Why Waldorf Teaching?
Inspire and be inspired.
Waldorf teaching is different. With the relationship between the teacher and the child or young person at the heart of everything we do, we go beyond the delivery of a set curriculum. Waldorf teachers are creative, and our schools create the space and opportunity for that creativity to flourish.
Waldorf teaching is an art, a craft and a science.
Teaching as an art involves learning to understand the needs and voices of children and young people. It means choosing and preparing just the right material at the right time so that pupils’ imagination is sparked and they are able to dive into the subject with joy.
Teaching as a craft is about deep knowledge of and enthusiasm for a subject, and using this alongside pedagogical understanding and professional intuition (knowing-in-practice) to enable healthy and effective learning within a broad curriculum framework.
Teaching as a science means using the pedagogical anthropology (understanding of the developing human being) that underpins Waldorf education to inform your teaching. It involves engaging with relevant and contemporary educational theory and research in a process of ongoing professional development.
Waldorf teaching is not an ‘easy’ option – it demands commitment, passion, research and creativity. There are no ‘off the shelf’ curricula, no commercial schemes and programmes, and no ready-made powerpoint presentations (in fact no interactive whiteboards at all in the lower school!). Within a broad framework, you will become a curriculum designer for your class or subject. You will need to learn new skills – singing, movement games, storytelling and maybe even playing the recorder. But Waldorf teaching also affords the opportunity to develop as a person and as a professional within a collaborative organisation: to play a vital role in an education that truly has children and young people at its centre.
Teaching different ages and stages:
Early Childhood Practitioners focus on work with children aged 0-5. They work in a variety of settings, from childminding to ‘playgroup’ provision for 2-4 year olds in schools.
Kindergarten Teachers and assistants work with children aged from 3 to 6 in mixed age groups. There are independent kindergartens, and also kindergarten classes within schools. There is no formal, academic teaching in kindergarten – children learn through practical activities and play.
Class Teachers usually work with the same group of children for up to eight years. They will often start in Class 1, when children aged 6-7 begin their formal learning journey, and cycle back round after Class 5 or Class 8. Some class teachers specialise in the Class 6-8 age range. Similar to a primary school teacher, class teachers will teach most subjects across the curriculum, but much of the teaching is done through cross-curricular ‘blocks’ lasting 3-4 weeks.
Subject Teachers teach across a range of classes, offering specialist teaching in world languages, crafts, handwork, games and movement, eurythmy, music, drama and outdoor learning.
Upper School Teachers teach young people aged 14 – 19. They will usually have a subject specialism, but this might be broader than in other education systems (e.g. humanities, science etc). Waldorf schools offer a range of secondary qualifications, from standard GCSEs, A-Levels and Scottish Highers to independent portfolio qualifications and innovative programmes like the Integrative Education Diploma and the Certificate of Steiner Education.
Join the Waldorf Community
Scroll through some of the current vacancies at our member schools (more might be listed within the schools' own sites, see further down the page)
Job Title
Learning Mentor - GCSE - FTC
Location
Stourbridge, West Midlands
Posted
11th April 2025
School
Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School
-
Salary
TBC
Hours
Full Time
Description
*Fixed Term Contract* Are you a Learning Mentor or Learning Support Assistant who would like to join our community at Elmfield and have the opportunity to work in a Steiner Waldor ...
Job Title
Early Years Practitioner/Educator SEN Learning Mentor
Location
Stourbridge, West Midlands
Posted
11th April 2025
School
Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School
-
Salary
To £21,091.20 (FTE)
Hours
Full Time
Description
We are delighted to be recruiting for a Learning Mentor with extensive Early Years experience to support our Early Years Lead within our designated Inclusion Hub. This is an oppor ...
Job Title
Maths Teacher
Location
Stourbridge, West Midlands
Posted
11th April 2025
School
Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School
-
Salary
£25,956
Hours
Full Time, Part Time
Description
Are you looking for an opportunity to transform your teaching journey? We have an exciting role which would suit a Maths specialist seeking a fresh new challenge within a Sc ...
Job Title
English Teacher - part time
Location
Stourbridge, West Midlands
Posted
11th April 2025
School
Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School
-
Salary
£25,956
Hours
Part Time
Description
Are you looking for the opportunity to transform your teaching journey? We have an exciting role which would suit an English specialist seeking a fresh new challenge within ...
Job Title
Class Teacher
Location
Stourbridge, West Midlands
Posted
11th April 2025
School
Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School
-
Salary
25956
Hours
Full Time, Part Time
Description
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Teacher who is truly passionate about inspiring the love of learning in children. Based in our historic school set in beautifu ...
Job Title
Site Team Operative
Location
Forest Row, East Sussex
Posted
10th April 2025
School
Michael Hall School
-
Salary
23194
Hours
Full Time
Description
Site Team Operative Salary: £23,194 Start date: ASAP Working hours: Full time 37.5 hours – over 5 days, on a rolling shift pattern, Monday-Sunday of either early, mid or late shif ...
