Festivals & Gatherings

Anchoring the soul of the school through seasonal festivals & community gatherings

Festival life in Waldorf education grounds the school year in a predictable, rhythmic cycle, marking the natural shifts in nature through shared stories, music, and seasonal rituals. These celebrations unite families, students, and teachers in meaningful ways by creating a space to honor shared values like courage, gratitude, and renewal while strengthening community bonds. Centered on the turning points of the year, Waldorf communities typically celebrate four major seasonal festivals—autumn, winter, spring, and summer—alongside specific traditions like Michaelmas, Lantern Walks, and May Day.

Annual Community Farm Dinner

Set against the scenic backdrop of Yellow Barn Farm, our Annual Community Farm Dinner is a cherished tradition that gathers our extended school family under the open sky. Each autumn, current families, alumni, grandparents, faculty, and neighbors come together around long wooden tables to share a wholesome, farm-to-table meal and celebrate the start of a new academic journey. Through heartfelt speeches, shared intentions, and warm blessings whispered into the crisp evening air, this special gathering anchors our community in connection, gratitude, and joyous anticipation for the school year ahead.

Rose Ceremony

The Rose Ceremony forms a golden thread woven through the entire Shining Mountain journey, marking both the first step of a child’s education and the proud farewell of our graduates. On the opening morning of school, high school seniors greet our newest first graders, placing a single rose in their hands and walking alongside them to meet their class teacher. This quiet moment of stewardship sets the tone for a year of connection and reverence. As the school year draws to a close, the cycle comes full circle: our first graders present roses to the graduating senior class, honoring the mentors who once held their hands and offering a heartfelt blessing as they cross the threshold into the future.

Michaelmas

One of the most beloved festivals in the Waldorf tradition is Michaelmas, a celebration of courage, strength, and the human capacity to meet challenges with purpose. As the days grow shorter and autumn unfolds, we are invited to cultivate an inner light that can guide us through the darker months ahead.

Celebrated near the autumn equinox, Michaelmas reminds us that each of us faces both outer obstacles and inner “dragons”: fear, doubt, anger, selfishness, or complacency. Rather than avoiding these challenges, the festival encourages us to meet them with courage, compassion, and integrity. In Waldorf education, the image of the dragon symbolizes these forces, while the act of taming the dragon represents the ongoing work of transforming ourselves through conscious, courageous action.

Our community honors this seasonal threshold through colorful plays depicting the taming of the dragon, shared harvests, seasonal music, and meaningful work that fosters unity, resilience, gratitude, and joy. Students of all ages engage in Michaelmas games centered on cooperation and physical challenge, testing their collective strength and spirit. The celebration culminates in a joyous community picnic, where families gather to share a wholesome meal and carry warmth, courage, and hope into the seasons of increasing darkness. 

Halloween Wonder Walk

Step into a world of enchantment as autumn unfolds its gentle magic. Designed especially for preschool through fifth-grade children and their families, the Halloween Wonder Walk is a magical journey through a series of whimsical, theatrical vignettes that bring the golden stories of fall to life. Folks will come from far and wide, across the land, to join us in the magic and wonder of this beloved tradition at Shining Mountain Waldorf School. As dusk approaches, glowing paths guide visitors through captivating scenes designed and performed by our imaginative community members. Free from frights and filled with pure delight, it is a heartwarming celebration of nature, storytelling, and seasonal joy.

Lantern Walk

As the sun sets earlier and the world grows darker, our Lantern Walk offers a moment of quiet warmth and beauty amidst the chill of late autumn. In November, our Kindergarten through 2nd Grade gather for a reverent lantern walk through the twilight. Leading up to the evening, the children lovingly craft beautiful lanterns in school, preparing to carry their delicate glow into the dusk. Parents offer gentle support by providing and serving snacks and hot cider and tending the fire as families gather together under the night sky. Carrying these handmade lanterns into the dark evening symbolizes that the inner light of humankind wants to shine forth—a reminder of kindness, generosity, and hope to guide us into the winter months.

Winter Faire + Bazaar

The Winter Faire and Bazaar serves as a cherished annual tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the cozy warmth, creativity, and light of the season. At its heart, the faire honors the turning of the year by offering children meaningful, tactile experiences that nourish their imaginations and sense of wonder. Transforming classrooms into magical activity hubs—where children can build fairy houses, dip beeswax candles, roast bread over an open fire, or hand-dye silk scarves as gifts for their parents—creates a deep sense of reverent joy. Experiences like the secret “Angel Store” give young ones a gentle taste of independence and the joy of giving, reinforcing the Waldorf emphasis on handwork, connection to nature, and the beauty of human craft.

