Waldorf Teacher Training

Waldorf Education was developed at the beginning of the twentieth century by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian educator, philosopher, scientist, and artist. He based this new art of education on a knowledge of the developing human being called anthroposophy. Anthroposophy offers a philosophy of personal transformation that is of great value to the vocation of teaching. Antioch University New England’s Waldorf Teacher Training Program, based on Steiner’s philosophy, was inaugurated in 1982 to meet the rapidly growing need for Waldorf teachers in North America.

Antioch New England’s Waldorf Teacher Training Program is designed for those who are considering becoming Waldorf teachers, for class and early childhood teachers who have not yet completed a Waldorf teacher education program, class teachers who desire further training, and for special subject teachers (handwork, foreign languages, etc.) who want to do a full teacher training program.

Choose from many unique options.

Earn a Waldorf Certificate for class teaching or an MEd in Waldorf Elementary Specialization, with or without New Hampshire certification. Antioch New England is the only Waldorf graduate program in New England, and the only program in the country that offers a public school certification option.

Study year-round or during summers.

Pursue your degree over five semesters or your certification over four semesters. Or opt for study over three summer semesters with credited independent study during the intervening fall and spring semesters.

Learn from distinguished faculty.

The Waldorf program’s internationally renowned faculty have been Waldorf classroom teachers themselves for many years. They have published books on the subject, and are popular speakers in Waldorf communities the world over.

• Waldorf Certificate (Year-round and summer sequence)
• Master of Education in Elementary Education with New Hampshire Teacher Certification (Year-round only)
• Master of Education in Elementary Education without teacher certification (Year-round and summer sequence)

The Waldorf Teacher Training Program unfolds through a combination of group coursework, independent study, and practical experience. Main features include:

• in-depth study of how the Waldorf curriculum meets the cognitive, emotional, and moral needs of children
• internship and practicum experiences that consolidate a student’s learning
• course instructors with fresh insights from direct classroom practice with children
• artistic courses which develop creative capacities for personal development and application in the art of teaching
• in-depth exploration of the theoretical foundations of Waldorf education and anthroposophy
• a learning community to which the student contributes personal experience, insight, and research
• weekly professional seminars to reflect on direct school experiences, practice, and other aspects of the program
• exhilarating and demanding summer intensive sessions in a retreat setting on the scenic hilltop campuses of two adjacent Waldorf schools in Wilton, New Hampshire with Waldorf teachers from all over the world
• personal, social, and professional connections with individuals and schools that last a lifetime

Program Delivery
Students can choose from two avenues to pursue their studies: the Year-Round or Summer Sequence Program. Both options offer a Waldorf Certificate (with a 28-credit minimum) or a Master’s in Elementary Education (with a 40-credit minimum). The Year-Round program also offers a Master’s with New Hampshire state certification (40-credit minimum) and options for those interested in early childhood.

• Begins in Summer
• Classes 2 days a week + internship
• 4-5 semesters to complete

• Begins every other summer (next enrollment 2008)
• Three 3-week summer intensives
• Internship & independent study Fall & Spring
• 3 years to complete