Summer Waldorf Teacher Training, Hybrid Modality

This program provides an option for those currently teaching in Waldorf-inspired (charter) public schools to earn a Waldorf Teaching Diploma. Students select a program emphasis in either Early Childhood or Elementary Grades (1-8). Emphasis is placed on awakening the faculties of the teacher and the development of his/her creativity through study, contemplative practices and the Arts. Child development and child observation are central to this program and courses are provided that enable the teacher to design and implement appropriate curricula from early childhood through eighth grade.

This program is specifically designed to support active teachers in Waldorf Public Schools. Therefore, credit is given for actual classroom work, such as board drawings, main lesson book work, all planning documents pertinent to active block delivery, time spent with a mentor, and documents generated to track student progress. Qualified graduates may continue working in a public charter school setting, apply for teaching positions at any private Waldorf school, or use the training in a non-Waldorf public school to enhance their teaching in the world.

Prerequisites

• B.A. or B.S from an accredited college or university.
• Current, passing CBEST Scores: These must be completed prior to entry into the second year. (Those with an M.A. or Ph.D., or with passing GRE or CSET scores, are exempt).
• Credential from a state-certified institution, or proof of successful teaching for a minimum of 5 years in a Waldorf-oriented school.

Program Overview

This is a three-summer, part-time program, and includes the following elements:

Summers

• 3 two-week summer sessions at our Fair Oaks, CA campus, with classes from 8 AM until as late as 9 PM, Monday through Friday (1 each in years 1, 2 and 3 = 6 weeks total)
• 2 week-long Art of Teaching intensives, also at our Fair Oaks, CA campus (can be taken concurrently with the summer sessions)

Fall and Spring

• 16 online class-cluster webinars (8 each in years 1 and 2, 1 per month from fall to spring)
• 8 online philosophical webinars (4 each in years 1 and 2)
• 6 practicum weekends at regional sites (3 each in years 1 and 2)
• 18 on-site field mentorship visits (over 4 semesters through years 1 and 2)

Schedule for Years 1 and 2

Semester I, Summer

• Two-week summer session in Fair Oaks, CA (enrollment entry point)
• Week-long Art of Teaching intensive (can be taken in years 1 & 2, or years 2 & 3)

Semester II, Fall

• 1-2 practicum weekends at regional sites (enrollment entry point)
• 4 online class-cluster webinars (schedule is distributed during summer)
• 2 online philosophical webinars, schedule as above 

Semester III, Spring

• 1-2 practicum weekends at regional sites
• 4 online class-cluster webinars (schedule is distributed during summer)
• 2 online Philosophical webinars, schedule as above

Schedule for Year 3

Semester I, Summer

• 1 two-week summer session in Fair Oaks, CA
• Week-long Art of Teaching intensive (if not completed in years 1 & 2))

The next summer session begins July 1, 2013. Required Art of Teaching intensives are offered the week before and the week after the curriculum weeks (depending on the grade).

Foundation Program coursework is embedded in this modality and students with completed foundation studies must still take the entire program. Please contact the Program Director, Bonnie River, for more information.

Culmination

Successful completion of this program culminates in a Waldorf Teaching Diploma (with concentration in either Early Childhood or Elementary Education) . An M.A. option is available*.

How to Apply

For information about the Admissions process, Tuition and Fees, and Financial Aid, go to our Admissions page or contact us

Program Director

Bonnie River, M.A., T.T.E. Bonnie began her studies in Anthroposophy and Waldorf Education in 1972. At this same time she attained a preliminary teaching credential from the State of California. Shortly after her first of three children were born, she began working in a private Waldorf School. Bonnie has been involved in the founding of 4 Waldorf Schools and has taught all grades and kindergarten for more than 30 years. Eight years ago, Bonnie began to work in a public school inspired by Waldorf Education. She served as Educational Director for two years before taking a position as Assistant Professor of Education at Touro University. While at Touro, she chaired a pioneering Waldorf Teacher Training that granted masters degrees to the 42 graduates. Shortly thereafter Bonnie moved to Steiner College to serve as the Accreditation Liaison Officer. Her work culminated with the first Capacity Preparation Review with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. For the past three years, Bonnie has served as a teacher and the Educational Director at a large public school in Southern California. She continued to develop and pioneer the first blended learning program at Rudolf Steiner College. Bonnie continues to work away at a slow-but-steady movement toward her doctorate at the University of La Verne in Southern California.

*M.A. in Waldorf Education: The Master of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Waldorf Education from Rudolf Steiner College has been reviewed and found acceptable by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), by which Rudolf Steiner College was awarded Candidacy for Accreditation as of 3/08/12. RSC has institutional approval. For further information, please visit www.steinercollege.edu and click on Admissions, College Catalogue. See section four of the Catalogue for requirements and course descriptions. If you would like one of our faculty or staff to contact you about our MA options, please e-mail rsc@steinercollege.edu.