Shining Mountain Waldorf School
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Education that grows with your child

Shining Mountain Waldorf School offers a human-centered education where children are given the space to grow at their own natural pace, free from the pressures of early testing and screens. By balancing rigorous academics with hands-on arts and outdoor exploration, we help students develop the intellectual depth, emotional resilience, and practical skills needed to navigate a changing world.

Our approach nurtures a genuine love for learning, ensuring that children don’t just memorize facts, but develop the independent thinking and moral courage to lead purposeful lives. This unique foundation prepares them not just for the next grade, but for a lifetime of confidence and authentic connection.

SMWS At a Glance

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Founded in September 1983, SMWS opened its doors with over eighty students ranging from Pre-K through 4th grade. Today, we celebrate more than 40 years of excellence in Waldorf education.

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Our graduates carry a lifelong passion for learning: 98% attend college, with 92% completing their degrees. Half of those alumni pursue advanced degrees.

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SMWS is proud to be dually accredited by AWSNA and ACIS. This dual recognition confirms our commitment to excellence & the highest rigorous standards in independent education.

What our Students Love

What our Parents Value

The Waldorf Advantage

Nurture the whole child

At SMWS, we believe education should grow with your child by aligning our curriculum with their natural developmental stages and inner rhythms. This approach ensures that learning is a natural, healthy process that respects each student’s unique capacities and individual abilities. By meeting children exactly where they are, we help them stay deeply engaged and curious, effectively avoiding the burnout and stress often found in high-pressure traditional environments.

Master academics through the arts

We don’t just teach art; we use creative expression as an essential tool to teach every academic subject, from mathematics to history. This “artfully intentional” method is inextricably woven into our program to turn abstract concepts into vivid, multisensory lessons. Because of this integration, your child develops a sense of “intellectual fearlessness,” learning to tackle rigorous academic challenges with a higher level of critical thinking and creative problem-solving.

 

Practice conscious technology

In a world of constant digital noise, we prioritize intentional technology use over mere screen time. We introduce digital tools only when students have the cognitive maturity to understand their impact—beginning in Grade 7—and moving toward advanced projects like building their own computers by senior year. This careful introduction ensures your child builds a healthy, balanced relationship with the digital world, graduating as a creator of technology who controls their tools rather than being distracted by them. 

Learn through direct experience

We believe that true knowledge comes from active engagement with the world rather than passive observation through a screen or textbook. Our students learn by doing—whether observing wildlife in natural habitats, participating in hands-on farm trips, or engaging in international exchanges. This experiential model makes education tangible and real, building a strong sense of agency in your child and proving to them that they have the talent and imagination to actively shape the world around them.

 

Foster social and emotional intelligence

Our school community is built on a foundation of human dignity, integrity, and compassion for all people. Because students often stay with the same peer group and teachers for years, they develop profound social bonds and a deep sense of belonging. This environment prepares your child to be a confident global citizen who possesses the high emotional intelligence and empathy needed to lead and navigate a diverse, changing world with kindness.

Explore Our Programs

One Campus, One Journey: The Power of a PreK-12 Waldorf Education

Early Childhood

Nurturing the sense of wonder & curiosity
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Lower School

Building character & foundations
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Middle School

Developing independence & insight
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High School

Critical thinking for a complex world
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Discover our 8-acre Boulder foothills campus

Nestled in the Boulder foothills, our 8-acre campus is a sanctuary for outdoor learning. Originally an apple orchard, the land is still home to a historic stream and expansive green canopies. Here, students engage directly with nature—from caring for our campus chicken coop to cultivating the community garden, a legacy project led by our third-grade class.

Join our newsletter for parenting insights, Waldorf-inspired activities, and invitations to our upcoming campus events.

Ready to see the Waldorf Advantage in action?

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Position: Early Childhood Lead Teacher (Buttercup Class) & Fairy Blossom Lead Teacher
Program: Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Reports to: Early Childhood Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Date: March 2026

Position Summary

Shining Mountain Waldorf School is seeking a warm, joyful, and experienced Early Childhood educator to serve in a combined role as Lead Teacher in both our Buttercup Preschool classroom and our Fairy Blossom parent-child program.

This position includes three days per week leading a mixed-age preschool classroom (ages 2½–4) and two days per week leading Fairy Blossom parent-child classes (ages 6 months–3 years with caregivers).

