Employment Opportunities

The Otto Specht School is seeking a Full Time First Grade Lead Teacher

The Otto Specht School is an independent special needs Waldorf school committed to providing a supportive and inclusive educational environment for students with diverse learning needs. We focus on personalized learning, fostering independence, and empowering students to reach their full potential. Beyond the four walls of our classrooms, our curriculum comes to life on the farm and in the forests that make up our large community campus. Our students come to us with a range of learning abilities, eager to meet and engage with the world.

Our ideal candidate will be able to teach a blended learning model of Waldorf education combined with special education interventions. The 1st Grade Lead Teacher must be able to flow in and out of indoor and outdoor spaces, be open to innovative curriculum and pedagogy, embrace a growth mindset, be receptive to feedback, and enjoy working collaboratively with other faculty and administrators to create an educational environment that is aligned with the school’s mission and program goals.  

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Creating and delivering developmentally appropriate lesson plans based upon Rudolf Steiner’s indications (Waldorf Curriculum) and current knowledge of child development.

  • Tailoring the lessons to meet the unique needs of the students.

  • Continuing to develop a deep understanding of each student’s developmental and learning challenges

  • Working to understand and support each students pathway to learning

  • Communicating with other faculty, administration, and staff about student needs and progress including team meetings

  • Attending weekly faculty meetings

  • Attending Professional Development trainings and seminars

  • Communicating with parents, including weekly updates

  • Writing student reports

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree plus certificate or MEd in Waldorf Elementary Education

  • Experience teaching special needs students

  • Familiarity with relevant developmental disorders and learning disabilities including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pathological Demand Avoidance Disorder, ADHD, etc.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Open to colleagueship and the development of strong, collaborative professional relationships

  • Fundamental belief that all students can achieve.

Interested applicants should submit resume, three references, and a brief biography to Chela Crane at: ccrane@ottospecht.org


Reports To: Executive Director & Pedagogical Administrator.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Benefits:

  • 401(k)

  • 401(k) matching

  • Health insurance

  • Health savings account

  • Life insurance

  • Paid time off

  • Vision insurance

The Otto Specht School is seeking a Special Education teacher

Otto Specht School is currently looking for NYSED certified Special Education teacher.

Qualifications

● MA (Required)

● Special Education Certification (Required)

● Teaching: 3 years + preferred

Job Description

The Otto Specht School is a small, community based Waldorf elementary and high school located in

Chestnut Ridge, New York. We serve a very diverse population of students with learning challenges, sensory dysregulation, and/or developmental delays. Our students engage in experiential learning, in and beyond the classroom. Our campus includes a biodynamic farm with dairy cows, horses, and more, and our programming includes many movement based activities, practical and fine arts, vocational and life skills. We work with the Waldorf curriculum using many adaptive methods to facilitate meaningful learning for each student.

We invite those candidates who are motivated by a challenge and are capable of navigating unique social and instructional issues while teaching in collaboration with the faculty. The person we are looking for:

● Is an NYSED certified Special Education teacher (K - 12)

● Can co-teach and collaborate with the general education Waldorf teachers in lesson planning

● Develop Individualized Student Learning plans for each student and implement goals, assess students' performance, and track their progress.

● Be able to address students IEP’s and represent the program in district meetings.

● Be able to teach remotely should circumstances dictate

The philosophy at The Otto Specht School is based on the belief that all students have a right to an education, even if it takes numerous attempts and reworking creative solutions. Students need support in all areas of their lives and teachers are involved in all aspects, working with the whole student.

Interested Candidates please send a resume with 3 references to:

ccrane@ottospecht.org

It is the policy of The Otto Specht School to provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement to qualified individuals with regard to all terms and conditions of employment. OSS complies with local, state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, disability, veteran status, age, or any other status protected by local, state or federal law.