Handwork Teacher

Casa de las Estrellas is seeking a Handwork Teacher to join our team. The ideal candidate will bring artistic skill, care, and a deep understanding of how handwork supports the will, concentration, and creative expression of students through the grades.

This role supports the physical, emotional, and inner development of students by guiding them through the process of making with their own hands, in alignment with Waldorf pedagogy.

About the Role

  • The Handwork Teacher will lead artistic, age-appropriate lessons in knitting, crochet, sewing, cross stitch, and other fiber arts for students from First through Sixth Grade. The position includes approximately 8–10 classes per week. Lessons aim to strengthen fine motor coordination, perseverance, aesthetic sense, and joy in process and form.

  • Through meaningful handwork, the teacher nurtures self-discipline, imagination, and connection to the material world—core aspects of Waldorf education.

Who We’re Looking For

  • Embodies a deep love for handwork and its role in child development 

  • Approaches teaching with attentive observation and sensitivity to the 

  • developmental stage of each student

  • Brings rhythm, beauty, and purpose into the classroom experience

  • Is committed to ongoing inner work and reflective practice

  • Communicates with clarity and warmth, and collaborates with care

  • Finds joy in co-creation, patience, and guiding students through long-term processes

Core Responsibilities

  • Design and lead handwork classes grounded in Waldorf pedagogy for grades 1 through 6

  • Create a physically safe, aesthetically intentional, and emotionally supportive classroom environment

  • Foster creativity, perseverance, and artistic appreciation through developmentally appropriate handwork

  • Actively participate in school festivals, celebrations, and community events

  • Observe, document, and assess individual and group learning processes
    Engage in faculty meetings, trainings, study groups, and ongoing professional development

Compensation & Professional Development

  • This is an hourly position, as is standard for specialty subject teachers

  • Compensation is commensurate with experience and based on our current salary structure

  • Weekly mentoring and professional development opportunities

  • Ongoing professional development to support personal and career growth

  • Salary recognition of up to 30% based on academic degrees, Waldorf training, and seniority

Workplace Environment & Community

  • Assistance in finding housing (nonfinancial, logistical support)

  • Participation in a supportive faculty community

  • Meals provided during school hours (morning snack and lunch)

  • Time and space for artistic, physical, and inner work

Employment Benefits

  • Full tuition remission for children of staff (only food and materials are paid)

  • Permanent contracts (no annual termination or liquidation required)

Social Security & Institutional Support

  • Affiliation with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS)

  • Contributions to JUPEMA (National Teachers' Pension Fund)

  • Life insurance through INS

  • Workplace risk insurance through INS

  • Paid vacation in accordance with Costa Rican labor law

  • Institutional support for continued education and training

How to Apply

To apply, please send the following documents to empleo@casadelasestrellas.org:

  • Letter of Interest

  • Short Biography

  • Resume or CV

  • Three References

We look forward to receiving your application!