The grades teacher certification at Great Lakes Waldorf Institute blends traditional instructor-led and collaborative learning with practical, experiential training and online synchronous and  asynchronous self-paced study.  This 600-hour program provides the practical, artistic and philosophical foundations for successful Waldorf teaching in grades one through eight.  Recognized  by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), our graduates receive a Waldorf Teaching Certificate that is welcomed in both private and public Waldorf schools.

Based on Rudolf Steiner’s insights into the nature of the human being and his world view, known as anthroposophy, we offer a rigorous and inspiring program designed to meet your unique development as a person and an educator.  Participating in our learning community, you will experience the vibrant ambiance that evolves as colleagues share their personal journeys, reflections and research through thoughtful dialogue, group activities and contemplative posts.

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Study includes child development from primary school entrance through grade eight, artistic work, development of relevant skills such as nutritious food preparation, and opportunities to observe and practice in Waldorf early childhood classrooms.  Through our coursework, you will cultivate essential qualities for working with the young child, such as:

• love and respect for each child as a unique individual

• the ability to create warm, nurturing environments that serve the needs of the young child

• skills in building collaborative relationships with parents and colleagues

• a commitment to life-long self-development.
   

Grades teacher trainees participate together in some human and child development courses, providing richer conversations and a fuller picture of child development beyond a student’s chosen area of training.

The grades teaching certificate program strives to enable students to gain the following:

• A deep understanding of the philosophy and view of child development Rudolf Steiner gave
  as the foundation for the Waldorf school,

• A thorough penetration of the pedagogy and the many ways it comes to expression in the curriculum

• Artistic, social, intellectual and practical experiences that contribute to their own
  self-development as well as their self-confidence as a teacher.
   

The program will prepare students to:

• Understand the unfolding development of the child from pre-birth to age seven
  in the context of broader human development

• Provide young children with consistent experiences of the natural and human world
  through the rhythm of the day, week, seasons, and year

• Provide and engage in artistic activities such as storytelling, drawing and painting,
  sculpture and woodcarving, music and rhythmic games to foster creativity and imagination

• Understand and work with the philosophy and contemplative practices of Rudolf Steiner in
  their own preparation and practice

• Regard—and practice—the art of the educator as a lifelong opportunity for research

Early childhood program students may obtain a Master of Arts Degree in Education with 9 additional credits and the completion of an Action Research paper from our partner Mount Mary University (MMU).  

MMU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission North Central Association.

National Rankings

• College Choice: Best U.S. Women’s Colleges – MMU is #15

• U.S. News and World Report – MMU ranks #86 for Regional Universities in the Midwest

• U.S. News and World Report – MMU is #33 in the region for Best Colleges for Veterans

• President’s Higher Education Community Service Award – MMU is on the honor roll with distinction for its commitment to community involvement and service learning

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