Pedagogical Director

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:

• 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