Grades 1-8 Teacher Education
Program Coordinator: Monika Sutherland
The Grades 1-8 Teacher Certificate Program at Great Lakes Waldorf Institute is a three-year part-time program focusing on philosophical, practical, and artistic training for class teachers in grades 1-8. The program consists of three sessions each year: a summer intensive in July, and fall and spring courses with additional fieldwork, practicum, and final research project.
Graduates of this 450+ hour program receive a Waldorf Grades Teaching Certificate recognized by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (ASWNA).
Curriculum and course content include a balance of the following areas:
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Child development and Waldorf education
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Waldorf philosophy and human development
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Contemplative work
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Artistic activities for the classroom and for the educator
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Professional and social aspects of Waldorf education
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Fieldwork - observation, mentored teaching, practicum or internship in well-established Waldorf early childhood setting
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Practicum and final project
Learn more about our program format, including dates and virtual and in-person* requirements.
*We strive to cultivate an inclusive experience for all, if you need to participate differently or need accommodations during periods of in-person instruction, please let us know as soon as possible and we will do our best to work through different options.
This program enrolls in throughout the year to begin in July, September, or February.
If you would like to learn more about Waldorf teaching, teacher education at Great Lakes Waldorf Institute, or our application process, we invite you to fill out our Inquiry Form; sign up for a meeting with our Director of Teacher Education, Monika Sutherland; or email or call Kira Chard, our admissions coordinator, at admissions@greatlakeswaldorf.org or (414) 299-3820. To learn more about our Early Childhood program, you can set up a meeting with our Early Childhood Program Coordinator, Lynn Turner.
Coursework Overview
You can find detailed descriptions of our program courses here.
Required Independent Study Courses
Find out more and register for Independent Study courses here.
Learn More About Waldorf Education
Non-Discrimination Statement: Great Lakes Waldorf Institute, Inc., shall encourage broad public support and participation in its management and activities, and shall not discriminate in any manner whatsoever against any person on the basis of race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or mental or physical handicap or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and any other programs. The corporation is committed to reflecting the diversity of our society, and creating space for historically excluded and underrepresented groups to participate in all aspects of the corporation's management and activities.