Alongside the family activities, the bazaar provides a vibrant space for connection, artistry, and local commerce. Featuring hand-crafted goods from local makers and talented artisans within the SMWS community, the market offers a mindful alternative to commercial holiday shopping. Visitors can find unique, high-quality gifts made with care and sustainable materials while directly supporting neighborhood creators and the school. Ultimately, the Winter Faire and Bazaar is more than just a seasonal event; it is a heartwarming community gathering that illuminates the darker winter months with shared light, craftsmanship, and seasonal magic

Winter Spiral Garden

Beginning in early December, as the days grow shorter and winter draws close, the Winter Spiral Garden celebrates a gentle kindling of our inner light.  A path of evergreen boughs is laid out in a winding spiral, carrying a renewed promise that spring light and life will begin again. One by one, children from Kindergarten through the early grades, and eighth through high school, walk the quiet, darkened spiral to light a single candle from the central flame, placing it along the path until the entire room glows with quiet warmth. 

Each year, we also host an evening spiral for our parent and alumni community. Adults are invited to walk the quiet path, pause from the seasonal busyness, and reconnect with the warmth and connection of our school community.

Spring Gala

The Spring Gala is our signature annual adult gathering and premier fundraising event, bringing our community together for an evening of celebration, connection, and generosity in support of Shining Mountain Waldorf School.

Each year, friends, families, alumni, faculty, and supporters gather to enjoy a beautiful evening featuring a lively silent and live auction, delicious food and drink, inspiring stories, and joyful celebration. The auction showcases generous donations from local Boulder businesses and community members, as well as one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces lovingly created by each class.

More than a fundraiser, the Spring Gala is a celebration of the people who make Shining Mountain such a special place. It is an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, welcome new families, honor our shared commitment to Waldorf education, and invest together in the future of our school. Behind the scenes, parent volunteers help bring the evening to life, creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes the Spring Gala such a memorable celebration. We hope you’ll join us for this memorable evening of community, gratitude, and giving.

Grandparents & Special Friends Day

Grandparents & Special Friends Day is a cherished annual tradition where we warmly open our campus to the beloved elders and special friends in our students’ lives. Guests are invited into the classrooms to experience our vibrant learning environment firsthand, enjoy special grade-level performances featuring music, poetry, and movement, and gather for a catered lunch and tea. The event also includes heartfelt remarks from our School Director, offering insight into the deep impact of Waldorf education. For those who feel called, it offers a meaningful opportunity to invest in our school’s future through donations that directly support our students and programs.

Pentathlon Games

The Pentathlon Games are a signature milestone of the 5th grade year in Waldorf education, bringing Ancient Greek history to life through five classic disciplines: the running dash, standing long jump, javelin, discus, and Greek wrestling. Students from regional schools gather wearing simple tunics and are sorted into mixed city-states—such as Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes—to compete as unified teams. The event opens with traditional Greek rituals, including torch-lighting and student-recited odes to the gods.

Rather than crowning the fastest runner or strongest thrower, performance is judged on grace, form, sportsmanship, and personal growth. Every athlete works to achieve their personal best while supporting teammates from other city-states, embodying the Greek ideal of arete (virtue and balance of body and mind). Individual gold medals are replaced by olive leaf wreaths awarded for exceptional spirit and form, turning standard athletic competition into a celebratory festival of camaraderie, nobility, and shared achievement.

May Festival

The May Festival is a vibrant Waldorf tradition celebrating the arrival of spring, renewed warmth, and the beauty of nature’s growth. At Shining Mountain, our whole community gathers in the Lower School courtyard before joining the 1st through 12th Grade students on the field outside Festival Hall for traditional music and colorful Maypole dancing, followed by a joyous community picnic. Embracing the rhythm of the seasons, our Kindergarten classes celebrate with their own special Maypole gathering and festive picnic, creating a sweet and memorable experience tailored to our youngest learners.

Bridging Ceremony

In Waldorf education, the Bridging Ceremony marks a profound milestone: the passage from early childhood into the grade school. Grounded in the Waldorf understanding of child development, this gentle ritual honors the end of the first seven-year cycle of play-based growth and celebrates a student’s readiness for formal academic learning.

During this moving event, our “Golden Knight” Kindergartners symbolically cross a bridge from early childhood to receive the “keys” to 1st grade. Met with warmth and reverence by their new 1st Grade teacher and the broader school community, each child is welcomed into the next step of their educational journey, stepping forward into a new chapter of discovery, independence, and growth.

