Waldorf Teacher Training Is A Total Training Experience

 The Waldorf method of education was developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919. This method essentially strives to consolidate the development of a child, from all perspectives – heart, soul, head and mind. This form of teaching transforms education in to an art form. While every Waldorf school will have their own requirements, typically a class teacher should have a university degree along with a certificate in teaching from a recognized Waldorf school. There are some Waldorf teacher training institutes from where you can get a bachelors’ and a masters’ degree along with your Waldorf teacher certificate. To get an employment in a Waldorf school, you need to meet all the licensing requirements typical of the state where you are seeking employment.  Waldorf teacher training equips you with Waldorf teaching certification and can be accomplished in a variety of ways. For instance you could enroll into a full time course which lasts one to two years. You could also opt for summer sessions, where you have to undergo training for 3 to 4 summers with practical work during the interim period. If you are a busy professional, Waldorf teacher training can also be done attending part time courses during evening or weekends. There are some areas of specialization, which include early childhood, arts and other specialty studies, remedial education, etc.  

Since there are innumerable Waldorf schools worldwide, job opportunities are available aplenty. Many Waldorf teaching institutions have their own placement departments for their own graduates. Salaries and benefits vary from one school to another. One of the very interesting aspects of a Waldorf school is that here the elementary and middle-school children are guided by a certified Waldorf teacher who remain with the class generally for eight years. The rationale for this is that when the child is between 7 and 14, it is considered to be the time when they follow a role model in terms of behavior and acceptance. It also gives the child an opportunity to experience another human in an authoritative role outside his family and home. The teacher in the process also becomes a close member of his family, playing the de facto role of a parent.

Though not mandatory in all states, nearly all Waldorf schools require a minimum bachelors’ degree. There are various teacher training funds which offer financial assistance to aspiring teachers. As of 2004, there were 870 Waldorf schools in 60 countries worldwide. Currently there are about 150 Waldorf schools operating in North America. Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Detroit, Michigan are also homes to Waldorf programs.