What is a Waldorf School?
Waldorf schools offer a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and culturally rich approach to education. The arts are interspersed and integrated with academic disciplines for children from preschool through twelfth grade to enhance and deepen learning. Waldorf Education inspires life-long learning and is a catalyst in the development of the latent, unique capacities of each child. The curriculum addresses the whole, evolving child at three levels – physically [body], emotionally [soul], and mentally [spirit].
Founded in the early 20th century, Waldorf Education is based on the insights, teachings and principles of education outlined by the world renowned, scientist, philosopher, artist, and innovator Rudolf Steiner. The tenets of Waldorf Education are based on the living, comprehensive picture of the human being that he described and demonstrated in many lectures and transcribed conferences, most of which are available in books and online.
In the Waldorf curriculum, music, math, theater, writing, literature, legends and history, etc., are not simply subjects to be read about and tested. They are brought to life through movement, imagination, and ideals. Through these experiences, Waldorf students become confident individuals, certain of their paths, and eager to have a positive impact in today’s world. (Read more about Waldorf Education)
What are some of the unique hallmarks of Waldorf Education?
All of our philosophical and practical studies, art courses, and discussions serve to inform, cultivate, and inspire the adult to be a role model and guide for youth.
The early childhood teacher leads as a person who knows that the child learns through imitation; the grades teacher leads via authority and imagination; the high school teacher inspires through an inspired, yet grounded idealism.
Each age level responds to a modality all it’s own out of an appropriately corresponding curriculum. Grades 1 through 8 are ideally carried by the the same teacher to promote continuity and a strong bond between the teacher and child. The middle school grades are sometimes carried and/or augmented by suitable specialist teachers. High school students are best served if taught by professional level experts in their subject areas.
Both in the lower and high school, many subjects are taught in the ‘block’ format of an intensive immersion in a single subject for a period of 3-4 weeks. However, with the onset of adolescence, subjects are increasingly isolated for in depth immersions. Sciences, humanities, history, dramatic, visual arts, etc., are treated as separate fields of study as each student begins to discover their major interests and contemplate post graduation pursuits.
Waldorf teachers are supported by administrative staff in the daily functions essential to the running of a school. However, the teachers themselves, collectively and individually, have the responsibility and authority to design the practices and policies in any and all aspects of the pedagogy. It is in this way that Waldorf Schools are self governing and ideally free of all outside dictates and state or federal requirements. Though each school establishes it’s own structure for committee work, mandates, and leadership, decision making is most often carried out in a spirit of consensus.
How widespread is the Waldorf School Movement?
There are about 1000 Waldorf schools and nearly 2000 Waldorf early childhood programs located in 60+ countries around the world, including about 170 schools and 250 early childhood centers in North America. The Waldorf curricula and practices are also increasingly implemented by U.S. public, charter, and voucher schools.
What qualifications do I need to become a Waldorf teacher?
A Waldorf Teacher Education Certificate or Diploma, as offered by Alkion and other AWSNA affiliated or full member institutes, is required in nearly all cases. A Foundations Studies in Anthroposophy, the worldview, philosophy, and path of self-development out of which Waldorf education springs, is integral to genuine teacher training. It provides the basis of the Alkion program, especially in the first year.
Verified Foundations Studies and Waldorf Education credits from other training institutes are honored by Alkion towards graduation.
An educator who is grounded in world and self-knowledge inspires enthusiasm, curiosity, and joy through their teaching. Waldorf teachers share an interest in the unfolding capacities of the human being, a desire to help young people develop their individual, innate potential, and a wish to be of service to the world. Artistic skills in singing, music, drawing, and painting will be developed while in our program. Aspiring teachers should know that Waldorf education is permeated with art for the development of a rich and varied soul life of the students in any subject, so while a significant part of our curriculum is devoted to artistic practice, students might find that they have to work outside of class to develop adequate skills for their teaching.
In addition, accredited Waldorf Schools generally require that teachers have at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Schools often prefer a candidate with a Master’s degree, which is particularly the case for charter schools using Waldorf methods.
How is the job market for trained Waldorf teachers?
Very good to excellent, especially if you are willing to relocate based on available openings. Online job listings can be found at www.WaldorfEducation.org and www.WaldorfToday.com. The number of positions for Waldorf teachers is well in excess of the number of graduates from Waldorf teacher education programs.
Alkion graduates have gone on to teach at a wide variety of established and budding Waldorf Schools, as well as in start-up, charter, and homeschooling initiatives.
What programs does the Alkion Center offer?
At Alkion, you can prepare to become a Waldorf birth-to-age-seven educator through our Early Childhood Teacher Education Program, a Waldorf grades-1-8 class teacher through our Elementary Grades Teacher Education Program, or a Waldorf special subject teacher – including for high school – by taking our Waldorf Grades 1-8 program, augmented by subject-specific studies and internships at Waldorf Schools in your areas of expertise.
