The New WISC Grades 1-8 Teacher Education Program
The Grade 1-8 Certification Program is designed to prepare you with the depth of understanding and skills needed to work successfully in a variation of Waldorf Schools. Our program instructors are leaders in the field with many years of Waldorf classroom experience and as adult educators. Together with visiting faculty they will provide you with a rich and comprehensive education.
Length and Format
Our Waldorf Elementary Teacher Education program is a 25-month, 700-hour program that spans over two school years (September-May) and three summers, 2025-27.
A new cohort starts each summer - our Summer 2025 enrollment deadline is June 29th.
During each of the two school years, we bring the coursework in a combination of, 1 week-end intensive per month, (4 in the fall and 5 in the spring), the Friday night is online, the Saturday is in person, accompanied by monthly online class meetings:
Monthly 1.5hr online Waldorf Essentials class
Monthly 1.5hr online Anthroposophy class
Monthly 1 hr of online mentoring
During the three summers, three week-long sessions are held in-person in Los Angeles and in San Diego.
2 in person Grades summer week intensives (see below)
1 in person Early Childhood summer week intensive (see below)
1 three day online mini week on Human Dignity
Also included are:
1 in person ‘Art of Speech’ workshop per year
1 in person ‘Biodynamic Farming’ workshop per year
1 Threefold community event
Field work (Observation & practice teaching)
Entrance requirements
This program welcomes first time teacher as well as working teachers. All applicants must have earned a high school diploma, have some familiarity with Waldorf education and anthroposophy and be able to satisfy your fieldwork requirements during the course of the program.
areas of study and experience
We will help guide each new teacher with their development and practice in the areas below
Foundational principles of Waldorf education
Anthroposophical studies
Pedagogical practices and the Waldorf Curriculum grades 1-8
Artistic and handwork activities of Waldorf education
Professional and social aspects of Waldorf education
Inner holistic development of the educator
Independent research
What will you learn
To understand the child in depth, through the broader study of human development.
To develop skills to practice this understanding in a Waldorf setting based on rhythm, arts, storytelling, music, crafts and imagination.
To study together Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy to deepen awareness of the far-reaching effects of a holistic education
To practice tools and capacities for self-development and lifelong research.
Why join WISC as a full time student?
Full-time students are assigned a mentor who supports and visits in the classroom
WISC helps organizes ‘Field Work’ in the local schools for full time students.
We keep track of the AWSNA course requirements and make sure you stay on track to get certified. Example
Full time WISC students get 50% off on our Practical Arts Training program
90% of WISC students get a job before they graduate from WISC
Program Overview
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Summer 1
2025
We offer 2 Grades weeks, 2 Early Childhood weeks and a Human Dignity and Diversity week
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School yr 1
2025-26
We offer Monthly in person intensives, online seminars and specialty workshops
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Summer 2
2026
We offer 2 Grades weeks, 2 Early Childhood weeks and a Human Dignity and Diversity week
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School yr 2
2026-27
We offer Monthly in person intensives, online seminars and specialty workshops
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Summer 3
2027
We offer 2 Grades weeks, 2 Early Childhood weeks and a Human Dignity and Diversity week
Summer weeks
The summer weeks can each be taken separately. We recommend enrollment in the full program to get the best experience and the speediest pathway to become a certified Waldorf teacher. It is also the most cost effective option. To learn ore about out individual 2025 summer weeks, click below.
We are a local, regional institute where developing a close sense of community provides the foundation of support and growth for personal transformation.
As a member, WISC offers an AWSNA-recognized Waldorf teacher preparation program. Our new full program of 700 course hours (plus Fieldwork) meets and exceeds the 500 minimum hours required by AWSNA. We encourage you to watch the film Waldorf 100 Learn to change the world produced in association with the Waldorf 100 International Forum for Steiner/Waldorf Education.