Introducing our 2026-27 Grade 1 Teacher

We’re delighted to introduce Ms. Elizabeth Johnson as the First Grade Teacher for the 2026-27 school year! Ms. Johnson comes to PWS with over fifteen years experience as an elementary school teacher in the public school system. In addition, she is currently completing her Waldorf Teacher Training and feels called to continue her teaching career as a Waldorf teacher. In her own words, Elizabeth writes that “through Rudolf Steiner’s guidance for education, I have rediscovered the true art of teaching. My natural ways of connecting with children and bringing learning to life feel at home in the Waldorf pedagogy.”  

Ms. Johnson is a seasoned educator with over 15 years of experience as an elementary school teacher whose love of her craft has been reinvigorated through her recent Waldorf teacher trainings.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s degree from Marylhurst University and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Lewis and Clark College. She is currently finishing her Grades Waldorf Teacher Training through Sound Circle for Arts and Anthroposophy in Washington and is expected to graduate in Summer 2026. 

We asked Elizabeth a few questions about herself. Get to know her a little bit more below:

What are your interests/passions outside of school? 

Some of my favorite things to do outside of teaching are reading, tinkering around on different instruments, knitting/crochet and other handwork crafts, spending time in nature, and traveling to new and familiar places. 

What is something that our community might not know about you?  

I am an animal lover, and my family and I currently have three ducks, two cats, and two dogs.

What inspires you about Waldorf education?

While I am so grateful for my years spent teaching in public education, finding Waldorf education has re-ignited my passion for the art of teaching.  A Waldorf education encourages the gentle unfolding of a student's (and teacher's!) full humanity and development. We are guiding students to think critically and become lifelong learners, through many different modalities, and this focus is not always present in other forms of education.

What do you look forward to working with your new class in the fall?

I am just so excited to get to know each student, and their families, and work with the students on creating a beautiful and supportive class community. The magic of the 1st grade year is undeniable, and I cannot wait to greet each child as they cross the Rainbow Bridge in June, knowing that we have eight years of wonder and learning ahead!