Pedagogical Director
Tahoe Truckee Waldorf, Truckee, CA, United States
Start: Spring 2026
About Us We are Tahoe Truckee Waldorf, a community-anchored, independent Waldorf program offering preschool (Little Gems) and elementary age (Wild River) programs. We strive to model independent thinking, creativity, and problem solving that serves as a firm foundation for creating a healthy social and natural world. Our program for children aged 3 months to age 14 strives to create opportunities that are WIDER, WILDER, and WONDER-FILLED.
We aim to serve families seeking a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. Our heart is in educating the whole child, by providing wider opportunities, wilder experiences, and wonder-filled days. Wild River and Little Gems utilize Waldorf pedagogy, where we honor the child's natural phases of learning, encourage deep relationship building with peers and teachers, ignite and inspire imaginations, and strive to develop independent and ethical thinkers.
We offer the amazing benefit of being in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Truckee, CA. We are surrounded by the beautiful big bold outdoors with opportunities for backpacking, skiing, mountain biking, camping, swimming, and boating activities and beyond. Come and play in the wilderness with us! The Opportunity Wild River Waldorf School seeks an experienced and visionary
Pedagogical Director
to serve as the educational leader and guardian of Waldorf pedagogy for our growing school community on our beautiful 40-acre forest campus. This is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the educational heart of a thriving Waldorf school—ensuring curriculum integrity, supporting teacher development, and fostering the pedagogical health that allows children to flourish.
Imagine being the person who holds the behind everything we do—who can help a struggling teacher understand the developmental picture of a challenging student, who designs professional development that deepens faculty's connection to anthroposophy, who ensures that our curriculum truly meets children where they are while honoring the wisdom of Waldorf education. You'll be the bridge between Rudolf Steiner's insights and our contemporary mountain community, translating timeless principles into living practice.
This role is for someone who brings deep pedagogical knowledge, classroom teaching experience, and the wisdom to guide others. You'll need to balance supporting individual teachers with maintaining school-wide curriculum coherence, addressing parent concerns with educational authority, and collaborating with the Site Directors to ensure that operations serve pedagogy rather than the other way around.
This position requires significant experience in Waldorf education and demonstrated commitment to anthroposophical study.
Position Overview The Pedagogical Director serves as the educational leader of Wild River Waldorf School & Little Gems Preschool, responsible for curriculum development and implementation, teacher support and evaluation, pedagogical integrity, and educational vision. Working in close partnership with the Board (who oversees operations, finance, and development) and in collaboration with the Pedagogy and Administration Councils, the Pedagogical Director ensures that all educational decisions and practices align with Waldorf principles and serve the developmental needs of children. This position is based on our 40-acre forest campus and reports to the Board of Directors.
Primary Responsibilities Curriculum Leadership & Development
Provide overall pedagogical leadership and ensure curriculum integrity across all grade levels (early childhood - 8th grade)
Develop, implement, and refine curriculum aligned with Waldorf educational principles and child development
Ensure that main lessons, specialty subjects, and extra-curricular activities form a coherent educational whole
Adapt curriculum to honor our mountain environment and local community context while maintaining Waldorf authenticity
Create and maintain curriculum documentation, scope and sequence, and grade-level guidelines
Evaluate educational programming regularly and recommend improvements
Stay current with developments in Waldorf education and anthroposophical pedagogy
Ensure smooth transitions between grade levels and developmental stages
Teacher Support & Development
Mentor and support classroom teachers and specialty teachers in their pedagogical work
Conduct regular classroom observations with constructive feedback
Lead weekly faculty meetings focused on pedagogical study, child study, and curriculum development
Organize and facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities for faculty
Support new teachers through onboarding, mentorship, and targeted training
Address teaching challenges with wisdom, practical support and pedagogical insight
Foster collaborative culture among faculty that supports continuous learning
Encourage artistic development and creative approaches to teaching
Teacher Evaluation & Hiring
Conduct annual teacher evaluations (in collaboration with the Preschool Directors for Little Gems teachers)
Develop clear expectations and growth plans for faculty
Participate in hiring process for all teaching positions, ensuring pedagogical fit
Provide input on faculty retention, promotion and when necessary, difficult personnel decisions
Work with Board and Ped Admin Councils to ensure teaching positions are appropriately structured and staffed
Pedagogy and Administration Council Leadership
Convene and facilitate the Ped Admin Councils in collaborative decision-making
Guide pedagogical discussions and ensure decisions align with Waldorf principles
Build consensus around educational direction while honoring diverse perspectives
Participate with the Ped Admin Councils on development of school programs and policies
Ensure the Ped Admin Council serves as guardian of educational quality
Child Study & Individual Student Support
Lead child study process, helping faculty understand individual students through anthroposophical lens
Support teachers in addressing learning challenges, behavioral concerns, and developmental questions
Make recommendations regarding student placement, grade advancement & program fit
Ensure student discipline aligns with Waldorf principles and supports development
Parent Education & Communication
Design and deliver parent education workshops on Waldorf curriculum, child development, and anthroposophy