In the Buttercup classroom, the Lead Teacher creates a nurturing, play-based Waldorf environment grounded in rhythm, imagination, and connection to the natural world. In Fairy Blossom, the teacher guides caregivers and young children in a peaceful, home-like setting, offering both experiential activities and parent education rooted in Waldorf principles.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Buttercup Preschool (3 days/week)

  • Develop and implement a developmentally appropriate Waldorf early childhood curriculum that nurtures all domains of child development
  • Create a warm, rhythmic classroom environment through storytelling, circle, imaginative play, seasonal activities, and outdoor experiences
  • Provide responsive care, supporting each child’s individual developmental needs
  • Guide children in self-care (toileting, dressing, social development)
  • Maintain a beautiful, orderly, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment
  • Work collaboratively with the Early Childhood Assistant, providing clear communication and leadership
  • Plan and facilitate parent conferences, parent evenings, and ongoing communication with families
  • Support smooth transitions for children and families entering the program
  • Coordinate daily classroom setup, materials, snack preparation, and outdoor activities
  • Participate in ECE sectionals, Plenum, in-service days, and school events
  • Ensure compliance with Colorado licensing regulations and school policies
  • Foster a strong, connected classroom community

Fairy Blossom Program (2 days/week)

  • Create a warm, home-like, and rhythmical environment for parents/caregivers and young children
  • Lead weekly sessions which may include free play, circle time, songs, games, fingerplays, puppet plays, snack, and outdoor time
  • Prepare and guide simple handwork activities for adults
  • Offer parent education through teacher-led discussions and curated readings on Waldorf child development and parenting
  • Hold space for respectful, non-judgmental conversation among caregivers
  • Prepare and serve simple snacks with participation from families
  • Maintain the classroom environment and materials

Education and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree (required)
  • Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training Certificate (or currently enrolled)
  • Experience teaching in Waldorf Early Childhood settings
  • Meets all Colorado ECE licensing requirements (ECT qualification, CPR/First Aid, background check, PDIS registration, etc.)
  • Strong commitment to Waldorf education and child development
  • Demonstrates integrity, warmth, and a capacity to be worthy of imitation

Salary and Benefits

SMWS offers a teaching base salary commensurate with Waldorf training and years of experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • $48,013-$70,000 (Annually)
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Long-term disability and life insurance
  • 401(k) plan
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Tuition remission for enrolled children
  • Professional development opportunities

Shining Mountain Waldorf School is committed to equal employment opportunity and to fostering a workplace rooted in respect, dignity, and inclusion.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, three references, and salary requirements to hrmgr@smwaldorf.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Events Coordinator – Part Time

Program: Administration
Reports to: Development Director and School Director
FLSA Status: Non – Exempt (Hourly)
Date: August 2026

Shining Mountain Waldorf School

Shining Mountain Waldorf School, founded in 1983, is an accredited Pre-K-12 nonprofit Waldorf independent school located in Boulder, Colorado on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. We are recognized for our academic depth, experiential learning, artistic integration, wilderness experiences, and place-based, innovative program. Our school is about an hour’s drive to Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park. We are close to world-class hiking, skiing, and outdoor recreation. A college town, Boulder is home to the University of Colorado and Naropa University, as well as numerous local organizations that provide a rich variety of arts, lectures, and workshops. Boulder is known for its natural beauty, environmental initiatives, sustainable agriculture, farm-to-table dining, and more than 300 days of sunshine each year.

Shining Mountain Waldorf School (SMWS) is at an exciting point in its 40+ year history. We have recently built a new state of the art high school campus, adjacent to the existing lower school campus. The school has been deeply engaged in a revisioning process to rediscover our unique, contemporary identity and to identify several capstone pilot program opportunities.

Position Summary

The Events Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and implementing all-school community festivals & donor events and assisting the Development Director with fundraising campaigns and cultivation events. The Events Coordinator coordinates and supports community cultivation events throughout the school year and identifies, encourages, and facilitates volunteer participation throughout the school community.  This position creates a warm, beautiful, safe, and welcoming environment for celebration of festivals, academic presentations and celebrations, and broader donor and community engagement opportunities. Event support includes the coordination of audio-visual, event set-up needs, licenses, food and beverage, and event schematics. This position will prepare SMWS to analyze, prioritize,  and develop an achievable comprehensive annual calendar of community events to ensure the sustainable  and inclusive opportunities for community engagement. This is a part-time position.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

  • Co-create and support welcoming event spaces for the following four community events: Halloween Wonderwalk, Grandparents Day, Human Advantage Summit, Gala
  • Support Development outreach through high scale small audience donor parties
  • Support open house events, as needed.
  • Coordinate with the Facilities Director for the setup needs of events
  • Provide event coordination with the Marketing Director, Development Director, and Admission Director for donor events
  • Provide coordination of audio-visual, event set-up needs, licenses, food and beverage, event schematics.
  • Work with parent volunteers to organize events
  • Work with Give Smart app &/ or other technology to organize donation
 

