The College of Teachers is the primary decision-making body of the faculty. It is made up of faculty members who have taught for at least one year in our the school and have demonstrated their ability in an understanding of Waldorf Education. Other requirements for joining this body are a commitment to the future of Portland Waldorf School, a willingness to carry additional responsibilities for the school as a whole, and a dedication to deepening one’s own understanding of child development through study of Anthroposophy and current research.
The College is responsible for:
- Supporting teachers to assure that each child is held and consciously honored at his or her highest level.
- Pedagogy, curriculum and program development
- All student activities and policies
- Professional development of teachers
- Hiring and Evaluation of teachers
- Dismissal of teachers, in collaboration with the Board
- Development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and procedures regarding the parents, students and faculty
- Responding to parent, student and faculty concerns and helping to facilitate their timely resolution.
- Articulating and nurturing a coherent philosophy and vision for the school
- Keeping current with teaching developments within the Waldorf and wider educational community
- Well-being of the faculty, such as relationships between faculty members, health of faculty members and the well-being of teachers and classes
- Selecting College representatives to the Board
- Approving mandates of College committees, and their oversight.
- Delegates responsibility for policies to the individual sections, committees and other mandated groups.
College Chair
The College Chairperson holds the overview of the whole school, supporting faculty, staff and parents. He/she is a servant-leader who is the spokesperson and rhythm keeper for the school. The College Chair is accountable to the College of Teachers and acts as a liaison between the Board, the Administration, and the College.