Communicate educational philosophy and practices clearly to current and prospective families
Address parent questions and concerns regarding curriculum with authority and compassion
Help families understand developmental stages and age-appropriate expectations
Build trust between school and families through transparent, principled communication
Create written materials that make Waldorf education accessible to contemporary families
Festivals & Community Life
Lead faculty to oversee planning and implementation of seasonal festivals that reflect Waldorf values
Ensure festivals support curriculum and deepen community connection to rhythm and seasons
Guide faculty in understanding the deeper purpose of celebrations and community gatherings
Maintain the spiritual and cultural life of the school community
Collaboration with Leadership Team
Work in close partnership with Board / Ped Admin Councils to align operations with educational mission
Participate in strategic planning and organizational decision‑making
Provide educational perspective on enrollment, marketing, facilities, and budget decisions
Ensure that operational decisions support rather than undermine pedagogical goals
Communicate regularly about school health, challenges, and opportunities
Present a unified leadership approach to faculty, parents, and community
Personal Development & Study
Engage in ongoing study of anthroposophy and Waldorf pedagogy
Attend conferences, workshops, and trainings to deepen knowledge and connections
Maintain relationships with broader Waldorf community and mentors
Model commitment to personal growth and spiritual development
Qualifications Required
Waldorf teacher training certification and significant classroom teaching experience in a Waldorf school
Deep knowledge of anthroposophy and Rudolf Steiner's educational philosophy
Minimum 7-10 years of experience in Waldorf education, including classroom teaching
Previous experience in pedagogical leadership, mentoring, or teacher training
Bachelor's degree in education or related field (Master's degree preferred)
Strong understanding of child development from an anthroposophical perspective
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to observe classrooms and provide constructive, supportive feedback
Experience with child study and understanding of learning differences
Experience mentoring or supervising other teachers
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to build consensus while maintaining pedagogical integrity
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing anthroposophical study
Background check clearance and commitment to child safety protocols
Strongly Preferred
Advanced Waldorf teacher training or pedagogical leadership certification
Experience serving on or leading a pedagogical council or college of teachers
Curriculum development experience across multiple grade levels
Knowledge of both early childhood and grades curriculum
Familiarity with current educational research and independent school best practices
Essential Qualities
Deep reverence for childhood and profound understanding of child development
Wisdom, patience, and compassion in working with both children and adults
Clear thinking combined with artistic sensibility
Ability to hold authority with grace and humility
Collaborative spirit while maintaining strong pedagogical principles
Excellent judgment in complex situations
Strong presence and ability to inspire trust and respect
Commitment to truth, transparency, and integrity
Sense of humor and ability to maintain perspective
Love of learning and intellectual curiosity
Appreciation for mountain environment and outdoor learning
Physical Demands
Frequent: Walking campus, classroom observations, meetings, sitting and standing, computer work
Occasional: Participation in outdoor activities, festivals, and community events across 40-acre campus
Ability to work flexible hours incl. occasional evenings for parent education and school events
Why This Role is Extraordinary This position offers the unique opportunity to:
Serve as guardian of Waldorf education : Hold and protect what makes Waldorf education transformative
Shape teachers and through them, children : Mentor educators and watch your influence ripple through generations
Lead with pedagogical authority : Make decisions grounded in deep understanding of child development and anthroposophy
Build a thriving educational community : Create culture of excellence, growth, and authentic Waldorf practice
Work in a mountain paradise : Lead educational work on a 40-acre forest campus in the Sierra Nevada
Translate philosophy into practice : Bridge timeless wisdom and contemporary application
Collaborate with strong leadership : Partner with dedicated Executive Director and engaged Board
Live the mission : Ensure every child experiences WIDER, WILDER, and WONDER-FILLED education
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and education
Health insurance benefits
Retirement plan (CalSavers)
Paid time off and holidays
Professional development opportunities
Beautiful work environment on 40-acre forest campus in the Sierra Nevada
Collaborative, mission-driven community
How to Apply Please send the following to:
hiring@wild-river.org
Letter of intent addressing:
Your journey in Waldorf education and anthroposophical study
Your experience in pedagogical leadership and teacher mentorship
Your vision for curriculum development and teacher support
What excites you about serving as Pedagogical Director in a mountain environment
Your approach to balancing pedagogical integrity with practical adaptation
Resume including detailed teaching and leadership experience
Three professional references (including at least one from pedagogical leadership context)
Example of curriculum work or pedagogical writing (optional but encouraged)
TTW does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, actual or perceived race, actual or perceived gender, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. TTW complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a disability.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About Us We are Tahoe Truckee Waldorf, a community-anchored, independent Waldorf program offering preschool (Little Gems) and elementary age (Wild River) programs. We strive to model independent thinking, creativity, and problem solving that serves as a firm foundation for creating a healthy social and natural world. Our program for children aged 3 months to age 14 strives to create opportunities that are WIDER, WILDER, and WONDER-FILLED.
