Waldorf Institute of Southern California
Imagine Becoming your Favorite Teacher
Two of our local Waldorf Schools have been devastated by the SoCal fires. Both the Pasadena and Westside Waldorf Schools have found temporary locations, but they still need help.
Pasadena Waldorf School. Gofundme PWS
Westside Waldorf School. Donate to WSW fund
What is WISC?
The Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC) is a teacher-training center dedicated to preparing educators in the holistic principles of Waldorf Education. Through hands-on workshops, experiential learning, and community support, WISC empowers future and current teachers to blend academics, art, and human development in the classroom. Recognized by AWSNA, WISC’s programs provide the foundational skills and credentials needed to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and compassion in students.
What is Waldorf Education?
The Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC) is dedicated to training educators who are not just teachers but guides, artists, and lifelong learners. Our program is built on three essential pillars:
1. Developing a Connection to Anthroposophy – Understanding the spiritual and developmental foundation that guides Waldorf education.
2. Child Development Through Life Phases – Learning to meet children where they are at every stage of their growth.
3. Studying Steiner’s Works – Engaging with the core texts and teachings that shape the Waldorf classroom.
Waldorf Education is more than just an academic approach—it’s a way of seeing the world, a philosophy of teaching that nurtures creativity, individuality, and deep human connection. At WISC, we prepare educators to integrate these principles into their classrooms, fostering a love for learning in students of all ages.
Our approach to teacher education
What programs do we offer?
We provide long-term teacher certification programs and targeted workshops. Whether you’re seeking a comprehensive certification path or looking to expand your skill set in Waldorf Education WISC is here to support you.
II. Grades 1-8 teacher certificate program
Start Date: June 30th 2025
Length of Program: 25 Months (June ‘25-July ‘27)
Location: In Person Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County & online (Zoom sessions)
Summer weeks: 3 intensive in person weeks each summer for 3 summers.
School year Intensives (In-Person): 5 Friday nights online, 5 Saturday in person sessions per year, over 2 school years.
Zoom Sessions (online): Monthly Mentoring Monday and Waldorf Essential sessions.
Additional annual offerings: Biodynamic farming workshop, Speech workshop and Threefold Event
What you will earn: An AWSNA accredited grades teacher education certificate.
Tuition: $26,400 NOTE: Monthly payments plans are available and you can apply for need based tuition assistance.
I. Early Childhood teacher certificate program
Start Date: June 30th 2025
Length of Program: 25 Months (June ‘25-July ‘27)
Location: In Person Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County & online (Zoom sessions)
Summer weeks: 3 intensive in person weeks each summer for 3 summers.
School year Intensives (In-Person): 5 Friday nights online, 5 Saturdays in person session per year, over 2 school years.
Zoom Sessions (online): Monthly Mentoring Monday and Waldorf Essential sessions.
Additional annual offerings: Biodynamic farming workshop, Speech workshop and Threefold Event
What you will earn: A WECAN accredited early childhood teacher education certificate.
Tuition: $22,400 NOTE: Monthly payments plans are available and you can apply for need based tuition assistance.
IV. Emergency and Trauma Pedagogy
Open to everyone!
Date: May 16-18, 2025
Length of Program: 13 Modules over 3 Years, each module is 2-4 days long. The modules do not need to be taken in order, you can join at any time during the three years.
Location: In Person at the Rudolf Steiner Community Center in Pasadena.
Next up is Module 2
III. Waldorf Practical Arts Training program (WPAT)
Date: April 14-19, 2025
Length of Program: 9 Modules over 3 Years, each module is 6 days long. The modules do not need to be taken in order, you can join at any time during the three years.
Location: Online or in person, Waldorf school of Orange County.
The full AWSNA accredited Practical Arts Certification course, consists of nine individual six-day long intensives (modules) spread out over three years.
Next up is Module 6
Then, Why Choose WISC?
Recognized by AWSNA & WECAN – Accredited & respected teacher training program.
Flexible Learning Options – In-person, hybrid, and online courses available.
Supportive Community – Become part of a thriving network of educators dedicated to Waldorf principles.
A Life-Changing Approach to Teaching – Transform your classroom, your career, and your students' futures.