Certificate in Waldorf Education

Introduction

Waldorf education is one of the fastest growing independent school movements in the world. By placing an emphasis on imagination, teachers who leverage this approach are better equipped to encourage students to think creatively, critically, and empathetically. It allows students to develop important artistic and social skills, while also promoting free thinking and moral responsibility.

The demand for trained Waldorf teachers is very high. This program prepares our students for possible careers such as an Elementary Waldorf Class Teacher, or Elementary Waldorf Special Subjects Teacher (Foreign Language, Handwork, Physical Education and other subjects).

This certificate is offered by AU New England

Program Overview

Waldorf curriculum engages the child in a broad range of disciplines in ways appropriate for a given age and level of development. Its ultimate goal is to awaken within the child a steadily increasing imaginative and intellectual capacity, a deeply held love for learning, a will to work, and a strong sense of moral responsibility to guide the child through adolescence and into adulthood.

The Program unfolds through a combination of group coursework, independent study, and practical experience, including an in-depth study of how the Waldorf curriculum meets the child’s cognitive, emotional, and moral needs, exploration of the theoretical foundations of Waldorf education and anthroposophy, and a learning community to which the student contributes personal experience, insight, and research. Course instructors bring fresh insights from direct classroom practice with children and teach artistic courses which develop creative capacities for application in the art of teaching and personal development.

There are three options to gain the 28 credit Waldorf Certificate:

• Full-time Year Round
• Part-Time Summer Sequence Regular, and
• Summer Sequence Advanced (Healing Education)

Year-Round Certificate

(13 months to completion)

This full-time, 28-credit program is for those who live in the New England area or are able to relocate within a commuting distance of Keene, NH for the duration of the 4-semester program.

This program is ideal for both pre-service teachers (with little or no Waldorf teaching experience) and practicing Waldorf teachers who are able to take a fall leave of absence to attend classes in Keene, NH, resuming their school positions in January. Practicing teachers then complete an on-the-job “practicum” with the support of Antioch faculty advisors. This Keene-based program also offers the opportunity to complete an MEd that includes both the AWSNA-approved Waldorf Certificate and NH State Certification (with reciprocity with many other states).

Part-time Summer Sequence (Regular) Certificate

(30 months to completion)

This part-time, low residency, 28 credit program is for those who live farther away and cannot commute to weekly fall classes in NH in the fall. This includes the AWSNA-approved Waldorf Certificate.

Summer Sequence (Advanced) Certificate, Transdisciplinary Focus on Healing Education

(17 months to completion)

This 28-credit program is for experienced Waldorf educators and anthroposophical practitioners. Learn more about this program option. Advanced Healing Education Program applicants are required to have 5-7 years of professional experience with a practice based on anthroposophic foundations OR completion of a four-year program of the Camphill Academy (Enrollment concurrent with the advanced level of a Camphill Academy program may be considered in exceptional cases.)

Degree Requirements

For Year-Round:

• Minimum number of required semesters: 4
• Expected study sequence:
  • Summer I: 3 weeks — courses held in Wilton, NH – School dormitory/local rooms available
  • Fall I: 15 weeks — courses held Wednesday through Friday plus 5 Saturdays on campus in Keene, NH
  • Spring I: 12-week internship (available nationwide – or worldwide)
  • Summer II: 4 weeks —  courses held in Wilton, NH

For Summer Sequence:

• Minimum number of required semesters: 5
• Expected study sequence:
  • Summer I: 3 weeks — courses held in Wilton, NH – School dormitory/local rooms available
  • Fall I: no courses
  • Spring I: Online course (4 credits)
  • Summer II:  3 weeks, Wilton, NH
  • Fall I: no courses
  • Spring I: 12-week Internship/Practicum (nationwide – or worldwide)
  • Summer III:  3 weeks, Wilton, NH

Requirements:

The Waldorf Certificate is available to individuals who are solely interested in pursuing training as a Waldorf teacher. Applicants without a BA must have at least 60 credits and have experience in education. The Waldorf Certificate Program is a summer entry program. This program requires 28 credits to complete.

Admissions / Cost / Aid