River Valley Waldorf School is located in Upper Bucks County, Pennsylvania on the hills overlooking the Delaware River. Our property is situated in a serene, rural setting, yet is only 40 minutes from the Lehigh Valley metropolitan area and just over an hour from both New York City and Philadelphia. Housed in a former public elementary school building, our programs include grades one through eight, kindergarten, nursery, and a caregiver-child program. The full Waldorf curriculum currently includes Spanish, handwork, sculptural arts (woodworking & soapstone carving), fine arts, gardening, music, and movement. The River Valley community is tightly-knit, supportive, and welcoming, and the school has recently deepened its commitment to diversity and equity initiatives. The school is a full member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN) and is accredited by both the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS).
River Valley offers salaries commensurate with experience, as well as a benefits packages that can include full tuition remission, health insurance, a 403B pension plan, and financial support for professional development. River Valley is an equal opportunity employer.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resumé, and a short biographical sketch.
By email: info@rivervalleyschool.org
By mail: River Valley Waldorf School
1395 Bridgeton Hill Road
Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
Available Positions
Position: Guidance Counselor
Position: Guidance Counselor
River Valley Waldorf School invites compassionate and dedicated professionals to join our faculty beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This position offers the opportunity to serve as a trusted member of the Educational Support Team, fostering the well-being, emotional resilience, and academic success of our students.
We seek candidates who bring warmth, empathy, and a passion for supporting the holistic development of children. River Valley has a strong foundation of dynamic teachers, growing enrollment, effective leadership, and committed families. Our school is guided by a vision of social justice through Waldorf Education, and we value colleagues who are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
About the Role
Imagine working in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where your days are spent collaborating with educators, supporting students’ emotional and behavioral needs, and building meaningful relationships within a supportive community. As a Guidance Counselor, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of every child, while bringing behavioral support and social work expertise to the heart of your work.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Counseling, School Psychology, Social Work, Behavioral Support, or a related field.
- Certification or licensure as a School Counselor, Behavioral Support Specialist, or Social Worker (or willingness to pursue certification).
- Experience working with children and adolescents in educational or behavioral support settings.
- Familiarity with Waldorf education is preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with parents and collaborate with colleagues.
- A passion for ongoing DEI work is essential.
Hours and Compensation
- Regular hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
- Additional responsibilities: Weekly after-school faculty meetings and occasional evening or weekend events.
- Salary range: $42,000 – $51,000, commensurate with education and experience.
- Benefits: Competitive package, including participation in a 403b retirement plan, excellent healthcare benefits, and tuition remission for qualifying faculty children.
Start Date and Timeline
- Start Date: July 1, 2025.
- Inservice Training: Begins two weeks before the start of the school year.
- School Year: September 2, 2025 – June 11, 2026.
Required Training (to be obtained during employment)
- CPR and First Aid Certification
- Mandated Reporter Training
- Stewards of Children (Darkness to Light) Training
- Racial Equity and Anti-Bias Training
About River Valley Waldorf School
River Valley Waldorf School is nestled on 7 acres of forested hills overlooking the Delaware River in Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania, on unceded Lenni-Lenape land. Our community is committed to honoring the land’s history and fostering reverence for its natural beauty.
Our programs include a caretaker-child program, mixed-age early childhood classes, and grades one through eight. Accredited by both the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), River Valley is also a full member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN).
River Valley is a supportive, welcoming community, deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Located just 40-60 minutes from major metropolitan areas, our school offers a unique blend of rural beauty and accessibility.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resumé, and a short biographical sketch to:
Email: info@rivervalleyschool.org
Mail: River Valley Waldorf School
1395 Bridgeton Hill Road
Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
Equal Rights and Opportunities Policy
River Valley Waldorf School is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on merit and the needs of the school, and not on race, color, creed, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state, local and federal laws (referred to as“protected status”). This policy applies to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, and all other personnel actions and conditions of employment such as compensation, benefits, layoffs, reinstatements, tuition assistance, and disciplinary measures. While the school’s administration is primarily responsible for seeing that equal employment opportunity policies are implemented, all employees share in the responsibility for ensuring that, by their personal actions, the policies are effective and apply uniformly to everyone.