Job Title
Photography Teacher
Location
Forest Row, East Sussex
Posted
10th April 2025
School
Michael Hall School
-
Salary
£28,152 - £36,051
Hours
Part Time
Description
Photography Teacher - The details of this role are as follows: Working hours: Part Time Contract type: Permanent Annual leave: School holiday dates, (excl. INSET days and ot ...
Job Title
Teaching Assistant
Location
Clynderwen, Pembrokeshire
Posted
2nd April 2025
School
Nant-y-Cwm Steiner School
-
Salary
12.56 p/h + holiday entitlement
Hours
Full Time, Part Time
Description
Do you believe that education should be truly child-centred, holistic and nurturing? Are you enthusiastic about promoting a love of learning and engage in development of your own ...
Job Title
Wraparound Care Playworker/facilitator
Location
Clynderwen, Pembrokeshire
Posted
2nd April 2025
School
Nant-y-Cwm Steiner School
-
Salary
£12:58 p/h + holiday pay
Hours
Part Time, Term Time
Description
Do you feel passionate about providing high quality, holistic care for children aged 3-14? Would you like to work within a beautiful and nurturing environment where children are h ...
Job Title
Games/PE teacher
Location
Clynderwen, Pembrokeshire
Posted
2nd April 2025
School
Nant-y-Cwm Steiner School
-
Salary
£17.41 + holiday entitlement
Hours
Part Time
Description
We are seeking a passionate and dynamic Games Teacher to join our welcoming and supportive teaching team. The ideal candidate will have a love for games and physical education, an ...
Job Title
German Teacher
Location
Forest Row, East Sussex
Posted
29th March 2025
School
Michael Hall School
-
Salary
TBC
Hours
Full Time
Description
The details of this role are as follows: Annual leave: School holidays (+ Bank Holidays) Contract type: Part time to be discussed at interview Salary: £28,152-£36,051 pro rata and ...
Job Title
Gym PE Teacher
Location
Forest Row, East Sussex
Posted
29th March 2025
School
Michael Hall School
-
Salary
£28,512 - 36,051
Hours
Full Time
Description
Working hours: 40 hours 8am – 5pm Annual leave: School Holidays Contract type: Full time permanent Salary: £28,152 -£36,051 depending on experience Start date: September, 2025 Job ...
Job Title
Music Teacher - Upper School (part-time)
Location
Cardiff, Cardiff
Posted
20th March 2025
School
Cardiff Steiner School
-
Salary
Full time equiv £29,180 - Pro Rata £6,485
Hours
Part Time
Description
Cardiff Steiner School are looking for a part-time Music Teacher to join the collaborative and passionate team in our innovative Upper School for age 14 to 19 Apply now – open unt ...
Job Title
Class Teacher
Location
Forest Row, East Sussex
Posted
12th March 2025
School
Michael Hall School
-
Salary
£28,152 - 36,051
Hours
Full Time
Description
*** This role is currently subject to pupil numbers.*** Class Teacher Role and Responsibility The class teacher is responsible for holding the class and will be expected to teach ...
Job Title
Class Teacher
Location
London, Greater London
Posted
25th February 2025
School
Greenwich Waldorf School
-
Salary
£28,152 - 36,051 (dependant on experience)
Hours
Full Time
Description
Class Teacher Hours: Full Time (Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm) Pay: £28,152 - 36,051 (dependant on experience) Contract Type: Fixed term until the end of the academic year (lea ...
Job Title
Head Teacher
Location
London, Greater London
Posted
25th February 2025
School
Greenwich Waldorf School
-
Salary
Competitive
Hours
Full Time
Description
Are you an inspirational, collaborative and ambitious leader? We are looking for an experienced educational leader who is a strategic thinker and strong communicator to guide our ...
Talent Pool
Register your interest in joining our team
If you're searching for your next education job, please get in touch. You'll be working for a great employer and be part of a friendly, helpful team. We're always interested to hear from enthusiastic, committed education professionals - send us your CV now via our Talent Pool and detail what sort of role you're looking for. By joining our Talent Pool we'll know you're interested in working here when the right vacancy comes up.