Field Day

Field Day is a beloved, joyful end-of-year tradition that brings our entire school community together to celebrate the close of another wonderful academic year. Designed with age-appropriate activities for every grade level, the day is packed with play and camaraderie—from whimsical parachute games and gem digs for our younger students to cornhole and archery for the older grades.

The festivities culminate in an exhilarating, high-energy community tug-of-war tournament. Grades face off against grades in friendly competition, building up to a thrilling finale where students test their strength against the faculty. Full of laughter, school spirit, and active fun, Field Day offers a vibrant, community-centered way to celebrate our shared journey before stepping into summer.

Want to join a festival? We'd love to have you.

Book A Tour
Christine Shalda

Events Manager

Christine brings to Shining Mountain a rich background in program leadership, community organizing, and organizational management. In her previous roles—including Co-Chair for the Festivals Committee at Emerson Waldorf School and founder of Four Sisters Fiber Shed—Christine built a strong foundation in coordinating complex initiatives, managing event logistics, and fostering meaningful community engagement.

Grounded in Waldorf pedagogy and the practical arts, she excels at creating warm, inclusive gatherings that bring people together. Outside of her professional work, Christine loves spending time outdoors, gardening, and exploring fiber crafts like knitting and natural dyeing.

Jamie Little

Meadowlark Preschool Lead Teacher

With 12 years of teaching experience in Waldorf Education, Jamie is grateful to have spent her career nurturing young children through the beauty, rhythm, and wonder of early childhood. Her experience includes both classroom teaching and administration, giving her a deep understanding of how to create a warm, nurturing, and supportive environment for children and families.

Jamie’s connection to Waldorf education began as a student herself. She is a proud alumna of Shining Mountain Waldorf School, and the values and experiences she received continue to shape her approach to teaching. Jamie believes children thrive when given the time and space to explore, imagine, create, and grow at their own pace within a loving and predictable rhythm.

Jamie graduated with a Master’s in Education and holds both grades and early childhood Waldorf teaching credentials, as well as a BA in Psychology and Neuroscience. Outside of teaching, Jamie loves spending time with her family. She enjoys gardening, painting, and baking, activities that keep her connected to nature, creativity, and the beauty of making things by hand.

Position: Lower School Office Manager (Hourly full time for 3⁄4 of the year, or year round depending on qualifications)
Program: Administration
Reports to: Campus Operations Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Date: July 2026

Position Summary

The Lower School Office Manager (Grades Pre K through 8) manages the front desk in the Lower School Office. This is a highly visible position, often being the first point of contact for the Shining Mountain Waldorf School Community. The Lower School Office Manager is friendly, organized, and professional in their phone, email and in-person communications. Master of working to multitask and manage multiple requests and responsibilities in a busy school office environment. This position also manages ordering supplies for the classrooms, offices, and the school bookstore.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Lower School Office Manager (supervised by Campus Operations Director)

  • Greet and welcome students, parents, faculty, staff, and visitors to the SMWS campus
  • Ensure the safety and security of school at all times; complete background checks for campus visitors through Schoolpass system
  • Log visitors/student teachers/substitutes/service personnel following current school policy
  • Support the Campus Operations Director/Facilities Director with school safety policy and procedures; assist in execution of drills; maintain knowledge about all school emergency procedures
  • Answer, screen, forward, take or send telephone/voicemail/email messages in a helpful and constructive manner
  • Track student tardies and absences. Contact parents when necessary to follow up on absences, illness, or early dismissals. Inform teachers of Aftercare drop-ins, take messages to classrooms during the day, monitor student sign in/out
  • Attend to students sent to the office for injuries by providing appropriate minor first aid

Operation of bookstore and point of sale system

  • Assist with clerical tasks, student file maintenance, especially Back-to-School paperwork, and document creation when needed; throughout the year, maintain up to date forms in student files as well as class folders; maintain information and updates to bulletin boards schoolwide and then end of year student file rollover and archiving.

