a case-by-case basis):
    • Teach a full-time eurythmy curriculum to a variety of grades in middle school, and high school.
    • Offer performances of student work and contribute to festivals/plays.
    • Attend scheduled meetings
    • Collaborate with student support services and colleagues.
    • Communicate effectively with parents/guardians and colleagues.

    Qualifications:
    • Pedagogical training and a eurythmy diploma recognized by the Goetheanum
    • Successful experience teaching different age groups
    • Commitment to Waldorf principles and philosophy

    If you would like to join our exceptional faculty, please email a resume, cover letter, and three references to Colleen Everhart at ceverhart@emersonwaldorf.org

    This job requires US work authorization. If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.

  • The Emerson Waldorf School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is seeking part-time, hourly Substitute Teachers in the Early Childhood, Grade School, or High School. We prefer applicants with a college degree and teaching experience. We also prefer that our applicants have an understanding of child development and an ability to create a positive learning environment.

    If you would like to be considered for a substitute position, please mail or email a resume and cover letter to Patrica Cornell pcornell@emersonwaldorf.org for Early Childhood; Linda Wertz lwertz@emersonwaldorf.org for Grade School or Katie Mentz kmentz@emersonwaldorf.org for High School. 

    Emerson Waldorf School is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law.  We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. 

    Emerson Waldorf School, 6211 New Jericho Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

  • Hours/Week: Full-Time, 40 hours per week 

    Classification: Non-Exempt

    Reports to: Director of Administration 

    Pay Range: $17.50/hour-$20.00/hour (depending on experience)

    SUMMARY:

    The Main Office Coordinator supports the faculty and staff by overseeing, coordinating, organizing, and performing the day-to-day secretarial and administrative functions of the Main Office. The Main Office Coordinator provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for students, staff, parents, and visitors. They complete administrative tasks and support the school administration by performing various and complex clerical and secretarial work with sensitivity. This position is essential in facilitating the school’s efficient daily operations of the school office. The Main Office Coordinator is characterized by wide-ranging responsibilities and requires independent judgment, initiative, patience, and courtesy.

    JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

    RECEPTION:

    • Provide reception at the Main Office Front Desk; greet all students, families, and visitors respectfully and professionally, determining their needs, checking scheduled appointments, and directing them to the proper person

    • Answer incoming calls to the Main Office in a pleasant, informed manner 

    • Check voicemail messages on the school’s main number on a routine basis and distribute accordingly those messages needing immediate attention

    • Maintain the school phone system, including phone system maintenance needs

    • Be knowledgeable and current with school activities, programs, and events related to the school calendar as well as a strong understanding of school policies

    • Require all visitors to sign in and identify themselves; provide appropriate visitor badges and notify faculty/staff as appropriate

    • Keep a record of key distribution; work with Facilities Director and Business Director as needed

    RECORDS

    • Record daily attendance and student tardiness in the school database, including preparation and collection of attendance and tardy forms.

    • Collect and distribute Incident Reports to the Administrator and College Chair. Keep a record log in the office and place copies in student files. 

    • Maintain and update student, faculty, and staff emergency information 

    • Assist Registrar with maintaining records in the office - filing and storage of any non-regulated student records (sports forms and physicals, emergency forms and allergy lists); this may also include downloading documentation from school databases/information systems, and filing health and immunization records

    • Maintain parent records (chaperone forms, driver’s information)

    • Run background checks as needed for new employees, chaperones, volunteers, etc.

    FIRST AID & STUDENT HEALTH

    • Administer routine first aid to students; dispense medication according to physician instructions and school policy; enter necessary information in the medical log, 

    • Notify parents of ill or injured students

    • Prepare exposure notices to relevant class families and accident reports as needed 

    • Maintain faculty and staff CPR/First Aid records and coordinate semi-annual CPR/First Aid training 

    • Maintain student emergency forms for binders at the Front Desk; create copies for teachers, section coordinators, and after-school care teachers

    • Keep a list of students with severe allergies; create copies for teachers, section coordinators, and after-school care teachers

    • Order medical supplies (including EpiPens, AED’s) as needed; restock over the summer months and discard expired medications.

    • Refill class first-aid kits as needed

    SCHOOL SUPPLIES

    • Manage the procurement and dispersal of all school supplies at the start of and during the school year, including preparation of teacher worksheets for Mercurius orders in May, ordering of painting and drawing paper

    • Keep track of school supply purchase budgets and maintain appropriate records (receipts) in collaboration with the Bookkeeper and Business Director

    OTHER

    • Provide key support in school emergency drills (fire, tornado, etc) with the Director of Administration and the Facilities Director

    • Manage site use of facilities for school activities in collaboration with the High School Coordinator

    • Supervise students sent to the office for disciplinary reasons

    • Maintain sufficient copies of office forms for faculty and staff

    • Keep student Lost & Found items organized, coordinate communications with parents and teachers, as well as donation of unclaimed items prior to school breaks

    • Participate in weekly Administration meetings

    • Process and sort mail; maintain postage

    • Facilitate delivery of yearbooks at the end of each school year

    • Maintain school library records and process new books arriving, as time permits

    • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Administration

    SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

    CORE COMPETENCIES:

    • Strong organizational, planning, and implementation skills

    • Ability to manage workload independently and with interruptions

    • Strong written and verbal communication skills

    • Excellent interpersonal skills

    • Ability to as part of a team and independently

    • Highly detail and results oriented

    • Ability to work in a busy environment and to keep several projects going at once

    • Supports and upholds the mission and values of the Emerson Waldorf School 

    EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

    • Minimum High School Diploma (or equivalent); some College preferred

    • Minimum of 2 years professional experience in an administrative support role; prior experience in school administration preferred

    • Proficient in Google Workspace applications

    • Experience with Waldorf Education preferred

    Submit cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Michelle Fridman, Director of Administration: mfridman@emersonwaldorf.org

About the Emerson Waldorf School

Emerson Waldorf is a dual-accredited, well-established school with a rich program. We are located on a 54-acre wooded campus and farm set on the outskirts of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in the vibrant Research Triangle area. Within this diverse region, our campus is in a small rural and residential area adjacent to the 700-acre Duke Forest nature preserve. Our setting provides a rural atmosphere with the cultural advantages of a city. We serve students from preschool through high school and, in our working together, we actively promote a professional culture of communication, collaboration, and professional and personal development.

Emerson Waldorf School has a deep commitment to creating an inclusive community that values diversity and multiculturalism, and we seek candidates who have this same commitment.

Please visit our Relocation Page to learn more about the area.