Integrated Field and Research Courses

Integrated field and research courses are part of our three-year certificate and Master's Degree programs.

 

Fieldwork I Overview - Fieldwork I is an observational survey course undertaken in the first year of the program. The goal is to visit a wide range of Waldorf schools and classrooms. It is recommended that students experience a broad spectrum of Waldorf education regardless of their focus (grades or early childhood).

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Fieldwork II Overview - Fieldwork II is an observational course with a participatory component undertaken in the second year of the program. It includes classroom observation, practice teaching, and a research paper. Students observe experienced teachers at their certificate level (early childhood or grades), explore their own areas of strengths and challenges, and begin research into their specific area of interest, i.e. part of your teaching that you wish to strengthen, a question you’ve been carrying, or an aspect of the curriculum that you want to explore further. Potentially the work of Fieldwork II will continue into the final research project of year 3. It is also helpful during this course to keep an eye toward finding a cooperating teacher for the Practicum.

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Fieldwork Early Childhood Observation Guide - form to guide early childhood classroom observations.

Fieldwork Grades 1-8 Observation Guide - form to guide grade 1-8 main and subject classroom observations.

Fieldwork High School Observation Guide - form to guide high school main and subject classroom observations.

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Practicum Overview - The GLWI Practicum is a student teaching placement in which a trainee works for 4 weeks in a
Waldorf school while being mentored by a trained, experienced Waldorf teacher which we call the "Practicum Cooperating Teacher."
 

The Cooperating Teacher is a trained Waldorf teacher with a minimum of five consecutive years of teaching experience, is skilled in interpersonal relationships, and is interested in guiding the teacher trainee. The Cooperating Teacher has one of the most critical roles in the teacher education process by guiding a new teacher and affirming the trainee’s commitment to the profession. 

 

During the trainee’s four weeks of practice teaching, the Cooperating Teacher will observe the trainee for the purpose of providing information, evaluation, and feedback regarding the trainee’s teaching competencies. The Cooperating Teacher will receive a stipend.

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According to the AWSNA’s Teacher Education Delegate Circle guidelines, the Practicum experience is
divided into two streams to best serve teachers in their development.

 

• Pre-Service - Those new to teaching and/or new to Waldorf Education with less than one year of full-time teaching in their own classrooms OR those who are not currently lead teaching in a Waldorf School.

• In-Service - Those working in their own classrooms as lead teachers in a Waldorf school.

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Capstone - Capstone* is an independent study course undertaken in the third year of the certificate program. It provides students the opportunity to deeply explore an area of interest that will further their individual development as teachers. Students meet virtually for monthly support and structured assignments that aid in completion of a final paper, artistic study, and oral presentation that will demonstrate their integrated understanding of the topic.

 

*Capstone course is for Certificate Program students only.

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In order to register for our integrated field and research courses, you must already have applied and been accepted into the GLWI program. If you have not already done so, please go to our admissions page to learn how to apply. Further questions regarding admission and registration can be sent to our Admissions Coordinator, Kira Chard, at admissions@greatlakeswaldorf.org.

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Learn more about our program format, including dates and virtual and in-person* requirements.

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*To ensure success and accessibility for all participants, GLWI instructors and staff are committed to providing accommodations to the fullest extent possible. We are committed to supporting and accommodating individual needs and working in tandem with our students for successful outcomes.

In addition, our partner school, Mount Mary University, offers these accessibility services.

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