Classroom Supplies:

  • Coordinating needs of all classroom supplies for the upcoming school year with each class teacher
  • Work with designated major school material vendors to place orders
  • Begin coordinating supply orders in April, ordering in May
  • Assist with school supply orders throughout the school year
  • Order readers based on needs of each classrooms
  • Additional local shopping for incidental supplies
  • Sort and distribute the bulk supply order by grades and students in August – prior to the start of school

Support Office Purchasing:

  • Coordinate purchase of bookstore inventory
  • Order office supplies, including cleaning supplies, first aid supplies, and copy paper
  • Office machine maintenance and supplies

End of school year/Beginning of school year office tasks:

  • Update mailroom mailboxes for current faculty and staff
  • Organize and take stock of office supplies/first aid supplies, order where necessary
  • Highlight or assist with beginning of school year back to school forms collection

Additional Responsibilities

  • Ensure the reception area, bookstore, and entire LS office is orderly and professional with current school year information
  • Distribute all incoming and outgoing mail; create and maintain mailroom organization.
  • Receive, log and route deliveries
  • Manage lost items throughout campus, encourage pick up by displaying lost & found items throughout the school year
  • Perform other clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, faxing; maintain copier, schedule maintenance and repairs; monitor phone system, update scripted messages
  • In accordance with the SMWS philosophy, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in accordance to the duties listed on this job description

Education and Qualifications

  • Experience in private school admissions, school office, or similar environment preferred
  • Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree preferred
  • Experience working with electronic record management required
  • Proficiency with Google Suite and other cloud-based software required
  • Significant level of competence with computers, internet, and social media required
  • Experience with event planning required
  • Excellent communication skills both written and oral, efficient and courteous, with the ability to relate to students and adults in a friendly and diplomatic manner
  • Professionalism in maintaining confidentiality
  • Demonstrate ability to maintain focus on tasks and appropriately shift priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Works harmoniously with a diverse community
  • Knowledge of Waldorf school philosophy is preferred, willingness to acquire understanding of Waldorf education is required
  • Current CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration certification (offered through SMWS)

Work Setting

  • General school office environment
  • Optimum School hours – Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • This is a full time hourly position for approximately 3⁄4 of the year. Full year employment could be available to a candidate with the right skills.
  • Daily hours follow our Lower School schedule – August to June. plus limited after school and weekend hours as needed.
  • For the right candidate, this position supports camp in summer months and becomes a year-round position.

Salary and Benefits

  • Hourly range $23.00 to $25.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications
  • Paid Holidays during working schedule
  • Personal Time off
  • Colorado Paid Sick Leave – 1 hour for each 30 hours worked – up to 48 hours per year
  • Employee benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance are available to candidates that qualify for full time, year round employment.

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 is required to:

  • Repetitive motions with the wrists, hands, and fingers
  • Requires sitting and standing for extensive periods of time
  • Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range
  • Requires bending and twisting, reaching high and low
  • Talking, hearing, listening, and seeing
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
  • Maneuvering around campus – indoor and outdoor walking
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

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.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Andrews

Rainbow Garden Lead and Bluebell Assistant

My name is Mary Andrews, and I am originally from Northampton, Massachusetts, but I now live in Boulder. I am deeply committed to and enthused by Waldorf Early Childhood Education and the centered, slow, purposeful nature of the Waldorf EC Classroom. I am drawn to the loving, dreamy, playful spirit of preschool-aged children and can’t wait to be a part of the Bluebell classroom in the fall.

I spent the past year assistant teaching at the Boulder Valley Waldorf School in both the Preschool and Kindergarten settings, and have experience in other nature-based EC classrooms as well.

In my own childhood (from parent-child to 8th grade), I attended the Hartsbrook Waldorf School in Hadley, Massachusetts. I still carry many things brought to me originally by my teachers: love for fiber and visual arts, active outdoor play, wonder in stories, and beauty in practical work that have followed me into my teaching now. I am currently undergoing Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training at the Sunbridge Institute in Chestnut Ridge, New York.

Brandon Kohn

Class Teacher Grade 1

Brandon joins us from Emerson Waldorf School in North Carolina.  Brandon brings warmth, joy, and enthusiasm to his students and his teaching, as well as a depth of understanding in Waldorf education. His love for children is immediately apparent, and his excitement for the work of first grade is contagious. It is clear that Brandon will guide his students with care, and creativity while becoming an engaged and joyful member of our community. 

Brandon Kohn and his wife Cilia first moved to the beautiful state of Colorado in 2006. He spent the early years of his teaching career in the public-school sector, before finding Waldorf Education and Anthroposophy in 2016. Brandon has had the privilege of taking two Waldorf seventh-grade classes through their eighth-grade graduations as well as inspiring four first-grade classes in his twelve years as a class teacher. He found his way to Shining Mountain after working at Juniper Ridge Community School in Grand Junction, Mountain Laurel Waldorf School in New Paltz, NY, and Emerson Waldorf School in Chapel Hill, NC.