It is the school’s policy to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability in order to provide equal employment opportunities. For that reason, it is against school policy to discriminate, in any manner, against a qualified individual with a disability. “Disability” refers to a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of an individual. A “qualified person with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position that the individual holds or has applied for.
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities will be made, unless to do so would be an undue hardship to the school. To further this goal, the school encourages employees with disabilities to self-identify, so that the school may provide such employees with reasonable accommodations. Individuals protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should proactively discuss their need for possible accommodation with the Head of School.
The school prohibits any discrimination or harassment in violation of this policy, and any employee involved in discriminatory practices will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including unpaid suspension and/or termination of employment. These policies apply to all applicants and employees, and prohibit harassment, discrimination and retaliation whether engaged in by, or when directed toward, fellow employees, a supervisor or manager, or someone not directly connected to River Valley (e.g., an outside vendor or contractor). These policies also apply to all interactions between employees and students.
Join us in fostering a vibrant educational community where creativity, connection, and commitment to social justice are at the heart of our work.
Class Teacher, First Grade
Position: Class Teacher, First Grade
River Valley Waldorf School invites enthusiastic and dedicated educators to join our faculty beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This position offers the opportunity to guide a first-grade class through the rich and dynamic Waldorf curriculum while fostering a strong connection to our vibrant school community.
We seek candidates who bring authentic warmth, humor, joy, and a passion for teaching. River Valley has a strong foundation of dynamic teachers, growing enrollment, effective leadership, and committed families. Our school is guided by a vision of social justice through Waldorf Education, and we value colleagues who are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
About the Role
Imagine beginning your journey with an eager group of first graders in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Your days will start with singing and movement, and you’ll have the creative freedom to meet your students where they are as you bring the Waldorf curriculum to life. At River Valley, you’ll find a supportive community of educators who collaborate to provide a nurturing, engaging, and inspiring environment for all.
Qualifications
- A college degree is preferred, along with a commitment to Waldorf education and proven teaching experience.
- Waldorf teacher training is strongly preferred.
- Candidates should possess strong inter- and intra-personal skills, with the ability to partner effectively with parents and collaborate with colleagues.
- A passion for ongoing DEI work is essential.
Hours and Compensation
- Regular hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
- Additional responsibilities: Weekly after-school faculty meetings and occasional evening or weekend events.
- Salary range: $33,000 – $47,000, commensurate with education and experience.
- Benefits: Competitive package, including participation in a 403b retirement plan, excellent healthcare benefits, and tuition remission for qualifying faculty children.
Start Date and Timeline
- Start Date: July 1, 2025.
- Inservice Training: Begins two weeks before the start of the school year.
- School Year: September 2, 2025 – June 11, 2026.
Required Training (to be obtained during employment)
- CPR and First Aid Certification.
- Mandated Reporter Training.
- Stewards of Children (Darkness to Light) Training.
- Racial Equity and Anti-Bias Training.
About River Valley Waldorf School
River Valley Waldorf School is nestled on 7 acres of forested hills overlooking the Delaware River in Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania, on unceded Lenni-Lenape land. Our community is committed to honoring the land’s history and fostering reverence for its natural beauty.
Our programs include a caretaker-child program, mixed-age early childhood classes, and grades one through eight. Accredited by both the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), River Valley is also a full member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN).
River Valley is a supportive, welcoming community, deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Located just 40-60 minutes from major metropolitan areas, our school offers a unique blend of rural beauty and accessibility.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resumé, and a short biographical sketch to:
- Email: info@rivervalleyschool.org
- Mail: River Valley Waldorf School
1395 Bridgeton Hill Road
Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
Equal Rights and Opportunities Policy
River Valley Waldorf School is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on merit and the needs of the school, and not on race, color, creed, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state, local and federal laws (referred to as“protected status”). This policy applies to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, and all other personnel actions and conditions of employment such as compensation, benefits, layoffs, reinstatements, tuition assistance, and disciplinary measures. While the school’s administration is primarily responsible for seeing that equal employment opportunity policies are implemented, all employees share in the responsibility for ensuring that, by their personal actions, the policies are effective and apply uniformly to everyone.