We aim to serve families seeking a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. Our heart is in educating the whole child, by providing wider opportunities, wilder experiences, and wonder-filled days. Wild River and Little Gems utilize Waldorf pedagogy, where we honor the child's natural phases of learning, encourage deep relationship building with peers and teachers, ignite and inspire imaginations, and strive to develop independent and ethical thinkers.
We offer the amazing benefit of being in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Truckee, CA. We are surrounded by the beautiful big bold outdoors with opportunities for backpacking, skiing, mountain biking, camping, swimming, and boating activities and beyond. Come and play in the wilderness with us! The Opportunity Wild River Waldorf School seeks an experienced and visionary
Pedagogical Director
to serve as the educational leader and guardian of Waldorf pedagogy for our growing school community on our beautiful 40-acre forest campus. This is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the educational heart of a thriving Waldorf school—ensuring curriculum integrity, supporting teacher development, and fostering the pedagogical health that allows children to flourish.
Imagine being the person who holds the behind everything we do—who can help a struggling teacher understand the developmental picture of a challenging student, who designs professional development that deepens faculty's connection to anthroposophy, who ensures that our curriculum truly meets children where they are while honoring the wisdom of Waldorf education. You'll be the bridge between Rudolf Steiner's insights and our contemporary mountain community, translating timeless principles into living practice.
This role is for someone who brings deep pedagogical knowledge, classroom teaching experience, and the wisdom to guide others. You'll need to balance supporting individual teachers with maintaining school-wide curriculum coherence, addressing parent concerns with educational authority, and collaborating with the Site Directors to ensure that operations serve pedagogy rather than the other way around.
This position requires significant experience in Waldorf education and demonstrated commitment to anthroposophical study.
Position Overview The Pedagogical Director serves as the educational leader of Wild River Waldorf School & Little Gems Preschool, responsible for curriculum development and implementation, teacher support and evaluation, pedagogical integrity, and educational vision. Working in close partnership with the Board (who oversees operations, finance, and development) and in collaboration with the Pedagogy and Administration Councils, the Pedagogical Director ensures that all educational decisions and practices align with Waldorf principles and serve the developmental needs of children. This position is based on our 40-acre forest campus and reports to the Board of Directors.
Primary Responsibilities Curriculum Leadership & Development
Provide overall pedagogical leadership and ensure curriculum integrity across all grade levels (early childhood - 8th grade)
Develop, implement, and refine curriculum aligned with Waldorf educational principles and child development
Ensure that main lessons, specialty subjects, and extra-curricular activities form a coherent educational whole
Adapt curriculum to honor our mountain environment and local community context while maintaining Waldorf authenticity
Create and maintain curriculum documentation, scope and sequence, and grade-level guidelines
Evaluate educational programming regularly and recommend improvements
Stay current with developments in Waldorf education and anthroposophical pedagogy
Ensure smooth transitions between grade levels and developmental stages
Teacher Support & Development
Mentor and support classroom teachers and specialty teachers in their pedagogical work
Conduct regular classroom observations with constructive feedback
Lead weekly faculty meetings focused on pedagogical study, child study, and curriculum development
Organize and facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities for faculty
Support new teachers through onboarding, mentorship, and targeted training
Address teaching challenges with wisdom, practical support and pedagogical insight
Foster collaborative culture among faculty that supports continuous learning
Encourage artistic development and creative approaches to teaching
Teacher Evaluation & Hiring
Conduct annual teacher evaluations (in collaboration with the Preschool Directors for Little Gems teachers)
Develop clear expectations and growth plans for faculty
Participate in hiring process for all teaching positions, ensuring pedagogical fit
Provide input on faculty retention, promotion and when necessary, difficult personnel decisions
Work with Board and Ped Admin Councils to ensure teaching positions are appropriately structured and staffed
Pedagogy and Administration Council Leadership
Convene and facilitate the Ped Admin Councils in collaborative decision-making
Guide pedagogical discussions and ensure decisions align with Waldorf principles
Build consensus around educational direction while honoring diverse perspectives
Participate with the Ped Admin Councils on development of school programs and policies
Ensure the Ped Admin Council serves as guardian of educational quality
Child Study & Individual Student Support
Lead child study process, helping faculty understand individual students through anthroposophical lens
Support teachers in addressing learning challenges, behavioral concerns, and developmental questions
Make recommendations regarding student placement, grade advancement & program fit
Ensure student discipline aligns with Waldorf principles and supports development
Parent Education & Communication
Design and deliver parent education workshops on Waldorf curriculum, child development, and anthroposophy
Communicate educational philosophy and practices clearly to current and prospective families