Brandon has been happily married to his wife Cilia for twenty-three years and they have two lovely children, Wayland, 12, and Lucia, 7, as well as three fuzzy cats. In his free time, he enjoys story-telling, hiking, rafting, writing, and adventuring with his family. Brandon graduated from Regis University in Denver, Colorado in 2014, with a BA in Elementary Education and a Literacy Certificate. He completed his Waldorf Teacher Training program through Gradalis in 2022.
Keir Hyatt

Middle School & High School Math Teacher

Keir grew up in southeastern Pennsylvania. Upon graduating from Goucher College in 1998 with a B.A. in history, he immediately began his teaching career. He spent the next decade teaching both math and humanities courses, as well as coaching lacrosse.

In 2007, Keir left the East Coast for Colorado. After a few years pursuing other interests, he returned to education by joining the math department at Tara Performing Arts High School. There, he developed a deep appreciation for Waldorf education, wearing a wide variety of hats both in and out of the classroom. While at Tara, he met his wife, Ashley, who now teaches at Boulder Valley Waldorf School.

Outside the classroom, Keir enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors. He lives nearby and can often be found on the mountain trails in Boulder.

Position: Early Childhood Preschool Lead Teacher
Program: Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Reports to: Early Childhood Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Date: June 2026

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Preschool Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a warm and joyful Waldorf play-based program in a preschool early childhood group setting.  Working with an assistant, the teacher brings the magic of the seasons through stories, circles, handwork, imaginative play, and outdoor experiences each day.  Essential qualities of the lead teacher include uprightness, collegiality, a strong sense of integrity, patience, and flexibility. Our ideal candidate strives towards continual self-development and endeavors to be worthy of imitation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement age appropriate curriculum to nurture and stimulate all domains of children’s development in their care 
  • Provide parent education and hold parent evenings 
  • Plan, communicate and document periodic parent/teacher conferences to discuss children’s developmental progress, needs, and interests 
  • Provide responsive care to all children by adapting daily caregiving routines and plans to the needs of the individual child and group 
  • Coordinate daily preparations of classroom, playground, and all materials
  • Provide and maintain a developmentally appropriate and aesthetically pleasing classroom environment
  • Work directly with and supervise Early Childhood Assistant; providing open communication to keep them updated on all matters concerning the classroom, program, procedures, class behavior, and expectations 
  • Foster strong partnerships with  class families and maintain clear communication about upcoming events and student behavior 
  • Ensure age appropriate classroom management and supervision of class activities
  • Coordinate and participate in curricular activities such as circle time, story, birthday celebrations, festivals their cleanup 
  • Coordinate weekly hike, outdoor activities, and outdoor play 
  • Participate in preparing and conducting of puppet plays for Winter Faire
  • Guide and support children with self-care such as toileting, dressing, and social behavior
  • Maintain confidentiality in all student situations 
  • Assure a healthy, safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate environment for children
  • Develop and maintain collegial relationships through communication and support with faculty members
  • Participate in interviews and admission events as needed including open houses and summer enrollment 
  • Participate in weekly ECE sectional meetings as well as attend Plenum, beginning and end of the year in-services and as well as the February conference
  • Complete daily attendance sheets
  • Provide first aid as necessary
  • Complete incident reports as necessary 
  • Actively participate in assigned committee work 
  • Coordinate preparation, serving, and cleanup of daily snacks 
  • Shop for supplies and food
  • Oversee orderly storage area in the Early Childhood classroom and storage sheds
  • Prepare classroom  at the beginning of the school year and end of school year 
  • Ability to implement the SMWS Campus Emergency Plan
  • Uphold State of Colorado Rules and Regulations for Childcare Centers
  • This position may occasionally require the teacher to carry out or assist with other tasks in accordance with the duties listed above.  This includes Open Houses and Winter Faire which are held on Saturdays.

Education and Qualifications/Regulations

  • Bachelor’s Degree required
  • Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training Certificate from an accredited Waldorf training program (or currently attending a training program) required
  • Early Childhood teaching experience required
  • Complete requirements for Colorado ECE regulations of Colorado Department of Human Services such as CPR, First Aid, Standard Precautions, Physical, Background Check, fingerprinting, mandatory licensing classes, registration in Colorado Shines PDIS.
  • Must be an ECT (early childhood teacher) designated by the state of Colorado 
  • Submit records for ongoing training and 15 hours of ECE classes per year

Work Setting

  • Kindergarten classroom, playground and surrounding open spaces
  • This program has a strong focus on nature and outdoor play in all weather conditions

