Employment

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 diversity and 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.

Responsibilities of the Role

Work primarily with children from ages 3-6 years old for EC, 6-9 year olds for grades, 13-15 year olds for Middle School, and 3-14 years old for Aftercare

Help support the daily classroom rhythm

Work collaboratively with the lead teacher and other early childhood faculty members

Supervise children to ensure safe and supportive classroom environments and play

Desired Skills and Attributes

Passion for education and working with children

An individual with patience handling student conflict

Creativity and imagination to meet the children at their development stage

An ability to see how to support the whole class, lead teacher, and children that may have challenges

Excellent communication skills to work effectively with teachers, families, and committees

Candidates for this position must be able occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, have the ability to sit, walk and stand for significant periods of time, and be able to model and participate in movements such as crawling, skipping, or jumping. Candidates should also be able to dress for work outside in all weather, and the ability to visually and auditorily supervise children. 

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 in diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

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

Becoming a part of a community that:  

We care about you as a person, your continued development, and your life outside of school.  

Values human connection and creates an environment that inspires strong relationships between our students, families, and colleagues as well as in the larger community.

Offers a supportive and creative work environment that encourages new ideas and provides opportunities for growth.

Considers how to best meet the children of today through a pedagogy that upholds the dignity of each human being while exploring what we must reimagine in our work in order to be effective.  

Our campuses are located a few minutes from downtown Ann Arbor, the university, and the hospital. The extended Ann Arbor area offers the richness and diversity of a university town with a small-town feel. It has many events, festivals, art, music, dance, and social activities throughout the year. Ann Arbor is rich in natural landscapes, providing many scenic parks along the river and nearby lakes. It is an area with many different job opportunities for other family members, if needed. Ann Arbor is home to the Anthroposophical Society in America, Rudolf Steiner Health Center for anthroposophical medicine, as well as a biodynamic farm, the Community Farm of Ann Arbor.

We are a 40-minute drive from Detroit, which offers the cultural richness of an urban center, museums, cultural connections, and Detroit Waldorf School.  

Michigan’s watersheds and the Great Lakes offer wonderful places to visit and vacation. To learn more about Ann Arbor, visit: Michigan's Guide to Ann Arbor

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:

A cover letter that outlines their professional experience and how it supports this position.

A comprehensive resume or CV.

Contact information for three professional references.

Applications may be sent to Kim Likosky via email at klikosky@steinerschool.org. 

The Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor seeks a curious, collaborative, and enthusiastic Part-Time Assistant Science Teacher to join our High School faculty for the 2026–2027 academic year.

This position is designed as a mentored teaching opportunity for an individual interested in developing their skills as a Waldorf high school science teacher. The Assistant Science Teacher will work closely with experienced faculty through classroom observation, curriculum study, team teaching, and gradually increasing teaching responsibilities throughout the year.

We welcome candidates with backgrounds in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, or related fields who are excited to engage with adolescents through a relationship-centered and phenomenological approach to teaching science.

Position Overview

The Assistant Science Teacher will spend the academic year learning the role through:

Observing experienced science teachers in the classroom

Participating in lesson planning and curriculum development

Receiving ongoing mentorship and feedback

Assisting with laboratory preparation and classroom activities

Team teaching portions of science blocks and subject classes

Gradually assuming responsibility for selected lessons and units

Participating in faculty meetings and professional development opportunities as appropriate

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain experience while developing both pedagogical and subject-area expertise.

Hours will be determined based on the combination of class schedule and applicant’s qualifications and availability.  

Qualifications

Preferred candidates will possess:

A bachelor's degree in a scientific field such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, or a related discipline

A passion for working with high school students

Strong communication and collaborative skills

Curiosity about Waldorf education and a willingness to engage in Waldorf pedagogical study

Experience working with adolescents in educational, coaching, mentoring, or related settings

Teaching experience is welcome but not required. Candidates with industry, research, laboratory, environmental, healthcare, or other science-related professional experience are encouraged to apply.

About Our High School

The Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor High School offers a rich, interdisciplinary curriculum that seeks to cultivate intellectual curiosity, creativity, and social responsibility. Science education is taught through observation, experimentation, and phenomenological inquiry, helping students develop both scientific understanding and a sense of wonder for the natural world.

Compensation

This is a part-time position for the 2026–2027 academic year. Compensation begins at $22 per hour and will be based on experience and qualifications. This position may be eligible for certain benefits, such as health insurance, depending on hours worked.  

To Apply

Please submit:

A cover letter describing your interest in the position and your experience working with young people

A resume or curriculum vitae

Three professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

Applications may be sent to Sara Deon via email at sdeon@steinerschool.org.