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
Learn More About Waldorf Education
At Great Lakes Waldorf Institute we are committed to serving and being a diverse, inclusive community. We are striving collectively to ensure the continued growth and development of our curriculum and program offerings to reflect these values. As we deepen our own relationship to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we ask for your honest feedback and perspective, understanding that we wish to widen our lens and that this work is, and will always be, in process. If anything arises for you regarding our efforts, please contact Monika Sutherland, Amber Chavez, or any of your course instructors.