Salary and Benefits

  • SMWS offers a teaching base salary along with years of teaching experience; a comprehensive employee benefit program, professional development, and tuition remission for enrolled children.
  • Waldorf-trained base salary of $56,406 with an additional $900 for each year of applicable experience
  • Salary Faculty are paid monthly with annual Agreements – July – June each year
  • SMWS provides a personalized benefit package including medical, dental, vision, long term disability, life insurance, 401(k), and flexible spending accounts 
  • Faculty receive 3 personal days that must be pre-approved by the Governance Council.
  • Faculty receive 7 sick days each school year and are expected to follow the Substitution Policy

Physical Requirements

  • An employee is frequently required to walk and hike, use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, to talk and to hear.
  • Employees are required daily  to stand and sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, squat or crawl 
  • This position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and in case of emergency, a 40-pound child
  • Vision requirements include the following: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception

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, 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.

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

 

 

 

Position: Early Childhood Kindergarten Lead Teacher 
Program: Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Reports to: Early Childhood Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Date: June 2026

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a warm and joyful Waldorf play-based program in a mixed-age Kindergarten early childhood group setting.  Working with an assistant, the teacher brings the magic of the seasons through stories, circles, handwork, imaginative play, and outdoor experiences each day.  Essential qualities of the lead teacher include uprightness, collegiality, integrity, patience, and flexibility. Our ideal candidate strives towards continual self-development and endeavors to be worthy of imitation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement age appropriate curriculum to nurture and stimulate all domains of children’s development in their care 
  • Provide parent education and hold parent evenings 
  • Plan, communicate, and document periodic parent/teacher conferences to discuss children’s developmental progress, needs, and interests 
  • Provide responsive care to all children by adapting daily caregiving routines and plans to the needs of the individual child and group 
  • Coordinate daily preparations of classroom, playground, and all materialsProvide and maintain a developmentally appropriate and aesthetically pleasing classroom environment
  • Work directly with and supervise Early Childhood Assistant; providing open communication to keep them updated on all matters concerning the classroom, program, procedures, class behavior, and expectations 
  • Participate in interviews and admission events as needed including open houses and summer enrollment 
  • Participate in weekly ECE sectional meetings as well as attend Plenum, beginning and end of the year in-services, and  the February conference
  • Foster strong partnerships with class families and maintain clear communication about upcoming events and student behavior 
  • Ensure age appropriate classroom management and supervision of class activities
  • Coordinate and participate in curricular activities such as circle time, story, birthday celebrations, festivals, and cleanup 
  • Coordinate weekly hike, outdoor activities, and outdoor play 
  • Participate in preparing and conducting of puppet plays for Winter Faire
  • Guide and support children with self-care such as toileting, dressing, and social behavior
  • Maintain confidentiality in all student situations 
  • Assure a healthy, safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate environment for children
  • Complete daily attendance sheets
  • Provide first aid as necessary
  • Complete incident reports as necessary 
  • Actively participate in assigned committee work 
  • Develop and maintain collegial relationships through communication and support with faculty members
  • Coordinate preparation, serving, and cleanup of daily snacks 
  • Shop for supplies and food
  • Oversee orderly storage area in the Early Childhood classroom and storage sheds
  • Classroom preparation at the beginning of the school year and end of school year
  • This position may occasionally require the teacher to carry out or assist with other tasks in accordance with the duties listed above.  This includes Open Houses and Winter Faire which are held on Saturdays.
  • Ability to implement the SMWS Campus Emergency Plan
  • Uphold State of Colorado Rules and Regulations for Childcare Centers 

Education and Qualifications/Regulations

  • Bachelor’s Degree required
  • Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training Certificate from an accredited Waldorf training program (or currently attending a training program) required
  • Early Childhood teaching experience required
  • Complete requirements for Colorado ECE regulations of Colorado Department of Human Services such as CPR, First Aid, Standard Precautions, Physical, Background Check, fingerprinting, mandatory licensing classes, registration in Colorado Shines PDIS.
  • Must be an ECT (early childhood teacher) designated by the state of Colorado 
  • Submit record for ongoing training and 15 hours of ECE classes per year 

Work Setting

  • Kindergarten classroom, playground and surrounding open spaces 
  • This program has a strong focus on nature and outdoor play in all weather conditions

Salary and Benefits

  • SMWS offers a teaching base salary along with years of teaching experience; a comprehensive employee benefit program, professional development, and tuition remission for enrolled children.
  • Waldorf-trained base salary of $56,406 with an additional $900 for each year of applicable experience
  • Salary Faculty are paid monthly with annual Agreements – July – June each year
  • SMWS provides a personalized benefit package including medical, dental, vision, long term disability, life insurance, 401(k), and flexible spending accounts 
  • Faculty receive 3 personal days that must be pre-approved by the Governance Council
  • Faculty receive 7 sick days each school year and are expected to follow the Substitution Policy

Physical Requirements

  • An employee is frequently required to walk and hike, use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, to talk and to hear.
  • Employees are required daily  to stand and sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, squat or crawl 
  • This position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and in case of emergency, a 40-pound child
  • Vision requirements include the following: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception

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, 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.