Waldorf UK Schools
Select a school below to view their vacancies
Bristol Steiner School
Bristol, BS6 6UX
Cambridge Steiner School
Cambridge, CB21 5DZ
Cardiff Steiner School
Cardiff, CF14 2FL
Drumduan School
Forres, IV36 2RD
Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School
Stourbridge, DY8 2EA
Greenwich Waldorf School
London, SE7 8RE
Michael Hall School
Forest Row, RH18 5JA
Nant-y-Cwm Steiner School
Nr Clynderwen, SA66 7QJ
Ringwood Waldorf School
Ringwood, BH24 2NNL
South Devon Steiner School
Dartington, TQ9 6AB
St Paul's Steiner School
London, N1 2QH
The Steiner Academy Hereford
Hereford, HR2 8DL
Edinburgh Steiner School
Edinburgh, EH10 5BR
York Steiner School
York, YO10 4PB
The St Michael Steiner School
Hanworth Park, TW13 6PN
Holywood Steiner School
County Down, BT18 0PR
LISAL School
Lancaster, LA1 5QU
Norwich Steiner School
Norwich, NR1 2HW
Waldorf International Schools
Select a school below to visit their direct website
Garden House
Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Kilkenny Steiner School
Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
Getting in to Waldorf Teaching
There are many pathways into teaching in the Waldorf Education movement in the UK.
If you do not yet have any Early Years qualifications, the Early Childhood training programmes are as follows:
Crossfields Institute Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Baby and Child Care (Early Years Educator): https://emerson.org.uk/course/holistic-baby-and-child-care/ (specialising in working with children from birth to five).
Crossfields Institute Level 4 Diploma in Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Studies (Early Years Educator): https://loswec.co.uk/ (London) or https://neswec.org.uk/ (York and Stourbridge) (specialising in kindergarten – age 3-6)
Interest-free loans are available for the course fees for these courses. They are all part-time courses and can be completed alongside a full- or part-time role.
If you already have an early years qualification, the above courses all offer a ‘quality mark’ pathway, where the course content is the same, but the assessment burden is significantly reduced.
If you already have a PGCE / PGDE or other recognised teaching qualification: You may be able to apply for a teaching role at a Waldorf school. However, you will be expected to complete a further part-time post-graduate qualification – the Post-Graduate Diploma in Waldorf Education and Creative Pedagogies: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/pg-waldorf-education-and-creative-pedagogies/ This course can also be completed whilst teaching in a state or other independent school.
Interest-free loans and some bursaries are available for the course fees for this course.
If you do not yet have a teaching qualification, but you do have a degree, you can apply for a role as a teaching assistant, a classroom assistant, a learning support assistant, a cover teacher or a training teacher. You can then complete the Post-Graduate Diploma in Waldorf Education with PGCE and QTS: https://emerson.org.uk/course/postgraduate-diploma-in-waldorf-education/
Interest-free loans and apprenticeship funding are available for the course fees for this course. You will need English, Maths and Science GCSE equivalents, as well as a degree in any subject.
If you already have a PGCE / PGDE or other recognised teaching qualification: You may be able to apply for a teaching role at a Waldorf school. However, you will be expected to complete a further part-time post-graduate qualification – the Post-Graduate Diploma in Waldorf Education and Creative Pedagogies: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/pg-waldorf-education-and-creative-pedagogies/ This course can also be completed whilst teaching in a state or other independent school.
Interest-free loans and some bursaries are available for the course fees for this course.
If you do not yet have a teaching qualification, but you do have a degree, you can apply for a role as a teaching assistant, a classroom assistant, a learning support assistant, a cover teacher or a training teacher. You can then complete the Post-Graduate Diploma in Waldorf Education with PGCE and QTS: https://emerson.org.uk/course/postgraduate-diploma-in-waldorf-education/
Interest-free loans and apprenticeship funding are available for the course fees for this course. You will need English and Maths GCSE equivalents, as well as a degree relevant to your specialist subject.
For non-National Curriculum subjects (such as craft, handwork or outdoor learning) you may need to follow the Class Teacher training route, and develop your specialist teaching independently and based on your previous experience. Eurythmy training is available through Eurythmy UK: https://eurythmyuk.org/
If you already have a PGCE / PGDE or other recognised teaching qualification: You may be able to apply for a teaching role at a Waldorf school. However, you will be expected to complete a further part-time post-graduate qualification – the Post-Graduate Diploma in Waldorf Education and Creative Pedagogies: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/pg-waldorf-education-and-creative-pedagogies/ This course can also be completed whilst teaching in a state or other independent school.
Interest-free loans and some bursaries are available for the course fees for this course.
If you do not yet have a teaching qualification, but you do have a relevant degree: You can apply for Upper School roles as a teaching assistant, a classroom assistant, a learning support assistant, a cover teacher or a training teacher. You can then complete the Post-Graduate Diploma in Waldorf Education with PGCE and QTS: https://emerson.org.uk/course/postgraduate-diploma-in-waldorf-education/
Interest-free loans and apprenticeship funding are available for the course fees for this course. You will need English and Maths GCSE equivalents, as well as a degree relevant to your specialist subject.
Join our Talent Pool
Register your interest in future roles at Waldorf UK or any of our Schools by clicking the image below and completing the form
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Phone: +44 (0)2045 249933
E-mail: admin@waldorfeducation.uk