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.
Full Program Details
The program includes three summers. Each summer has:
2 in person Grades weeks
1 in person Early Childhood week
1 Three day online seminar
Also included are two school years. Each school year has:
Five in person grades intensives per year (2 in the fall, 3 in the spring)
Monthly online Waldorf Essential Seminars
Monthly online Mentoring Mondays
One in person ‘Art of Speech’ workshop per year
One in person biodynamic farming workshop per year
One Threefold community event
Field work (Observation & practice teaching)
The program includes study and experience in these areas:
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.
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 a fully 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.
June 30 - July 4 - Grades Week I
Teaching as an Art: The Power of Literacy in grades 1-4 Laying effective foundations for literacy with joy and imagination. Waldorf School of San Diego campus.
July 7-11 - Grades Week II
Teaching as an Art: The Power of Literacy in grades 5-8 Celebrating language in form and expression. Los Angeles Campus: Highland Hall Waldorf School
July 28-30 - Week III Online
Honoring Human Dignity. Exploring human dignity and diversity from three perspectives
