Waldorf Teacher Education Programs

Rudolf Steiner College offers full-time and part-time options for earning a Waldorf Teaching Certificate with a focus on early childhood, grades 1-8, or high school. All programs include:

• Studies in the philosophical basis of Waldorf education
• In-depth studies of educational principles
• Development and practice of artistic skills in fields such as storytelling, drama, painting, drawing, sculpture, music, and movement
• Observation and classroom experience with mentor teachers

Waldorf Teacher Education Training Programs (Full-time)

Waldorf Teacher Education

Prerequisite: Foundation Studies Program.
This program allows future Waldorf teachers to develop the imagination, perception, and skills needed to meet the growing child with care and understanding. In addition to the academic and artistic curriculum, coursework includes: strengthening inner life; child development; philosophy; pedagogical lectures; and practice teaching in a Waldorf classroom. Students choose a focus of early childhood/kindergarten or grades (description follows). The High School curriculum is offered each summer. The program culminates in a Certificate in Waldorf Teacher Education. An M.A. option is available.*

Early Childhood Waldorf Teacher Education

Our early childhood programs are based on the latest research and our understanding of the need to protect the wonder of childhood, including the child’s right to learn through creative play. The curriculum is focused on developmentally appropriate care giving and education with emphasis on the young child’s physical, emotional and mental health. Students learn activities that help foster enthusiastic learning, intellectual growth, self-esteem and social responsibility. Practice teaching in a Waldorf classroom offers opportunities to enhance classroom skills, gain self-confidence through mentoring, and understand the complex responsibilities of becoming a Waldorf teacher.

Grades Teacher Education

Teacher education for the grades in addition to studies of child development also includes a greater emphasis on the curriculum, pedagogy, methodology, creative integration of the arts, and practical aspects such as classroom management. Practice teaching in a Waldorf classroom offers opportunities to enhance classroom skills, gain self-confidence through mentoring, and understand the complex responsibilities of becoming a Waldorf teacher.

Waldorf Teacher Education Programs (Part-time)

Community Learning Centers (CLCs)

Those who wish to take the Foundation Studies closer to their home, can take this option and simultaneously enroll in our Summer Waldorf Teacher Education Program.

CLCs have been established in: Anchorage, Alaska; Denver, Colorado; Montreal, Canada; Phoenix, Arizona; Los Altos, California; Nevada City, California; and Fair Oaks, California. Others are in process of being initiated. A minimum of ten students is required to establish a CLC in a particular area.

For more information please contact Patrick Wakeford-Evans, Academic Dean, at patrick.wakefordevans@steinercollege.edu

San Francisco Waldorf Teacher Education Program

Three year, weekend program and three summers for those living in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. This part-time program combines Foundation Studies and Teacher Education—meeting on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings, September through May, with three-week, full-time summer sessions in Fair Oaks for each of the three years. During the summer sessions, students chose a focus of early childhood, grades or high school. Seven weeks of classroom observation and practice teaching are also included. The program culminates in a Certificate in Waldorf Teacher Education. An M.A. option is available in 2012*

Summer Waldorf High School Teacher Education

Three summers, four-week session each summer. This program combines Foundation Studies (week 1) and Teacher Education (weeks 2-4). Students hoping to become certified Waldorf high school teachers must come to their training with a strong academic background in specific subject areas and enthusiasm for working with the challenges of adolescence. The rigorous and comprehensive curriculum includes academic material, independent study, observation, and mentoring. Students with prior Foundation Studies are welcome to apply. The program culminates in a Certificate in Waldorf Teacher Education. An M.A. option is available in 2012*

Summer Waldorf Teacher Education for Early Childhood and Grades

Three summers, four-week session each summer. This three-year certificate program is designed for those who are currently teaching or have some classroom teaching experience. This program combines Foundation Studies and Teacher Education. It also includes continuing independent study, and observation and practice teaching in Waldorf schools during the school year. Students with prior Foundation Studies are welcome to apply. The program culminates in a Certificate in Waldorf Teacher Education. An M.A. option is available in 2012*

*M.A. in Waldorf Education For further information about our state-approved, non-accredited M.A. options visit www.steinercollege.edu and click on Admissions, College Catalogue. See Section Six for requirements and course descriptions. Coming in Summer 2011 is a new three-year, part-time M.A. program providing experienced teachers with a certificate and an M.A. In summer of 2012 we will offer a two-year, part-time M.A. program for certified Waldorf teachers. If you would like one of our faculty or staff to contact you about our M.A. options, e-mail rsc@steinercollege.edu

New information on MA in Waldorf Teacher Education.