Year I and Foundation Studies

Anthroposophy and Waldorf Education

Taken in its entirety, this year consists of 28 Saturdays between mid-September and mid-May, and a week long summer intensive. It constitutes the first year of the full 2 year training for Waldorf teachers. This first year puts a strong emphasis on the teachings of anthroposophy out of which spring the ideas and inspirations that bring education to life. As such, it provides a catalyst for inner renewal and creative self development that gives one a firm, self confident footing for the teaching profession or any other vocational endeavor.

Participants may alternately choose to enroll on the basis of half days up until lunchtime, which constitutes the Foundations studies portion of Year I. If Waldorf Teacher Certification is the ultimate a goal, the required credits can be gradually accumulated over the course of more than 2 years.

Besides studies in the basic written work of Rudolf Steiner, the curriculum includes practice in a variety of artistic mediums, an introduction to a contemporary path of inner development, seminars on the overview and essence of Waldorf principles and pedagogy, and glimpses into other fields of work inspired by anthroposophy.  All of this provides a firm basis for Year II of the Teacher Training where students choose either an Early Childhood or Elementary Grades track.

A Year I Letter of Completion is conferred once all classes have been fulfilled, and equivalent course credits would be honored at any other North American Waldorf Teacher Education Institute towards full Waldorf Teacher Certification. By the same token, Alkion honors equivalent course credits previously acquired from our sister Waldorf training institutes.

Those who sussessfully complete the 2nd year of course work, and related practicums, graduate from the Alkion Center with a Waldorf Teachers Certificate, recognized by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN)

Year I Overview:

• Contemplative work based on Rudolf Steiner’s The Calendar of the Soul 
• Theosophy by Rudolf Steiner – A study of the body, soul, and spirit nature of the human being and the path of self development
• Esoteric Science: An Outline by Rudolf Steiner – The cosmic evolution of the world and human consciouness
• Eurythmy, Painting, Drawing, Clay Sculpture, Music, Storytelling, and Spatial Dynamics
• Introductions to the 3 seven year phases of child deveoloment and the tasks of the teacher at each stage
• The Kingdom of Childhood, a study and practical introduction to Waldorf teaching fundamentals
• The Evolution of Consciousness through Music and Art
• Biography and the Rhythms of Life
• An introduction to Goethean Science and its place in Walorf education
• Practical Applications of Spiritual Science – Guest Speakers on the Biodynamic agriculture, Social Renewal, Therapeutic Arts, Camphill communities, Anthroposophic Medicine, Religious Renewal…

 

Visit our sections on Waldorf Teacher Education and Early Childhood to learn more.