It is the school’s policy to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability in order to provide equal employment opportunities. For that reason, it is against school policy to discriminate, in any manner, against a qualified individual with a disability. “Disability” refers to a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of an individual. A “qualified person with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position that the individual holds or has applied for.
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities will be made, unless to do so would be an undue hardship to the school. To further this goal, the school encourages employees with disabilities to self-identify, so that the school may provide such employees with reasonable accommodations. Individuals protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should proactively discuss their need for possible accommodation with the Head of School.
The school prohibits any discrimination or harassment in violation of this policy, and any employee involved in discriminatory practices will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including unpaid suspension and/or termination of employment. These policies apply to all applicants and employees, and prohibit harassment, discrimination and retaliation whether engaged in by, or when directed toward, fellow employees, a supervisor or manager, or someone not directly connected to River Valley (e.g., an outside vendor or contractor). These policies also apply to all interactions between employees and students.
Join us in fostering a vibrant educational community where creativity, connection, and commitment to social justice are at the heart of our work.
World Language Teacher, Part-time: 2024-25 School Year
River Valley Waldorf School is seeking an enthusiastic part-time World Language & Culture Teacher to join our creative faculty for immediate hire. The Waldorf teaching philosophy integrates language acquisition with imaginative and engaging methods, fostering a love for language and cultural appreciation. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s Degree, teaching experience, and a passion for teaching Spanish to elementary and middle school students. While experience with Waldorf education and completion of a Waldorf World Languages & Cultures Teacher Education certificate is desirable, all levels of experience are welcome to apply. While our ideal candidate is a teacher of the Spanish language, we are also open to piloting an alternative language.
The World Language Teacher will be responsible for planning and leading language classes for students in grades one through eight, incorporating storytelling, songs, games, and movement to make learning both enjoyable and effective. The ability to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment is essential, as is a commitment to ongoing professional development and the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree and teaching experience required; completion of Waldorf World Languages & Cultures Teacher Education certificate preferred but not required for application,
- Passion and skill for teaching language and culture to elementary and middle school students,
- Knowledge of or interest in Total Physical Response methods is also a plus,
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with both children and adults,
- Classroom management skills and positive discipline strategies,
- Flexibility, creativity, and ability to create engaging lesson plans for a range of abilities,
- Eagerness to collaborate with colleagues and parents, and
- Commitment to ongoing professional development in Waldorf pedagogy and diversity, equity, and inclusion
Hours and Compensation:
- This is a part-time salaried position, approximately 25 hours per week. Salary ranges from $16,000 to $30,000 per year based on experience.
Start Date:
Immediate Start
Required training obtained during employment may include:
CPR and First Aid
Mandated Reporter Training
Childabuse Prevention Training
Racial Equity: Anti-bias Training
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via email to info@rivervalleyschool.org or by mail to:
River Valley Waldorf School
1395 Bridgeton Hill Road
Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
Equal Rights and Opportunities Policy
River Valley Waldorf School is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on merit and the needs of the school, and not on race, color, creed, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state, local and federal laws (referred to as“protected status”). This policy applies to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, and all other personnel actions and conditions of employment such as compensation, benefits, layoffs, reinstatements, tuition assistance, and disciplinary measures. While the school’s administration is primarily responsible for seeing that equal employment opportunity policies are implemented, all employees share in the responsibility for ensuring that, by their personal actions, the policies are effective and apply uniformly to everyone.
It is the school’s policy to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability in order to provide equal employment opportunities. For that reason, it is against school policy to discriminate, in any manner, against a qualified individual with a disability. “Disability” refers to a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of an individual. A “qualified person with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position that the individual holds or has applied for.
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities will be made, unless to do so would be an undue hardship to the school. To further this goal, the school encourages employees with disabilities to self-identify, so that the school may provide such employees with reasonable accommodations. Individuals protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should proactively discuss their need for possible accommodation with the Head of School.