The Foundation Studies in anthroposophy courses form the basis for the first year of study in the mornings until lunchtime and, as such, may be attended separately by those not planning to pursue teaching.
Part of the requirements for full program graduation is the Summer Course Week in late June. However, both this required week and occasional Arts Immersion weeks are open to the general public.
How will I know which ages I’m most suited to teach?
While some students know from the start, many choose their path during or at the culmination of the first year, often after having observed the different grade levels and Early Childhood Programs at Waldorf Schools.
How long does it take to complete an Alkion teacher education program?
It is important to note that our program at the Alkion Center is year-round, between September and May. It takes two years of commuting to our Hawthorne Valley Campus on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 4:55 pm during the school year. We follow the school calendar for vacations and public holidays. In addition to our low residency, Saturday year-round program students are expected to attend three all day weeks in late June, preferably in succession over the two years of attendance.
Apart from Saturday classes, will there be outside assignments, practice teaching, grading, etc.?
Students are expected to be responsible and self-initiating in their study habits. This especially applies to areas where individual strengthening is needed – such as art skills, sciences, math, storytelling, etc. Weekly homework consists of reading assignments in advance of in-class discussions and may include informal written work. Other outside work would include tasks such as memorizing stories, practicing the recorder, planning a lesson presentation, etc. Attendance, especially for art courses, short seminars, and guest speaker events are essential, thus consistent participation contributes heavily to the pass/fail grading system. Graduation requirements also include school classroom visits, a practice teaching internship, and a culminating 15-20 page research paper on a self-chosen topic pertaining to Waldorf education.
What do I receive at the end of the program?
Upon completion of all classes, classroom observations, student teaching practicums, a research project/presentation/paper, and two summer weeks our students receive a diploma for Waldorf Teacher Education that enables them to teach at Waldorf Schools throughout the US. Many of our graduates have found employment at Waldorf Schools in this country and abroad.
What credentials does the Alkion Center have?
Alkion is an associate member of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN). As such, and upon completion of all courses, internships, and other requirements, our graduates receive a Certificate honored by accredited Waldorf Schools worldwide. Requirements for public Waldorf inspired charter schools might be different.
What are the tuition fees for Alkion?
Tuition can be found on each program’s page.
Are there Financial Aid options?
Financial aid is available in the form of grants and loans. Alkion is committed to helping make Waldorf teacher education possible, and each year we look for new and additional ways to support our program students in their studies.
Where is the Alkion Center?
We are in Ghent, New York, just 2 hours north of NYC, in a small rural hamlet called Harlemville. Hudson, NY is the largest nearby city. Our campus is home to a number of organizations and initiatives based on the work of Rudolf Steiner, including a 900-acre working Biodynamic farm, an organic grocery store, and deli, an E.C. through grade 12 Waldorf school, The Nature Institute, and more.
What are the surrounding communities and larger cities in the area?
The Alkion Center at Hawthorne Valley is six minutes by car from the village of Philmont. Philmont has a few businesses but is mostly residential. Chatham is the next closest town with restaurants, a supermarket, pharmacy, shops, and a good number of cultural offerings. Hudson is 25 minutes away and has everything you might need, as well as cultural offerings. The next closest large city with an airport is Albany, NY, roughly 50 minutes away. Just over the border in Massachusetts, you have access to Great Barrington (30 minutes away) and the Berkshires with all their recreational and cultural possibilities.
Are dorms or accommodations provided for long distance drivers?
No, but reasonably priced rooms in private homes are available. Please go to our accommodations listing here, and/or inquire with us in person.
Will my family enjoy coming with me to campus?
Families find lots to do on our campus by visiting Hawthorne Valley Farm where self-guided tours are welcome. Fields behind the school invite play and nature-based renewal, and walks around campus will take you to wooded and open areas of natural beauty and interest. However, children should not accompany you to classes, so even small children and babies should be looked after by a trusted, responsible caretaker. Alkion is not able to provide childcare.
Especially during the summer months, and during our late June Summer Course weeks, families enjoy their time here. Both Hawthorne Valley School and Farm offer summer camps and programs for children of different ages – see the Hawthorne Valley Association website.
What steps do I take if I’m interested in becoming an Alkion student?
After looking over this website, you might want to have a phone conversation to clarify more personal questions. Give us a call and we will be happy to speak to you – 518-672-8008. If the website answers all your questions, fill out the application form and send it to us. We will then contact you to set up a visit/interview time. After a successful interview, you will receive an admissions package with the appropriate paperwork in the mail, after which you be asked to send in a tuition deposit to secure a space in our incoming class.
Can I come for a visit/interview?
A good number of incoming students like to come for a day visit to meet with faculty and to observe classes. We always welcome your interest and try to accommodate your schedule for a visit/interview and campus tour.
How and where do I find out more about the Alkion Center?