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



Position: Early Childhood Teacher Assistant – School year 26/27
Program: Early Childhood
Reports to: Lead Early Childhood Teacher
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Date: June 2026

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Teacher Assistant is responsible for helping to create a wonderful Waldorf Early Childhood experience for our mixed age classrooms (ages 2.5- 4, or 3.5 -6).  The ECE Assistant will work with the Early Childhood Lead Teacher by assisting in classroom management and supervision of the class, daily food preparation, interacting with students in a developmentally appropriate manner, and taking direction from the Lead Teacher.  They engage in day to day responsibilities according to the principles of Waldorf Education.  This position includes a large portion of the day outside throughout the school year in all kinds of weather.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist in curriculum activities; setup/cleanup of circle time, birthday celebrations, and festivals, including some early evening festivals
  • Assist with the transitions throughout the day
  • Help with daily preparations of classroom, restocking cleaning supplies and materials
  • Guide and encourage children with self-care–diapering, toileting, dressing, and social behavior
  • Help maintain general order, cleanliness, and aesthetics in classroom
  • Prepare, serve, and cleanup daily snacks 
  • Assist in maintaining a warm and nurturing environment
  • Direct student behavior and parent communication to the Lead Early Childhood Teacher
  • Maintain confidentiality in all student situations
  • Become knowledgeable about campus Emergency Plan and be ready to implement
  • Complete monthly online timesheets

Additional Responsibilities

  • May Substitute for Lead Teacher if needed (ECT required)
  • Can be combined with Rainbow Garden Assistant (ECE afternoon program)
  • Attend individual meetings with the lead teacher 
  • May substitute for afternoon program if available 
  • Attendance at full ECE meetings as scheduled
  • Attendance at August In-Service is mandatory
  • Attendance at February conference and June In-Service is encouraged but not mandatory
  • Participate in the annual Saturday work day in August to prepare the classroom.  
  • This position can be combined with the Early Childhood Rainbow Garden Teacher Assistant position with hours of 12:30 pm  to 3:15 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and 12:30-2:15 on Thursdays. 
  • For those who combine the morning and afternoon positions, a short break may be possible.  

Education and Qualifications

  • Early Childhood Education experience preferred
  • Waldorf Early Childhood experience preferred
  • Must be an ECT (Early Childhood Teacher) designated by State of Colorado or working towards
  • Reliable, consistent, and flexible to changes
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and parents
  • Possess a warm, friendly, professional and joyous demeanor

Early Childhood Licensing Requirements

  • Complete requirements for Colorado ECE regulations of Colorado Department of Human Services such as CPR, First Aid, Standard Precautions, Physical, Background check, fingerprinting, mandatory licensing classes, submitting a medical physical by a licensed physician or other health care professional, and registration in Colorado Shines PDIS

Work Setting

  • Early Childhood classroom, playground, hikes in open space, and neighborhood walks
  • Monday through Friday, hours of  8:00 am to 1:00 pm  
  • Work schedule follows the SMWS annual school calendar – late August through early June
  • Because of the classroom setting, there are limited breaks offered during the day

Salary and Benefits

  • Hourly rate of $25.00 per hour
  • Substitute rate of $30.00 per hour (ECT required)
  • Hourly rate of $18.00 per hour when participating in meetings/trainings
  • Three (3) paid Holidays include: All Cultures Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Memorial Day; school days off are not paid 
  • Colorado Paid Sick Leave – 1 hour for each 30 hours worked – up to 48 hours per year 
  • 401(k) – SMWS offers a match (determined annually) when 1,000 hours are worked in a fiscal year)
  • Professional Development – will be paid time
    • Required 15 hours of classes paid at $18.00 per hour
  • 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 is required to:

  • Frequent walks; use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; speaking and listening
  •  Daily requirement to stand and sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, squat or crawl
  •  Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and in case of emergency a 40-pound child
  • Vision requirements include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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 nation 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, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.