The school prohibits any discrimination or harassment in violation of this policy, and any employee involved in discriminatory practices will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including unpaid suspension and/or termination of employment. These policies apply to all applicants and employees, and prohibit harassment, discrimination and retaliation whether engaged in by, or when directed toward, fellow employees, a supervisor or manager, or someone not directly connected to River Valley (e.g., an outside vendor or contractor). These policies also apply to all interactions between employees and students.
Join us in fostering a vibrant educational community where creativity, connection, and commitment to social justice are at the heart of our work.
Eurythmy Teacher Fall 2024
River Valley Waldorf School is seeking a Eurhythmy block teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. We are seeking an enthusiastic and creative teacher to bring Eurhythmy to students in grades K-8. The position requires a high level of organization, a genuine love of teaching and learning, and the desire and facility to collaborate with colleagues and participate in faculty work. The ideal candidate must also be willing to commit to the ongoing work of diversity, equity, and inclusion and have familiarity or interest in best practices of Waldorf education.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Bring engaging Eurythmy and movement experiences to students
- Support for class plays
- Support recess and other daily duties
- Support skills lessons
- Participation in faculty meetings and the school’s festival life
- Occasional evening events such as parent evenings and open houses
Qualifications:
- Completion of Bachelor’s degree
- Eurythmy diploma recognized by the performing arts Section of the Goetheanum
- Interest in and appreciation for Waldorf Education
- Commitment to professional growth including further education in Waldorf teaching
- Versatility, enthusiasm, punctuality, creativity
Required training obtained during employment may include:
- CPR and First Aid
- Mandated Reporter Training
- Stewards of Children – Darkness to Light
- Racial Equity: Anti-bias Training
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resumé to either:
email: info@rivervalleyschool.org
mail: River Valley Waldorf School
1395 Bridgeton Hill Road
Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
Equal Rights and Opportunities Policy
River Valley Waldorf School is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on merit and the needs of the school, and not on race, color, creed, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state, local and federal laws (referred to as“protected status”). This policy applies to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, and all other personnel actions and conditions of employment such as compensation, benefits, layoffs, reinstatements, tuition assistance, and disciplinary measures. While the school’s administration is primarily responsible for seeing that equal employment opportunity policies are implemented, all employees share in the responsibility for ensuring that, by their personal actions, the policies are effective and apply uniformly to everyone.
It is the school’s policy to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability in order to provide equal employment opportunities. For that reason, it is against school policy to discriminate, in any manner, against a qualified individual with a disability. “Disability” refers to a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of an individual. A “qualified person with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position that the individual holds or has applied for.
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities will be made, unless to do so would be an undue hardship to the school. To further this goal, the school encourages employees with disabilities to self-identify, so that the school may provide such employees with reasonable accommodations. Individuals protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should proactively discuss their need for possible accommodation with the Head of School.
The school prohibits any discrimination or harassment in violation of this policy, and any employee involved in discriminatory practices will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including unpaid suspension and/or termination of employment. These policies apply to all applicants and employees, and prohibit harassment, discrimination and retaliation whether engaged in by, or when directed toward, fellow employees, a supervisor or manager, or someone not directly connected to River Valley (e.g., an outside vendor or contractor). These policies also apply to all interactions between employees and students.
Join us in fostering a vibrant educational community where creativity, connection, and commitment to social justice are at the heart of our work.
Grades and/or Early Childhood Substitute Teachers
River Valley is seeking to expand our roster of locally-based substitute teachers for our Grades and Early Childhood Program. Candidates must demonstrate experience working with young children.
Equal Rights and Opportunities Policy
River Valley Waldorf School is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on merit and the needs of the school, and not on race, color, creed, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state, local and federal laws (referred to as“protected status”). This policy applies to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, and all other personnel actions and conditions of employment such as compensation, benefits, layoffs, reinstatements, tuition assistance, and disciplinary measures. While the school’s administration is primarily responsible for seeing that equal employment opportunity policies are implemented, all employees share in the responsibility for ensuring that, by their personal actions, the policies are effective and apply uniformly to everyone.
