Employment

Join The Woodland School

The Woodland School is building a faculty of teachers who share a deep respect for childhood and understand the importance of imaginative play.

If you see yourself as a loving caregiver with a genuine interest in constantly seeking what young children need from you; if you are imaginative, can carry a tune, and are willing to learn new skills, memorize poems, and spend long hours exploring the woods, then please consider joining us.

Our teachers are required to attend Waldorf teacher training, which will be provided during professional development workshops throughout the school year both at The Woodland School and at Waldorf teacher training institutes.

We are currently seeking caring, dependable educators to join our founding faculty for our anticipated opening in Fall 2026.

The Woodland School is currently completing the licensing process to become a Child Day Center. Employment start dates will be coordinated with the school’s opening date following licensure.

Full-Time Assistant Teacher

Position: Assistant Teacher
Status: Full-Time, salaried with health benefits. This is a 12-month position.
Schedule: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Assistant Teacher’s primary responsibility is the supervision of children to ensure their safety and comfort. The Assistant provides support to the Lead Teacher by focusing children during whole-class activities such as games and stories and by modelling the kind of behavior and speech we want the children to imitate.

Prior experience caring for young children is preferred. Experience in Waldorf education, nature-based education, or early childhood education, is welcome but is not required.

Responsibilities include:

Supporting children in developing independence, social skills, and healthy daily rhythms by working out of the Waldorf philosophy of the education of the young child. While experience with Waldorf education is not required for this position, it is expected that all faculty will work toward understanding the Waldorf approach and to incorporating it into their work at The Woodland School;
Supporting the Lead Teacher in the daily care and supervision of children ages 2 to 5;
Helping prepare and maintain a welcoming, clean, and orderly classroom and playground;
Supervising free play, nature walks, gardening, arts, crafts, and other activities;
Assisting children with diapering and bathroom needs;
Communicating warmly and professionally with families and fellow faculty;
Helping maintain classroom materials, shared spaces, and the outdoor environment;
Participating in all required faculty meetings, engaging with an assigned mentor, undergoing Waldorf teacher training, meeting state-defined annual professional development requirements, and maintaining required certifications (Medication Administration Training, First Aid and CPR, etc.);
Attending occasional evening and weekend events in support of the school and its culture, including parent-teacher evenings, open houses, festivals, and fundraising events;
Contributing to the well-being of The Woodland School at all times.

Part-Time Teachers

Position: Nap and After-care Teacher
Status: Part-Time, Hourly. This is a 12-month position.
Schedule: 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with options for fewer days.

The Nap and After-care Teacher is to oversee the Extended Day and After-Care programs. At all times, except during nap when most of the children are on their cots, either the Assistant Teacher or the Lead Teacher will assist with the supervision of the children. The primary responsibility of the Nap and After-Care Teacher is the safety and comfort of the children during lunch, nap, and free play.

Responsibilities include:

Supporting children in developing independence, social skills, and healthy daily rhythms by working out of the Waldorf philosophy of the education of the young child. While experience with Waldorf education is not required for this position, it is expected that all faculty will work toward understanding the Waldorf approach and to incorporating it into their work at The Woodland School;
Supporting the Assistant and Lead Teachers in the daily care and supervision of children ages 2 to 5;
Modelling the kind of behavior and speech we want the children to imitate;
Helping prepare and maintain a welcoming, clean, and orderly classroom and playground;
Supervising lunch, nap, and free play;
Assisting children with diapering and bathroom needs;
Dismissing children to their caregivers by following all regulations;
Communicating warmly and professionally with families and fellow faculty;
Helping maintain classroom materials, shared spaces, and the outdoor environment;
Participating in all required faculty meetings, engaging with an assigned mentor, undergoing Waldorf teacher training, meeting state-defined annual professional development requirements, and maintaining required certifications (Medication Administration Training, First Aid and CPR, etc.);
The Nap and After-Care is invited but not required to attend occasional evening and weekend events in support of the school and its culture, including parent-teacher evenings, open houses, festivals, and fundraising events;
Contributing to the well-being of The Woodland School at all times.

Working at The Woodland School

The Woodland School is a small, nonprofit school being created with the following mission: Out of reverence for all that childhood develops in each person, The Woodland School offers a place for children to explore nature, play imaginatively, and begin to experience the full possibility of their young lives.

Our campus at Sweet Briar College gives children access to a preschool building, playground, gardens, and nearby woodland. Teachers should expect the outdoors to be an important part of the school day rather than an occasional activity.

We especially welcome applicants who are interested in helping shape a young school and becoming part of a close-knit community of children, families, teachers, and supporters.

How to Apply

Please send a résumé, two references, and a letter of interest describing your experience with young children and your interest in The Woodland School.

Please indicate whether you are applying for the Full-Time Assistant Teacher or Part-Time Nap and After-care Teacher position.

Email Your Application

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

The Woodland School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.