Education and Qualifications

  • Strong organizational and planning skills.
  • Experience in running large events.
  • Detail oriented and self motivated.
  • Ability to recruit, inspire and manage volunteers.
  • Ability to manage budgets and track profit/loss statements.
  • Ability to work with Google suites, Give Smart and other technology
  • Familiar with or interested in working with a Waldorf School culture
  • Clear and effective communication
 

Work Setting

  • Office environment and setting up events all over campus
  • Weekend and evening hours, as needed
 

Hours

  • This is an hourly position – up to 15 -20 hours a week
  • Position is active during the months of September through May
  • Weekend and evening hours will be needed
  • Hours will need to be flexible, as the weeks leading up to events require more hours.
 

Salary and Benefits

  • Hourly rate of $25.75 per hour
  • Colorado Paid Sick Leave – 1 hour for every 30 hours worked
  • Eligible to enroll in the SMWS 401(k) plan
  • Because this is a part-time position we do not offer additional benefits
 

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to perform:

  • Lift 25 pounds, bending, stretching
  • Mobility to move boxes
  • Work within an office setting
  • Walk around campus sidewalks and grassy areas in all types of weather
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
 

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to hrmgr@smwaldorf.org.

Shining Mountain 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, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, familial status, sexual orientation or national or ethnic origin, 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, where employees are treated with respect and dignity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donna El-Hehiawy

HR Director

Donna resides in Boulder, Colorado, where she shares her home with her dog and cat and her visiting daughters, who are currently attending college. Originally from Encino, California, Donna moved to Colorado to pursue her education and graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources. What began as a college journey quickly became a lifelong connection to the community she now calls home.

After graduation, Donna built a successful career in Human Resources, gaining more than 15 years of professional experience while also dedicating many years to active involvement in her daughters’ schools. Throughout her career, she has been known for her collaborative spirit,
strong organizational skills, and genuine commitment to supporting people and communities.

Donna brings enthusiasm, warmth, and a deep sense of purpose to her role at the Shining Mountain Waldorf School, where she is excited to support the school community.

Outside of work, she is an avid bicyclist and enjoys kayaking, exploring the outdoors, and capturing meaningful moments through photography.

Job Details

  • Job Title: Facilities & Grounds Assistant

  • Program: Administration

  • Reports to: Facilities & Grounds Director

  • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

  • Date: January 2026

Position Summary

Shining Mountain Waldorf School (“SMWS”) is a PreK-12th grade campus consisting of 8 acres and 15 buildings located at the foothills of North Boulder, Colorado. In conjunction with the Facilities Director, the Facilities and Grounds Assistant provides year-round maintenance, seasonal upkeep, and improvement of school buildings and grounds to support our nature and outdoor school curriculum. Maintenance, safety, and improvement projects are essential to welcome visitors and the SMWS community to the natural beauty of the SMWS campus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Required skills to address issues relating to campus maintenance: plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, HVAC, care of the grounds, etc.

  • Daily tour of campus and playground for hazards, trash, safety, and wildlife concerns

  • Daily response to requests for repairs and campus assistance

  • Daily late afternoon safety checks for campus and building safety

  • Weekly service and safety inspection of school buses (fuel, oil, tires, etc.)

  • Weekly cleaning and organizing of facilities and grounds workshop

  • Weekly safety inspections of playground equipment

  • Preparation for school events and meetings, including setup and breakdown of tables and chairs

  • Seasonal work, inspecting and maintaining classrooms, air conditioners, swamp coolers, furnaces, water heaters, thermostats, etc.

  • Supplement early morning seasonal and evening snow removal and ice management throughout campus in preparation for the student and parent arrival and departure of the school day

  • Delivery and moving of items throughout campus classrooms and buildings

Additional Responsibilities

  • Outdoor work, walking, repairing, and attention to our 8-acre campus

  • School events set up and break down – festivals, concerts, and plays   

  • Driving ability to include driving school truck with trailer   

  • Working knowledge of automotive care and maintenance   

  • Working with faculty and assisting in moving and preparing classrooms   

Education and Qualifications

  • Familiarity with landscaping and irrigation, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, HVAC, and general maintenance items

  • Friendly and approachable temperament working with faculty, staff, students, and community

  • Previous construction, trade, and technical skills

  • Self-starter in recognizing and completing necessary campus needs and maintenance

  • Skill and ability to operate power tools in accordance with proper safety guidelines

  • Basic computer skills

  • Driver’s license required with excellent driving record

  • Available to work a flexible schedule at times when work is needed outside of normal working hours – early mornings and weekends (early/late snow removal, event set up and break down, facilities emergencies, etc.)

