Job Description

German Language Teacher Position 2026/27—Full time or part time

The German language teacher in our school will work with other colleagues in the world language department to provide well-rounded, innovative, rigorous instruction in the German language to a variety of classes in grade school and high school. These lessons are developed in accordance with the principles of Waldorf pedagogy and in light of the needs of the class and individual students. Waldorf schools worldwide favor experiential learning over instruction on screens, and we value human connection in our classrooms and in our larger school community.

Our language instruction is varied and developmental in approach featuring games, stories and songs with younger students, progressing to reading, writing and discussion in the high school. Teachers share cultural experiences of holidays, food and music to enhance our students’ knowledge. The school currently teaches both German and German beginning in first grade and continuing through twelfth grade. Our world language program supports our active international exchange program, with many of our high school students participating.

Candidates should possess strong classroom management skills, excellent communication, and an ability to collaborate with colleagues. We seek to integrate our academic subjects and arts curriculum to deepen our students' experience with the material presented. We ask all of our faculty to engage with the larger community through events and committee work.

This position, if part-time could be combined with additional teaching or administrative work to create a full-time position.

Qualifications**

The ideal candidate will be someone who:

• Is a native speaker, or who has excellent German language skills

• An enthusiasm for German language and culture

• A feeling that teaching is an art

• at least an undergraduate degree and has

• completion of or interest in pursuing Waldorf teacher training and/or three years successful Waldorf teaching experience

• experience teaching range of students of different ages, and from different backgrounds

• be open to mentoring and/or further training

**Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job post. We are most interested in finding the best candidate and future colleague. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

Compensation & Amenities

The Chicago Waldorf School offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including health, dental, and life insurance, 403(b) pension program, full tuition remission, and funds for ongoing professional development. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience.

We encourage you to forward this job opening to others who may be interested. To apply please send your resume and letter of interest to: recruitment@chicagowaldorf.org

About the Chicago Waldorf School

CWS, founded in 1974, is one of the most established Waldorf Schools in the United States, offering a full curriculum in grades 1 through 12, and which from its inception committed to remaining in the City of Chicago’s vibrant urban setting. We seek to explore and enrich the Waldorf curriculum through the arts, equity and inclusion, human relationships and the time in which we live. Our work stems from the core values of Waldorf Education.

We have been in our permanent home for seven years, the landmark Lyman Trumbull building, which includes 49 classrooms and offices, a gym and an auditorium. Our 100,000 square feet make us the largest Waldorf school in the United States. We are

proud to partner with many businesses and organizations in the surrounding Andersonville neighborhood.

Our faculty come from around the world and all stages of life. For new teachers we have excellent mentoring opportunities, and access to professional development funds. In additional to core academic subjects we teach music, German, German, Eurythmy, gardening, parkour, and practical and fine arts. Our families are also international and reflect diversity in all its aspects, but are united in their desire for a developmental curriculum that recognizes the whole child and celebrates difference.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Chicago Waldorf School does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and beyond that has a deep commitment to respect and celebrate the differences in students and staff from widely diverse social, economic, cultural, linguistic, intellectual, racial, educational, and religious backgrounds. There is a sustained effort and clear recognition that our educational excellence and fulfillment of our school’s mission is dependent on embracing diversity in our school community. We seek to fully include and affirm faculty, staff, and students in all of their identities. In everything we do, we work toward freedom, responsibility, and excellence. The Chicago Waldorf School provides its teachers, staff and families ongoing opportunities to study and discuss aspects of diversity.

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