Address parent questions and concerns regarding curriculum with authority and compassion
Help families understand developmental stages and age-appropriate expectations
Build trust between school and families through transparent, principled communication
Create written materials that make Waldorf education accessible to contemporary families
Festivals & Community Life
Lead faculty to oversee planning and implementation of seasonal festivals that reflect Waldorf values
Ensure festivals support curriculum and deepen community connection to rhythm and seasons
Guide faculty in understanding the deeper purpose of celebrations and community gatherings
Maintain the spiritual and cultural life of the school community
Collaboration with Leadership Team
Work in close partnership with Board / Ped Admin Councils to align operations with educational mission
Participate in strategic planning and organizational decision‑making
Provide educational perspective on enrollment, marketing, facilities, and budget decisions
Ensure that operational decisions support rather than undermine pedagogical goals
Communicate regularly about school health, challenges, and opportunities
Present a unified leadership approach to faculty, parents, and community
Personal Development & Study
Engage in ongoing study of anthroposophy and Waldorf pedagogy
Attend conferences, workshops, and trainings to deepen knowledge and connections
Maintain relationships with broader Waldorf community and mentors
Model commitment to personal growth and spiritual development
Qualifications Required
Waldorf teacher training certification and significant classroom teaching experience in a Waldorf school
Deep knowledge of anthroposophy and Rudolf Steiner's educational philosophy
Minimum 7-10 years of experience in Waldorf education, including classroom teaching
Previous experience in pedagogical leadership, mentoring, or teacher training
Bachelor's degree in education or related field (Master's degree preferred)
Strong understanding of child development from an anthroposophical perspective
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to observe classrooms and provide constructive, supportive feedback
Experience with child study and understanding of learning differences
Experience mentoring or supervising other teachers
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to build consensus while maintaining pedagogical integrity
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing anthroposophical study
Background check clearance and commitment to child safety protocols
Strongly Preferred
Advanced Waldorf teacher training or pedagogical leadership certification
Experience serving on or leading a pedagogical council or college of teachers
Curriculum development experience across multiple grade levels
Knowledge of both early childhood and grades curriculum
Familiarity with current educational research and independent school best practices
Essential Qualities
Deep reverence for childhood and profound understanding of child development
Wisdom, patience, and compassion in working with both children and adults
Clear thinking combined with artistic sensibility
Ability to hold authority with grace and humility
Collaborative spirit while maintaining strong pedagogical principles
Excellent judgment in complex situations
Strong presence and ability to inspire trust and respect
Commitment to truth, transparency, and integrity
Sense of humor and ability to maintain perspective
Love of learning and intellectual curiosity
Appreciation for mountain environment and outdoor learning
Physical Demands
Frequent: Walking campus, classroom observations, meetings, sitting and standing, computer work
Occasional: Participation in outdoor activities, festivals, and community events across 40-acre campus
Ability to work flexible hours incl. occasional evenings for parent education and school events
Why This Role is Extraordinary This position offers the unique opportunity to:
Serve as guardian of Waldorf education : Hold and protect what makes Waldorf education transformative
Shape teachers and through them, children : Mentor educators and watch your influence ripple through generations
Lead with pedagogical authority : Make decisions grounded in deep understanding of child development and anthroposophy
Build a thriving educational community : Create culture of excellence, growth, and authentic Waldorf practice
Work in a mountain paradise : Lead educational work on a 40-acre forest campus in the Sierra Nevada
Translate philosophy into practice : Bridge timeless wisdom and contemporary application
Collaborate with strong leadership : Partner with dedicated Executive Director and engaged Board
Live the mission : Ensure every child experiences WIDER, WILDER, and WONDER-FILLED education
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and education
Health insurance benefits
Retirement plan (CalSavers)
Paid time off and holidays
Professional development opportunities
Beautiful work environment on 40-acre forest campus in the Sierra Nevada
Collaborative, mission-driven community
How to Apply Please send the following to:
hiring@wild-river.org
Letter of intent addressing:
Your journey in Waldorf education and anthroposophical study
Your experience in pedagogical leadership and teacher mentorship
Your vision for curriculum development and teacher support
What excites you about serving as Pedagogical Director in a mountain environment
Your approach to balancing pedagogical integrity with practical adaptation
Resume including detailed teaching and leadership experience
Three professional references (including at least one from pedagogical leadership context)
Example of curriculum work or pedagogical writing (optional but encouraged)
TTW does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, actual or perceived race, actual or perceived gender, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. TTW complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a disability.
#J-18808-Ljbffr