Work Setting

  • Status: Full time – 40 hour a week non-exempt position

  • Type: This is an hourly, year-round position

  • Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (may require some early morning and evening hours)

  • Environment: Work setting varies based on assignment – indoor and outdoor work on campus and buildings

Salary and Benefits

  • Pay: Hourly wage of $25.00 per hour – overtime paid (time and ½) when over 40 hours are worked per week

  • Time Off: Personal Time Off (monthly accruals of 2 weeks and 3 weeks after 1+ years)

  • Sick Leave: Colorado Paid Sick Leave (1 hour earned each 30 hours worked up to 48 hours each calendar year)

  • Holidays: Up to 15 Paid National Holidays per calendar year, including a paid week during the December holidays

  • Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, 401(k) with match (determined annually), flexible spending account, and other ancillary benefits

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to perform:

  • General construction work-related requirements, including but not limited to: lifting, bending, standing, kneeling, carrying items, working on a ladder, etc.

  • Ability to lift at least 60 pounds

  • Work in tight spaces – work may be in small spaces within buildings, crawl spaces, and frame restrictions

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 


Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to hrmgr@smwaldorf.org

Shining Mountain 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, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin, 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, where employees are treated with respect and dignity. 


Job Details

  • Job Title: Substitute Teacher

  • Program: Grades 1 through Grade 12

  • Reports to: Campus Operations Director

  • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

  • Date: October 2024

Position Summary

Shining Mountain Waldorf School, a PreK to High School, is seeking Substitute Teachers. In order to create an encouraging learning environment for students while their regular Teacher is absent, our Substitute Teachers will need to effectively manage and instruct the class. We are looking for individuals who have teaching experience, love the classroom environment, and are available (sometimes on very short notice) to work during the week. Knowledge of Waldorf education is a plus.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Teaching and supervision of students in the event that their regular teacher is unable to lead class.

  • Manage classroom behavior and follow lesson plans provided by the regular Teacher to create a cohesive and consistent learning experience for students.

  • Manage the classroom effectively to encourage student participation, minimize distractions and maintain a positive learning environment.

  • Adapt teaching methods to fit the needs of each individual student.

  • Supervise students in and out of the classroom, including in class transitions, and on the playground.

Work Setting

  • Classroom and playground environment

Salary and Hours

  • Pay: $25 per hour with a 2-hour daily minimum

  • Timesheets are required to be completed

  • Substitute Teaching hours vary and are contingent on SMWS Faculty absences from the classroom and class needs

  • Calls to Substitute Teach may be made on very short notice – evening and morning hours

  • Substitute hours are based on SMWS need for classroom coverage

Education and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree

  • Teaching experience and classroom experience required

  • Comfortable with students and academic focus

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to perform:   

  • Sitting and standing for class presentations   

     

  • Lift 25 pounds, bending, stretching   

     

  • Mobility to move about the classroom, walking around our 12 -acre campus, and playground   

     

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  

 
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to hrmgr@smwaldorf.org.

Shining Mountain 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, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, familial status, sexual orientation or national or ethnic origin, 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, where employees are treated with respect and dignity.

 

 

Kim Rector
Kim Rector

Admissions Director

Kim brings more than 12 years of dedicated experience in Advancement and Admissions within Waldorf Education. Kim’s journey with Waldorf Education began in 2013 at the Austin Waldorf School, where she discovered a deep passion for Waldorf pedagogy and Anthroposophy. After relocating to Colorado in 2014, Shining Mountain Waldorf School quickly became a second home for her family. That same year, Kim stepped into the role of Lower School Receptionist, marking the start of nearly a decade of service and leadership at SMWS.

With over 15 years of experience in non-profit fundraising and event management, Kim was a natural fit for the position of Development Director at Shining Mountain, a role she held from 2017 to 2020. She then transitioned into Admissions, serving as Admission Director from 2020 until her family’s return to Austin in 2023. Kim continued work in Waldorf Education by serving as Admission Director at the Austin Waldorf School for the following three years.

Kim studied Biochemistry at Texas State University and has completed her Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy.

Outside of her professional life, Kim and her husband, Julian, are parents to their three children, Sydney, Suri, and Julian. Together, they enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, and cooking as a family.