Now accepting applications for Fall 2026 · TK/K & Grades 1–8 · Limited spaces available · Apply today

Join Our Team

Work at Sanderling

Sanderling Waldorf School is a thriving educational community serving nearly 120 students from TK/K through 8th grade in Vista, California. If you are looking to join a Waldorf school with a highly respected faculty and staff that enjoys the support of dedicated, loving families, we'd love to hear from you.

Located a few miles from the ocean and 20–30 minutes north of San Diego, our campus is surrounded by palm trees, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and the vibrant culture of North County San Diego. The average temperature is 72°F year-round.

Open Positions

Current Openings

Pedagogical Director

Full-Time · Exempt Vista, CA $80,000 – $95,000 (based on credentials and experience)
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The Pedagogical Director is a core leadership role within the school's governance structure and holds primary responsibility for the integrity, vitality, and development of the school's pedagogical life. Rooted in the principles of Waldorf education and collegial governance as articulated by AWSNA, this position safeguards pedagogical quality while fostering healthy collaboration among faculty, administration, parents, and the Board of Trustees.

Essential Functions

  • Provide mandate-based leadership and direct oversight of the Educational Steering group.
  • Collaborate to develop, review, and maintain pedagogical and curricular policies consistent with Waldorf principles and AWSNA expectations.
  • Ensure coherent implementation of pedagogical policies across all sections of the school.
  • Safeguard curriculum continuity, developmental appropriateness, and pedagogical integrity from Early Childhood through the upper grades.
  • Support faculty recruitment, hiring, orientation, mentoring, and formal evaluation processes.
  • Serve as the school's primary pedagogical advisor to the Board of Trustees (non-voting member).
  • Collaborate with the Administrative Director on AWSNA accreditation and strategic planning.
  • Foster proactive communication with parents and the wider school community.

Knowledge, Skills & Dispositions

  • Deep understanding of Waldorf pedagogy, anthroposophical foundations, and AWSNA governance principles.
  • Ability to lead through mandate, collaboration, and moral authority rather than hierarchy.
  • Skill in supporting faculty through pedagogical, organizational, and cultural development.
  • Strength in relationship-building, consensus development, and conflict resolution.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.

Education & Experience

  • Formal Waldorf teacher training and classroom teaching experience, preferably across multiple school sections.
  • Successful pedagogical leadership experience within a Waldorf school context.
  • Active and ongoing relationship with Anthroposophy.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Reports To

Board of Trustees (by mandate)

Hours

40 hrs/week · Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (evenings/weekends as needed)

TK / Kindergarten Teacher

Full-Time Vista, CA Commensurate with experience and training
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Sanderling Waldorf School is seeking a nurturing, experienced TK/Kindergarten Teacher to join our early childhood faculty. This role is ideal for an educator who is deeply committed to child-centered, developmentally appropriate education and who values rhythm, imagination, and relationship-based learning.

Responsibilities

  • Create and maintain a nurturing, well-ordered classroom environment.
  • Develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum grounded in Waldorf pedagogy.
  • Lead daily rhythms including circle time, storytelling, arts, snack preparation, and outdoor play.
  • Observe and support each child's developmental needs.
  • Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and caregivers.
  • Collaborate with colleagues and participate in faculty meetings and professional development.
  • Maintain required documentation and classroom organization.

Qualifications

  • Experience working with TK and/or Kindergarten-aged children.
  • Background or training in Waldorf education (or strong interest in pursuing Waldorf training).
  • Strong classroom management rooted in warmth, consistency, and respect.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a small school community.
  • CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
  • Required state licensing or credentials (as applicable).

Grade 1 Teacher

Full-Time · 2026–2027 School Year Vista, CA Competitive · includes health benefits & 401(k) matching
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Sanderling Waldorf School, nestled in the heart of sunny Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego, is excited to welcome applications for the position of Class Teacher for the 1st grade for the 2026–2027 school year. Our vibrant and engaged rising 1st-grade class is ready for a new teacher to guide them through their educational journey all the way to 8th grade.

Essential Job Duties

  • Deliver developmentally appropriate Grade 1 lessons using Waldorf pedagogy to engage students creatively.
  • Create a nurturing, orderly classroom environment that promotes social-emotional development and cooperative learning.
  • Monitor and track individual student growth through informal assessments and observations.
  • Maintain open communication with parents about student progress.
  • Organize and maintain an aesthetically pleasing classroom incorporating natural materials and hands-on learning tools.
  • Participate in ongoing training and faculty collaboration.
  • Foster the head, heart, and hands of students through a balanced, creative curriculum.

What We're Looking For

  • At least a Bachelor's degree.
  • A deep love for children and a commitment to their development.
  • Strong collaboration skills and a desire to work closely with parents, colleagues, and our close-knit community.
  • An enthusiasm for integrating the Waldorf approach into a vibrant classroom environment.

What We Offer

  • A welcoming, collegial work environment with a highly supportive faculty.
  • Tuition remission for your children at Sanderling Waldorf School (Early Childhood through 8th grade) and our sister school, San Diego Waldorf School.
  • A generous compensation package including health benefits, competitive pay, and a matching 401(k) program.
  • Ample opportunities for professional development and growth within the Waldorf education framework.

Why Sanderling?

A Community Worth
Joining

We are an established and growing Waldorf school, celebrating 30 years of holistic, nurturing education. Our faculty is diverse, energetic, and deeply committed to working together to meet the needs of each child. Our campus, lined with palm trees and just minutes from beautiful beaches, offers ample opportunities for outdoor exploration, field trips, and camping.

We are fortunate to be located near the Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC), one of the leading Waldorf teacher training institutes in the region, and a local branch of the Anthroposophical Society.

Get in Touch

Ready to Apply?

Submit your letter of interest and résumé to our hiring team. We look forward to hearing from you.

[email protected]