Overview 

Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor is seeking a teacher’s assistant and Aftercare Director for our early childhood program, grades, and middle school program, both full day and afternoon positions. These individuals should enjoy working with young children and/or Middle School students, be able to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment, love spending time outdoors/being in nature, and be able to work collaboratively with the lead teachers. Our school is looking for someone who values authentic relationships, innovation, and a commitment to belonging work. 

These part-time roles support the daily operations of classrooms or our Aftercare program. Scope of the positions could be preparing the classroom for the day, observing and supporting the children in their projects and their free play, and creating a safe outdoor environment for children to learn and grow. The collaborative assistants and lead teachers work as a team to support the class throughout the day and work collaboratively together to track and support the children’s learning.  Available positions’ hours are either from 8am to 2:45pm or 11:30 to 5 in the afternoon, supporting Aftercare in the second half of the day (those hours have the option to be flexible). 

These part-time roles are wonderful for adults at different stages in their professional life. Our experienced teachers provide a great environment for someone who is looking to spend time with children, deepen their understanding of child development, or gain experience working in an education setting. Working in an independent school setting that prioritizes social emotional education, movement, nature and play-based learning is a great way to bring your ideals of education into fruition as a part of a collaborative team. 

About Our School  

We support our students, teachers, and administration through a strong curriculum, schedules, festivals, and school-wide collaboration. We offer both Spanish and German from first to twelfth grade, a growing movement program, strong fine and practical arts, choral and instrumental music. We celebrate a wide mix of traditional festivals from around the world, including Rosh Hashanah, Diwali, Dia de Los Muertos, Lunar New Year, and Eid al- Fitr. We have a strong and active faculty, and over the past year we have worked with Alma Partners to develop our work.   

With over 250 students, preschool through grade 12, RSSAA allows the full Waldorf pedagogy to unfold. We have a deeply experienced staff of Waldorf-trained faculty, working out of the principles of Waldorf education and anthroposophy, recognizing the spirituality of all individuals. We feel that the best education should help students not only become knowledgeable adults, but also secure, creative, and independent thinkers in later life. Our education strives to foster individuals who have confidence in themselves and are prepared to meet the challenges of our rapidly changing society. We endeavor to help students see connections between disciplines, synthesize and integrate information, and continue to love learning throughout their lives.   

Founded in 1980, RSSAA started with Grades 1-4 in a small building and has grown into a vibrant community.  Our high school campus (Pontiac Trail) is a short drive away and offers a space for the students to fully appreciate the richness of the curriculum and have their own social space.  

Lower School Campus (Newport Rd): The Lower School Campus (Early Childhood – 8th grade) is on 13 wooded and grassy acres, set in a suburban neighborhood, close to the river. We strive to be in balance with our grounds through working with native species in our outdoor education program, while having plenty of play spaces, a gymnasium, and a soccer field for sports activities and gatherings. Our Middle School classes are in a separate building on the Lower School campus.  

High School Campus (Pontiac Trail): What once was a family-owned factory was thoughtfully transformed by an architect to be a warm and inspiring high school. For over 25 years, we have developed our advanced academics, life science labs, eurythmy space, grounds and gardens, and a gymnasium. 

Waldorf Education 

As a community, we continue to hold the question of how to best meet the children of today through a pedagogy that upholds the dignity of each human being, and what we must reimagine to do so.? Waldorf education was created to offer a multi-sensory and holistic approach to education that strives to acknowledge the gifts and reduce the struggles of every individual.  Our pedagogy works to meet the developmental needs of children as it supports children’s academic, social, and emotional health through critical thinking, creativity, arts, and movement. We believe children need less memorization and testing of facts, and instead, more connection and hands-on learning inspired by the truth, beauty, and wisdom of our world. Waldorf education was also founded on the principle that faculty should play an active role in governance and decision making. To find out more about this unique approach, visit the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America: https://www.waldorfeducation.org/waldorf-education  

       Benefits of Working at RSSAA 

Compensation 

These part-time hourly roles start at $18 an hour, with an average of 15-29 hours a week. RSSAA is also willing to sponsor employees through the T.E.A.C.H Michigan Early Childhood Scholarship Program which offers funds to support higher education degrees in the fields of Early Childhood Education or Special Education, Lower Elementary Education Programs, or Child Development.  

To Apply 

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive community and encourage candidates from historically marginalized communities and those traditionally underrepresented in Waldorf schools to apply.   

Candidates should submit: 

Applications may be sent to Kim Likosky via email at klikosky@steinerschool.org. For more details about the school and the role, visit Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor’s website.