It is the school’s policy to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability in order to provide equal employment opportunities. For that reason, it is against school policy to discriminate, in any manner, against a qualified individual with a disability. “Disability” refers to a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of an individual. A “qualified person with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position that the individual holds or has applied for.
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities will be made, unless to do so would be an undue hardship to the school. To further this goal, the school encourages employees with disabilities to self-identify, so that the school may provide such employees with reasonable accommodations. Individuals protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should proactively discuss their need for possible accommodation with the Head of School.
The school prohibits any discrimination or harassment in violation of this policy, and any employee involved in discriminatory practices will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including unpaid suspension and/or termination of employment. These policies apply to all applicants and employees, and prohibit harassment, discrimination and retaliation whether engaged in by, or when directed toward, fellow employees, a supervisor or manager, or someone not directly connected to River Valley (e.g., an outside vendor or contractor). These policies also apply to all interactions between employees and students.
Join us in fostering a vibrant educational community where creativity, connection, and commitment to social justice are at the heart of our work.
Three Pillars
At River Valley Waldorf School, community is deeply cherished and upheld through the collaborative efforts of three essential pillars: the Faculty & Administration, the Board of Trustees, and the Parent Council. The Faculty & Administration serve as the guiding force behind the school's educational vision and day-to-day operations. They are responsible for creating a nurturing and enriching learning environment, implementing Waldorf pedagogy, and supporting the holistic development of every student. The Board of Trustees plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term sustainability and strategic direction of the school. They provide oversight, governance, and financial stewardship, working closely with the administration to make informed decisions that uphold the school's mission and values. Lastly, the Parent Council serves as a vital link between the school and its families, fostering a sense of belonging and active engagement within the community. They support various initiatives, organize events, and facilitate communication, promoting a collaborative partnership between parents, faculty, and staff for the benefit of all students. Together, these three pillars form a strong foundation for the River Valley Waldorf School, driving its growth, resilience, and unwavering commitment to holistic education.
The Parent Council is a body of parents invested in working with the governing bodies of the school. This group of parents is composed of representatives from each class. They work to support the Faculty and Administration pillars by building an active community of volunteers brought together for a common purpose which enriches the experience of school life for our children and our families.
The Pedagogical Pillar is composed of the Pedagogical Chair, Pedagogical Leadership Group, and full faculty. The Pedagogical Chair in conjunction with the Head of School is responsible for the long term pedagogical visioning and development of programming and faculty management and organization, as well as overseeing admissions practices to bring pedagogical insight to all admissions decisions.
The Parent Council consists of ideally two parent representatives from each grade level as core members. The Parent Council coordinates the school’s annual Winter Fair and Mayfaire, communicates volunteer needs to the full parent community, maintains close-knit relationships with the Board and Head of School.
All stakeholders are responsible for supporting the mission of River Valley Waldorf School. Decisions are made with appropriate stakeholder consultation and collaboration.
The Three Pillars meet at least once annually and are represented by the faculty, the Board of Trustees, administrative staff and Parent Council representatives. The annual meeting addresses school visioning, planning and communication.
Governance Structure
River Valley Waldorf School utilizes a governance model that includes a Board of Trustees, Head of School, and Pedagogical Leadership Group. Both the Board of Trustees and Pedagogical Leadership Group utilize consensus decision making. Utilizing consensus decision-making fosters an inclusive and collaborative form of governance by ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. Through this process, diverse perspectives are considered, leading to more holistic and well-rounded outcomes that reflect the collective wisdom of the group. By prioritizing cooperation and compromise over majority rule, consensus decision-making promotes a sense of ownership and commitment among participants, ultimately strengthening community cohesion and resilience.
The Head of School plays a pivotal role as a bridge between the three pillars of the River Valley Waldorf School community, serving as a cornerstone for effective communication and mutual support. As the chief executive officer, they bear the responsibility of upholding the school's overarching vision and executing its mission with unwavering dedication. In addition to managing faculty and staff, the Head of School oversees the day-to-day operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of the institution. They also bear the crucial responsibility of safeguarding the financial health of the school as directed by the Board of Trustees, implementing strategic initiatives to sustain its growth and vitality for years to come.