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

 

 

 

Bre Lambert

Marketing Director

Bre joins our team with over 15 years of experience as a senior creative and marketing strategist, having built a career at the intersection of storytelling and human-centered marketing. Her extensive background spans television production, digital strategy, and copywriting, where she has led creative initiatives for global brands such as Airbnb, Levi’s, Square (Block), and Sonic Drive-In.

Before moving into her current mission-driven work, Bre spent years navigating the fast-paced worlds of top-tier agencies like VaynerMedia and high-growth startups. Whether she was producing testimonials for national commercials or building organic growth engines for fintech leaders, her focus has always remained the same: turning complex ideas into simple, authentic narratives that build real connection.

Bre is thrilled to pivot her focus from the corporate and startup worlds to a mission she deeply believes in. She is passionate about applying her expertise in brand architecture and communication to foster a community rooted in clarity, consistency, and heart.

Bre lives on five forested acres above Boulder with her family. When she isn’t crafting stories, she is likely exploring the woods or pursuing her studies in ecotherapy, blending her love for human connection with the healing power of the natural world.

Job Title: Early Childhood Camp Assistant – 2026
Program: Early Childhood
Reports to: Lead Camp Teacher and ECE Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Date: April 16, 2026

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Camp Assistant is responsible for helping to create a wonderful Waldorf ECE Camp experience for our mixed-age camp children (ages 3-6). The ECE Camp Assistant will work with the ECE Camp Lead Teacher by assisting in classroom management, supervision of the class, engaging appropriately with students, taking directions from the Lead Teacher, and engaging in day-to-day responsibilities according to the principles of Waldorf Education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist in curriculum activities; setup/cleanup of rest, snack and lunch.
  • Oversee children on the playground and assist with the transitions to and from outside.
  • Help with daily preparations of classroom, restocking cleaning and bathroom supplies and other materials.
  • Help maintain general order, cleanliness, and aesthetics in classroom and outside yard.
  • Guide children with self-care if necessary (toileting, dressing, and social behavior).
  • Provide first aid as needed.
  • Become knowledgeable about campus Emergency Plan and be ready to implement.
  • Assist in maintaining a warm and nurturing environment.
  • Assist in maintaining orderly storage area in the classroom and outdoor storage sheds.
  • Direct student behavior and parent communication to the Lead Camp Teacher.
  • Complete, acquire signatures, and file Accident/Incident Report as needed.
  • Maintain confidentiality in all student situations.

Additional Responsibilities

  • May Substitute for Lead Camp Teacher if needed (ECT required).
  • In accordance with the SMWS philosophy, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in accordance with the duties listed above.

Education and Qualifications

  • Early Childhood Education experience.
  • Waldorf Kindergarten experience preferred.
  • Reliable, consistent, and team oriented.
  • Possess a warm, friendly, and joyous demeanor.

Early Childhood Licensing Requirements

  • Complete requirements for Colorado ECE regulations of Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care. Must be an ECT (Early Childhood Teacher) as designated by the State of Colorado or working toward this qualification.
  • CPR, First Aid, Standard Precautions, Physical, Background check, fingerprinting, mandatory licensing classes, registration in Colorado Shines PDIS and Early Childhood Educator qualified per the State of Colorado’s requirements.

Work Setting

  • Kindergarten classroom, playground, and neighborhood walks.
  • Monday through Friday, 8:00 – 3:15 pm.
  • Work schedule includes July 20-24, July 27-July 31, August 3-7. Possibly August 10- 14.
  • Because of the classroom setting, there are limited breaks offered during the day.

Salary and Benefits

  • Hourly rate of $25.00 per hour.
  • Lead Substitute rate of $30.00 per hour (ECT required).
  • This is a part-time position – no additional benefits are offered at this time.

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 is required to:

  • Frequent walks: use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; speaking and listening.
  • Daily requirement to stand and sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, squat or crawl.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and in case of emergency a 40-pound child.
  • Vision requirements include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception.
  • Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, three references, and salary requirements 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 nation or ethnic origin, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law. We are dedicated in providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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). There is not an assistant for the Fairy Blossom class.

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 faculty and staff providing clear communication and leadership with an Assistant. This includes meeting with the assistant periodically.
  • 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
  • Honors special occasions with gifts and craft making
  • Shopping for class supplies and maintain your budget
  • Attend All In Services
  • Be available to do Admission interviews during the summer when needed
  • Home visits for Buttercup children

Fairy Blossom Program (2 days/week)

  • Create a warm, home-like, and rhythmical environment for parents/caregivers and young children
  • Leads two 2 hour 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 (required)
  • 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:

  • Base salary of $53,720 plus $850 per year of experience pay
  • 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.