The Board of Trustees (BOT) carries the weighty responsibility of stewardship for the past, present, and future generations of the school community. Comprising dedicated individuals including parents, faculty, and friends of the school, the board is entrusted with the vital task of ensuring the school's enduring success through strategic long-range planning, meticulous oversight of administrative affairs, and prudent management of fiscal and legal considerations. Their commitment to preserving the school's values and fostering its growth exemplifies their dedication to serving as custodians of its legacy and aspirations. The Head of School (HOS) carries out the policies established by the Board of Trustees. Within these guidelines, the Head of School is accountable for board relationships, organization, planning and analysis, fundraising, academics, program & service support, personnel, finance, institutional image, environment, constituent relations, and enrollment & recruitment.
The Pedagogical Leadership Group (PLG) carries out the pedagogical management of the school, as dictated by the faculty approved mandate. Pedagogy comprises all activities pertaining to the school’s programs and the interaction with students, including classroom teaching, curricular and extracurricular activities, student social events, and class trips. The PLG is chaired by the Pedagogical Chair who provides support and leadership to the faculty, working in service of the faculty through collaborative leadership. The Pedagogical Chair works closely with the Faculty, Administration, and the Head of School to plan and implement the pedagogical and administrative objectives of the school community.
The Board of Trustees and full faculty regularly utilize a committee structure to facilitate work and decision-making. While adhering to legal requirements and general best practices of independent schools, River Valley Waldorf School practices a balance of consensus decision making and mandate committee structure. The decision making authority of committees are dictated by mandates. The assignment of a mandate allocates responsibility for a particular management task. Decisions made by committees are supported by the mandate assigning group and reviewed by the Head of School for alignment with the school’s mission, vision, and core values.
The Board of Trustees has the ultimate authority and responsibility for River Valley Waldorf School, including legal responsibility, fiscal responsibility, and long-range planning. The Board of Trustees has delegated authority to administer programs and manage the day-to-day operations of the school to the Head of School. The Head of School reports to the Board of Trustees and is supported by the Pedagogical Chair, Director of Operations, Business Administrator, Enrollment Coordinator, and Advancement Director. The Head of School’s main responsibilities are board relationships, management of the organization and personnel, planning and analysis of operations and finance, fundraising, pedagogy and academic programming, institutional image, the school environment, constituent relations, and enrollment and recruitment of students.
Board of Trustees' Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitments
River Valley Waldorf School is committed to creating an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our school community, The Waldorf movement emphasizes the importance of recognizing the virtue in each human; River Valley strives to maintain an environment that values and supports its members across all intersections of their identities. It is our goal to be accountable and to meet challenges with courage and grace.
Along with the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, we recognize that the Waldorf movement’s promise of honoring the inherent beauty and integrity of each individual has sometimes fallen short for historically marginalized students and community members. River Valley Waldorf School recognizes that Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education (1919), provided many profound insights that uphold the value and dignity of each human being and form the foundation of our organization's history and worldview. However, he also made statements containing harmful assertions about race and ethnicity. Racism, whether explicit or implicit, is fundamentally opposed to the core principles of Waldorf education.
River Valley Waldorf School’s Board of Trustees is dedicated to improving equity and strengthening anti-bias and anti-racist (ABAR) practices and makes the following commitments:
1. To hire Heads of School who prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion work and practices;
2. To verify that the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion are applied to programming, practices, and policies;
3. To ask questions about school culture and climate and hold the school accountable to its goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion;
4. To develop policies that promote diversity, minimize inequities, and increase inclusion;
5. To allocate resources to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion can be moved forward at River Valley Waldorf School; and
6. To ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion centered goals are a key part of the school’s long term strategic planning.
7. To deepen learning, development, and self-study in the realm of diversity, equity, inclusion, and to strive to identify bias in policy or interpersonal dynamics.
© River Valley Waldorf School